Chief executive jobs for the Animal sector

• DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & DELIVERY – operational leadership, service delivery, change and impact

Dogs for Good brings people and dogs together to make life possible. Since 1986, the charity has been dedicated to advancing the life-changing possibilities of the connection between people and dogs, supporting individuals, families and communities affected by disability, autism, dementia, mental ill health and other complex needs. 

Through assistance dog partnerships, family-focused workshops and the community dog programme, Dogs for Good helps people access the world with greater confidence, independence and connection. By 2028, the charity aims to support over 6,000 people each year through the life-changing bond between people and dogs. 

Dogs for Good is now seeking a Director of Operations & Delivery to provide strategic and operational leadership at a pivotal moment for the organisation. The successful candidate will own the continued delivery and implementation of Dogs for Good’s new operating model, translating strategy into clear, co-ordinated operational plans and ensuring services remain effective, sustainable, impactful and of a consistently high standard. 

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Significant operational leadership experience, ideally gained in a multi-service or complex delivery environment, alongside demonstrable experience of leading change across teams or services. 
• An analytical, data-driven and confident approach, using insight to inform decisions, assess performance and support continuous improvement. 
• Experience of translating strategy into practical operational plans, managing budgets and resources, and producing high-quality reports and analysis for senior leaders and Boards. 
• A calm structured and reflective leadership style, with the ability to lead through others, foster collaboration and support people to build confidence, capability and ownership. 

As you will be working with vulnerable people, you will be required to undergo a DBS check. This will be renewed every 4 years.

Please see the candidate pack for full details.

For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact: Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director at Charisma Charity Recruitment.

• Location: The Frances Hay Centre, Banbury OX17 2BS / hybrid working
• Closing date: Sunday 26 July 2026
• Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by EOD on 5 August 2026, prior to shortlisting on 6 August 2026.
• Interviews with Dogs for Good:
  • First stage interviews will take place online: w/c 10 August 2026.
  • Second stage interviews will be held in person and include a tour of the site: w/c 17 August 2026. 

We welcome and encourage expressions of interest from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

We are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact the Charisma Operations Team. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and who meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

Join us at a pivotal moment of change and opportunity

This is an exciting time to join the League Against Cruel Sports.

Under new leadership and with a refreshed strategic plan, we are embarking on an ambitious new chapter - strengthening our impact, growing our reach and building an organisation fit for the future.

Recently recognised as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work, we are proud of our people-first culture, our commitment to wellbeing and development, and the passion and purpose that unite our teams.

If you are an experienced finance leader looking for a role where your expertise can directly contribute to creating a kinder society for animals, we would love to hear from you.

• Hours: 35 hours per week (flexible and part-time options considered)
• Salary: up to £70,200 per annum (pro-rata for part-time)
• Location: Hybrid working – Majority home based, occasional visits to Godalming office

About us

The League Against Cruel Sports is Britain's leading charity working towards a society where persecuting animals for ‘sport’ is consigned to history.

For over a century, we have campaigned for stronger animal protection laws, conducted investigations to expose cruelty and illegality, and managed wildlife reserves that provide safe havens for animals.

United by compassion and driven by evidence, we believe lasting change is possible.

Together, we will end cruelty to animals in the name of ‘sport’.

The opportunity

As Director of Finance, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic financial leadership across the charity and its trading subsidiary.

You will ensure robust financial management, governance and compliance while helping shape organisational strategy and supporting sustainable growth. This role offers the opportunity to influence decisions at the highest level and play a critical role in delivering our long-term ambitions.

Leading an established finance team, you will oversee all aspects of finance operations, risk management and financial planning, ensuring our systems and processes are fit for the future.

What you'll be doing

Providing strategic financial leadership to the organisation and Board of Trustees.

• Leading budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Producing high-quality management information and financial reporting.
• Overseeing statutory accounts preparation and external audit processes.
• Ensuring compliance with charity, company and tax regulations.
• Managing treasury activities and financial risk, including fraud prevention.
• Developing robust financial systems, controls and processes.
• Supporting organisational growth and delivery of our strategic plan.
• Leading, mentoring and developing the finance team
• Working collaboratively across the organisation and with external stakeholders.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant senior financial leadership experience and a track record of delivering strategic and operational excellence.

You will bring:

• Strong experience in financial leadership within complex organisations.
• Expertise in management and statutory accounting.
• Experience of leading audits, treasury management and regulatory compliance.
• Outstanding leadership and people development skills.
• The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and influence decision-making.
• Excellent judgement, commercial awareness and risk management capability.
• A collaborative and values-driven approach.
• Experience in the charity sector and knowledge of charity accounting and regulation would be highly desirable.

Why join us?

At the League Against Cruel Sports, you'll find more than a job - you'll find purpose. We offer:

• The opportunity to help create lasting change for animals.
• A supportive and inclusive culture with exceptional colleagues.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave and wellbeing support.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• The chance to shape the future of a respected national charity during a period of transformation and growth.
• A workplace recognised as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work.

If you are inspired by our mission and excited by the opportunity to lead finance at a pivotal moment in our journey, we would be delighted to hear from you.

If you’d like to have an informal conversation about the role, please get in touch and we will be happy to arrange a call with our CEO or current Finance Director.

Deadline for applications: Sunday 12 July 2026.

Interviews for the role will be scheduled on 22-23 July online for stage one and 29 July in person in London for stage two.

Together, we will end animal cruelty in the name of sport.

Contract: 12-month fixed-term
Hours: Full-time – 5 days per week (37.5 hours)
Location: NSA Head Office, Malvern, with hybrid working by agreement
Reporting to: NSA Chief Executive
Salary: £34,500

About the National Sheep Association (NSA)

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is a membership charity supporting and promoting sheep farming throughout the UK. NSA delivers national and regional projects, events and partnerships to support sheep farmers, influence best practice and strengthen the sector.

Purpose of the Role

To lead and deliver NSA's communications, marketing and content activities, ensuring effective engagement with members, stakeholders, sponsors and the wider sheep sector. The role will oversee the production of NSA publications, including Sheep Farmer magazine, whilst developing and delivering marketing campaigns that support membership growth, event attendance, commercial income and organisational objectives. This is a 12-month fixed-term position intended to provide continuity during a period of organisational review and strategic development.

Key relationships with: All NSA staff, NSA regional officeholders, regional managers, event organisers and ram sale officers, plus the agricultural and wider press.

Management responsibilities:

• The NSA Communications Manager is part of the NSA Management Team, which meets regularly to ensure effective internal communication and decision-making.
• The NSA Communications Manager is the line manager for the Digital Communications Officer, Scottish Region Activities Officer, and Technical Communications Officer.

Job role

Communications

• Lead NSA's communications activity across print, digital and social media channels.
• Develop and deliver communication plans supporting NSA projects, events and campaigns.
• Ensure consistent messaging and brand standards across all communications.
• Produce content for member communications, website updates, newsletters and media releases.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with industry media and external stakeholders.

Marketing

• Develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote NSA membership, events, projects and commercial activity.
• Identify opportunities to improve audience engagement, conversion and retention.
• Work closely with regional teams to support local marketing activity.
• Monitor marketing performance and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Support development of NSA's future marketing strategy and implementation plans.

Sheep Farmer Magazine

• Act as Editor of Sheep Farmer magazine.
• Plan and manage editorial content, production schedules and publication deadlines.
• Liaise with contributors, advertisers, designers and printers.
• Ensure content aligns with NSA priorities and member interests.
• Support development and future evolution of NSA's publications.

Digital Communications

• Oversee management and development of NSA's digital channels.
• Work with the Digital Communications Officer to maximise engagement and reach.
• Support website content planning and digital campaigns.
• Utilise analytics and reporting to drive improvements.

Membership & Events

• Support promotion of NSA membership recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Support marketing and communications activity for NSA events.
• Work alongside colleagues to maximise attendance, sponsorship and commercial opportunities.

Management Responsibilities

• Line manage the Digital Communications Officer, Scottish Region Activities Officer, and Technical Communications Officer.
• Support collaborative working across the Membership & Communications Team.
• Contribute to organisational planning and cross-team projects.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience leading communications activity within an organisation.
• Experience planning and delivering marketing campaigns.
• Experience creating content across multiple communication channels.
• Experience managing publications, magazines or newsletters.
• Experience working with external stakeholders and media.

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong copywriting and editing skills.
• Agricultural or rural sector knowledge.
• Marketing planning and campaign management experience.
• Digital communications and social media expertise.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Creative and innovative thinker.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Enthusiastic about supporting the UK sheep sector.

Desirable Criteria

• Membership organisation experience.
• Editorial or publishing experience.
• Experience using CRM, website and email marketing platforms.
• Experience analysing campaign performance and audience data.

Apply for this role today, or enquire for more details.

To apply for this role, please email a covering letter, CV and completed application form to Aaron Dhanda, NSA Operations Director before midnight on Sunday 5th July 2026.
Interviews will take place during on Tuesday 14th July 2026.
Please use the same email address for any enquiries regarding the role.