About Global Greengrants Fund:
Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) supports grassroots activists and civil society organisations around the world working to address environmental and social justice in over 160 countries. GGF applies a participatory and decentralised model in making grants to grassroots groups through regional and thematic boards of advisors, global partner networks and independent funds, to support grassroots environmental and social justice action.
Global Greengrants Fund comprises two organisations located in the USA, Global Greengrants Fund Inc (established in 1993), and Global Greengrants Fund UK (established in 2012). The two organisations work closely together with a shared grantmaking programme and strategic collaboration at the senior leadership level. GGF UK consists of thirteen staff members working on fundraising and influencing philanthropy; finance; communications; and operations, with all of these functions operating autonomously but in close collaboration with their US counterpart functions.
In 2025, Global Greengrants Fund is amid a strategic journey in which we collectively centre our values, including diversity, equity and inclusion, and organisational care in our work, and to rediscover our identity and potential after 30 years of work. We have experienced tremendous growth over the past two years and we are thoughtfully, yet rapidly, growing our annual grantmaking, our philanthropic advocacy, and our global partnerships and collaborations to new levels. This includes creating a globally networked learning organisation and transforming our organisational culture to be more collaborative – we call this our transformative journey. The Head of Finance needs to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with these transformations and can remain flexible, steady, and adaptable.
The Role
Global Greengrants Fund UK is looking to hire an energetic and passionate individual who will play a key role in leading the finance function. The Head of Finance reports to the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) and is responsible for the ensuring the smooth day to day operations of the finance function, including maintaining and ensuring accuracy of organisation's financial records, supporting all financial strategies and financial operations. They are responsible for all accounting, financial reporting and budgeting functions of the organisation, and with guidance ensures the organisation adheres to relevant regulatory and accounting principles. They work closely with the DFO to manage information exchange, integration and collaboration with our US sister organisation. Playing a vital role in the finance function they ensure accurate financial data capture and high-quality financial reporting while driving automation and efficiency across financial processes. They will work closely and collaboratively with budget holders, particularly in programs and philanthropic partnerships teams, providing them with meaningful financial insight and advice.
They will also play a key role in understanding and managing program/project funding (both restricted and unrestricted) and collaborate with the Programme Funding Manager ensuring effective tracking of restricted and unrestricted income and expenditure within GGF.
The ability to leverage Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks and other financial tools (policies, processes and software) will be crucial in optimising our financial systems and improving processes.
The candidate profile.
The successful applicant will have significant relevant experience in a similar role in a charitable, environmental, development, social justice, feminist, gender, human rights organisation, and/or grant-making organisation. The ideal candidate will be a highly skilled and experienced finance professional with a relevant accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or AAT) experience in the charity or non-profit sector. They will value transparency and accountability, demonstrating strong critical thinking and, strategic risk management. They will have a deep understanding of UK GAAP accounting principles and a strong background in financial management, including budgeting, financial controls, grant processing, and audit preparation. Proficiency in financial systems, particularly QuickBooks Advanced or similar accounting software, as well as advanced Excel skills, is essential. The candidate will be highly organised, detail-oriented, and capable of prioritising workloads in a fast-paced and evolving environment. With a proven ability to oversee financial processes, implement automation strategies, and manage treasury functions, they will also be confident in providing financial insights and risk assessments to senior leadership. Experience working in an international organisation and knowledge of exchange rate risk management would be advantageous. They also thrive in a virtual environment, motivated to take on challenges and collaboratively find innovative and creative solutions. Multiple language skills would be ideal, while English fluency is a must.
Personal characteristics
The successful candidate will be a transparent, effective and adaptive leader with a commitment to lifelong learning and a drive to mentor, coach, and share leadership, capable of mentoring and supporting finance team members while ensuring strong financial governance across the organisation. They will have skills to give, receive and work with feedback constructively, with the intellectual and emotional resilience necessary to take up critical responsibilities. They are self-reflective and passionate about multi-directional accountability. Relevant lived experiences related to GGF’s work and community would be a distinct advantage.
The right candidate will understand Global Greengrants Fund’s core values and be committed to the guiding principles and mission of Global Greengrants Fund and ensure they uphold them in the way they take up the responsibilities of the role.
We thank all those who apply, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Global Greengrants Fund UK is an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Director of Finance and Operations
Contract type: Fixed Term, initially 18 months, part time (initially 2 - 3 days a week)
Contract start date: asap
Location: Remote (some travel for meetings in London)
Please note, this role is only open to applicants residing in and with the right to work in the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to become a key member of the leadership team for a unique Fund focused on commercial scripted and unscripted projects that address the climate crisis. This is a part time role working remotely, but with the potential for growth.
THE COMPANY
Climate Spring is a unique organisation working to fund and develop content with the world’s leading production companies and broadcasters. We are a company based in the UK working globally, funded by philanthropic foundations. Our team is made up of film and TV professionals, climate and funding experts based in the UK, US and France. Our primary focus is on identifying, supporting and developing a range of long-form content that is commercially viable within the global English language market. We also provide consultancy and training support to the industry on climate storytelling within a commercial context. We aim to create better connections, coordination and partnership to what is a growing movement of interest Climate Spring has grown rapidly over the last 18 months, and has plans for further expansion.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a motivated and passionate Director of Finance and Operationsto join our team, to provide strategic and financial leadership and support to Climate Spring as it continues to grow
Key responsibilities:
- Strategic leadership on all finance and operational matters affecting Climate Spring’s activities
- Manage and oversee the organisation’s budget in line with the organisation’s strategy
- Support the Executive Director and Director of Impact with fundraising strategy and funder management.
- Oversee the financial management of the organisation
- Provide financial and operational leadership for the organisation’s establishment of a new production fund
- Prepare and present financial reports for board and funders.
- Manage relevant internal and departmental operational developments
- Oversee the organisation’s operations, ensuring effective and inclusive practices and policies
- Oversee the organisation’s HR policies and practice
- Supporting the Executive Director in reporting to the board and ensuring effective governance
Minimum role criteria:
- 10+ years of experience working in philanthropic, social investment or charity sector with significant leadership experience.
- Experience managing organisational budgets over £2m
- Experience managing a diverse team
- Experience managing grants and donor relationships
Additional desired skills
- Experience managing social investment funds
- Experience of the entertainment or culture sectors
- Experience setting up new organisations or companies
- Experience drafting contractual agreements
- Governance expertise
To be considered for this opportunity you will need to demonstrate the following skills:
Key skills:
- Excellent leadership skills that foster inclusive cultures
- Excellent fundraising and donor/investor partnership management skills
- Entrepreneurial and adaptive, with creative problem-solving abilities
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent organisational, time management and long-term planning skills
- Excellent writing and communication skills, including clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, negotiating skills, strong drafting abilities
- Professional individual who can build and manage a positive team dynamic
- Demonstrable experience of building and managing budgets and organisational finances.
- Problem solving skills, and a can-do, team attitude
- Ability to juggle multiple, competing priorities, pivot quickly, think practically and be solution-oriented
- Diligent and resourceful
We strongly encourage applications for this role from people with a disability and if you meet the minimum criteria for a role and you have declared that you are disabled, we’ll guarantee you’ll get to the next stage* (minimum criteria above). We're happy to discuss any support/personalisation you may need during our selection process as a reasonable adjustment.
NEXT STEPS
If your skills & experience fit the above requirements and you would like to talk to us about this role, please apply by emailing attaching:
- CV
- Covering letter (no more than 250 words)
Deadline for applications: 6th May 2025
Interviews: 26th May 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.