Head of strategy jobs

About us:

Greenhouse Sports is on a mission to transform the lives of young people from disadvantaged communities through the power of sport and mentoring. We’re looking for a ​Head of People who is as passionate as we are about creating opportunities for young people to succeed. If you believe in the power of sport for development, this could be your chance to make a real impact.

About the Role:

As Head of People, you will lead the strategic direction and operational delivery of our People function, championing and developing a culture where our coaches and support teams can thrive. This is a pivotal senior role, offering the opportunity to shape our people strategy, drive organisational development, and position Greenhouse Sports as an employer of choice. You’ll work in close partnership with the Senior Leadership Team to foster an inclusive, values-driven environment that enables every staff member to do their best work – all in service of our mission to help every child have a fair chance to succeed.

This role is ideal for a senior HR professional who is ready to partner with senior leadership, confidently make tough decisions, and handle challenging situations with empathy and discretion. You’ll build strong relationships across all levels, stay self-motivated, and keep a sharp eye on both the details and the bigger picture. This could be your first senior role if you have already demonstrated calm, capable leadership and are ready to step up, especially if you’ve taken responsibility for a broad range of People solutions in previous roles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the People function with strategic and operational oversight of all HR activities, aligning with organisational goals and values.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on staff development plans and lead and measure staff engagement and support broader cultural development efforts.
• Partner with managers across the organisation to develop their skills and ensure consistency in approach.
• Manage employee relations issues, ensuring fair and legally compliant outcomes, with varying levels of complexity.
• Lead and continuously improve recruitment practices, driving forward our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy, embedding it into all areas of people practice.
• Maintain responsibility for safeguarding compliance within HR policies and practices and act as Deputy Safeguarding Lead.
• Lead and continuously improve HR systems, policies, and procedures.
• Manage and support the development of the HR Officer.

Who We’re Looking For:

• CIPD Level 7 qualified, or demonstrable equivalent experience including experience in a senior HR role.
• Passionate about improving the lives of young people through sport, and inclusivity in the workplace
• Strong leadership and influencing skills. Self-motivated, discreet and able to deal with confidential information professionally.
• In-depth knowledge of employment law and best practice HR across the employee lifecycle
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proactive and collaborative approach
• A forward-thinking, values-led leader who is excited by the opportunity to develop

Why Join Us?

At Greenhouse Sports, we’re more than just a charity. We’re a close-knit team driven by a shared goal: to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. We offer a flexible, supportive work environment, with fantastic benefits like a personal wellbeing budget, health insurance, and a generous holiday allowance. Plus, we’re proud to have been named one of The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work 2024.

Join us and be part of a team that’s making a real difference.

Interested?
If you would like to apply, please submit your CV and cover letter. Please highlight your skills, experience, and passion for supporting people and aligning with our mission.​

Application Deadline: Friday 23rd May at 23:59hrs. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity. ​

Greenhouse Sports is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children therefore applicants must be willing to undergo child protection training and screening including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check and obtaining satisfactory references from past employers.

Head of Philanthropy
Hours: 4 days per week (30 hours)
Salary: £42,000 (per annum pro rata)
Location: Berkhamsted, Herts.
Contract: FTC (6 months)
 
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Philanthropy on an initial 6 month fixed term contract basis, working for a high performing and well-respected Hospice in the South East.

As Head of Philanthropy at The Hospice of St Francis, you will be accountable for the planning and delivery of at least £1.5 million annually and stewarding legacy income. You will curate a new vision for philanthropy bringing in new donors, funding vehicles and new five and six figure gifts. Develop and deliver an ambitious philanthropy strategy, driving sustainable income growth.

You will cultivate relationships with a range of donors creating high quality donor experiences, from exclusive events to visits that showcase our work. A credible ambassador, you will invest time in listening to supporters and partners to build networks and enhance trust and confidence in donation.

We are seeking a proactive, results-driven leader with strong financial acumen. You will have a creative and entrepreneurial mindset, with experience exploring innovative fundraising models and a proven track record in securing six figure gifts from individuals, trusts and foundations. You will bring relevant experience in Philanthropy from the third/ charitable sector.

The Hospice of St Francis is a charity with a powerful history and has provided outstanding hospice care for over 45 years. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC The Hospice helps 2,000 local people and their families in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, to live their lives well. Care is tailored to individual’s needs, supporting people managing or recovering from, serious illness. The Hospice works to deliver care at the Hospice, at Home, or in their Health and Wellbeing Centre. The work of the Hospice is vital – to the people they support, their families and to the community.

The Hospice works in collaboration with the NHS, other hospices and local councils to generate funding and to ensure it is easier for people to get the palliative and end of life care they need. Fundraising is crucial to the continuation of the services provided with c81% of monies coming in via gifts from the community.

This If this is the right challenge for you, we would love to hear from you.  

For further information and a confidential call, please contact Joe Joyce and Natasha Parmar at Finegreen

The Head of Finance will primarily have responsibility for planning, implementing, managing and controlling all financial-related activities. You will have direct responsibility for the finance function. 

The role will also be responsible for partner relationships with external accountants and auditors.

The successful candidate will be joining Eikon at an exciting time as the organisation builds innovative ways to deliver services to young people, including strengthening the evidence to influence increased strategic investment in preventative and early support for children, young people and the adults around them. You’ll be a crucial part of the leadership team, contributing to the vision and strategy of the whole organisation, and ensuring the organisation is in control of its current and future financial position and strategy to achieve Eikon’s vision.

To succeed in this role, you will need to manage competing priorities and build effective relationships with senior level colleagues and teams, the Finance Trustee and the Board of Trustees.

You will ensure systems, internal controls and financial management are in place to meet Eikon’s financial, contractual, statutory and legal responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Day to day financial management of the organisation, including:

· Ensuring the delivery of monthly management accounts

· Building and maintaining the systems for setting and managing annual financial organisational plans, budgets and quarterly forecasts

· Proactively manage the income and expenditure of the charity advising the management team on income shortfalls and overspends on expenditure relating to unrestricted and restricted funding

· Oversee and manage the charity’s finance operations including expenses, invoicing, payments and cash management

· Developing greater financial literacy across the organisation by building and maintaining accessible and clear systems and processes, and providing advice to budget holders

· Reporting to the Eikon Leadership and Management Teams, Audit and Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees

· Support and review of funding applications, commercial arrangements and contractual performance

Leadership Across The Charity

· Contribute to Eikon’s overall vision and strategy through membership of the Senior Leadership Team

· Contribute to monitoring the performance of the charity against its key objectives and to any corrective action that is needed

· Working with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, the Finance Trustee, develop and implement the financial strategies that enable the successful delivery of the organisational vision and strategy

· Provide insightful financial analysis to inform key decision-making on growth opportunities, ensuring a balance between risk management and sustainable organisational expansion

· Develop appropriate process and systems improvements across the organisation that enable performance enhancements of the finance function

Maintain effective internal accounts and leading on statutory reporting and annual audit, including:

· Ensuring financial procedures and delegated authorities are fit for purpose, adhered to and up to date

· Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory guidance for financial and tax reporting

· Ensure compliance of all statutory requirements and accounting in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and the Companies Act

· Lead on the preparation of the Annual Statutory Financial Statements, liaise with auditors and ensure accounts are filed on time with the Charity Commission and Companies House

As the Head of Technical and Consulting, you will lead a specialist team to deliver our consultancy, training and charity formation services, ensuring that we continue to deliver highly valuable expertise and knowledge to our church and charity partners.

This role forms part of Stewardship’s Leadership Team, collaborating closely with members of the Leadership Team and the other professional services teams to help safeguard the financial and governance reputation of God’s Church.  

Generosity should be joyful, and yet it can often feel burdensome because of the necessary administration that surrounds financial giving. By attentively and diligently serving our clients, you will be helping to release more joyful generosity in the UK Church and beyond.
 

As a result of our Christian ethos, this post is covered by an Occupational Requirement (OR) under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010. The successful applicant will be expected to be a practising Christian and to clearly demonstrate a personal commitment to the mission, principles, values and practices contained in our Ethos Statement, by:

· Active membership of local church congregation.

An understanding of the faith aspects of the work of Christian charities, including the preparedness to pray with colleagues, where appropriate.

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference to people with brain tumours and their loved ones?

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced, dynamic and influential Head of PR and Communications.

Do you have the experience, drive and determination to thrive in this role?

​

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of our PR, Communications and Social Media
  teams
• Develop our PR, Communications and Social Media strategy to ensure maximum
  visibility for our charity
• Be an ambassador for our brand and help to devise and implement strategies which
  support our ambitious fundraising goals
• Be a champion of cross-functional working, engaging with internal and external
  stakeholders at all levels
• Support the team to secure coverage in the news media both nationally and
  regionally
   

Requirements:

• To be able to work from the office in Milton Keynes two days a week, with the option of working from home three days a week 
• ​Proven leadership and people management skills, with experience in overseeing multi-disciplinary teams. Essential experience includes team leadership, employee motivation, setting clear objectives, and fostering a collaborative work environment
• ​Have a track record of securing coverage in the news media both nationally and
  regionally and be able to demonstrate how you have informed communications and
  social media strategies
• Ability to embrace a variety of communication assets, from statistics to celebrities
• ​Drive to exceed objectives and be able to deliver effective and confident reports at a
  senior leadership level on progress
• ​Outstanding communication skills, including an excellent standard of written English

​

If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

We are asking for a CV as the first step, but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Firstly, thanks for your interest in this post.  We hope you see a role for you here at Age UK Lambeth. 

This is an exciting time for us and Age UK Lambeth. We have just been awarded a contract to deliver Preventative Services in Lambeth for five years with a possibility for an extension for two years. As well as holding a contract with them for delivery of the Adult Social Care Front Door service.

We are looking for a Finance Manager with experience in contract negotiation to join our  Senior Management Team (SMT) for two days a week.  We have a track record in successful grant applications and are looking to generate income from the delivery of services.

We want to find someone who can use their financial and analytical skills to support our SMT in growing our Charity to support residents in Lambeth. The postholder will be supported by our Finance Officer in delivering our finance operations.

If you would like an informal conversation about the post, please feel free to contact me by m email.

We hope that you find this post an exciting prospect for you and look forward to receiving your application. 

I wish you well in your application 

Paul Coles 

Chief Executive 

Full time 37 hours, permanent position
Salary in the range £56,869 - £69,506 per annum

Based in Reading -  hybrid working available (1-2 days in the office)

About us

PACT is a supportive and respectful charity where people are genuinely passionate about what we do and are at the heart of everything we can achieve together. 

We change lives by building and nurturing adoptive families and empowering women, children and parents to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future.

Established in 1911, we are now one of the UK’s leading charities in its field dedicated to finding secure and loving families for children waiting to be adopted, continued support through therapeutic services, supporting and empowering women facing multiple disadvantages and the recovery of children affected by domestic abuse.

The role

We are looking for an experienced Head of People and Operations who is passionate about our work and who will flourish in a values-based culture founded on professionalism, positivity, innovation and a genuine desire to help others.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Senior Management team, this is a key role that leads a dedicated team responsible for ensuring that the charity has exceptional people and providing them with the necessary resources and equipment to excel in their roles and thrive.

Committed to delivering excellence, you will seek opportunities to enhance the services you and the team provide across the charity and will be a champion for people’s wellbeing and a culture of inclusion.

About you

To flourish in this role, you will need to be a confident and trusted CIPD qualified practitioner, who has significant experience of working in a generalist HR role at a senior management level.  You will need excellent knowledge and practical application of employment legislation.

A skilled and considerate communicator, you will enjoy managing, motivating and coaching others as well as working collaboratively to find pragmatic solutions to issues and challenges. 

Given the size of the charity and the team, you will be comfortable in a dynamic role where no day is the same; moving easily from strategic to operational tasks and ways of working. 

Whilst you do not need to be an expert in offices services and facilities and IT systems and applications, a general understanding and desire to learn would be an advantage.

If this sounds like you then visit our website and apply today to join an amazing organisation and be part of something that is truly special. You will also find contact details on our website for an informal discussion about the role.

Closing date: noon, Wednesday 30 April 2025

Interview dates: Monday 12 May, Wednesday 14 May and Tuesday 20 May 2025.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Head of Human Resources, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Senior HR Manager, HR Consultant, Head of Operations, Head of Support Services

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.

We are looking for an experienced senior fundraiser who has demonstrable success in generating income through a range of income streams and prides themselves on compelling, engaging written communications for a range of audiences. Recently kicking off our new ‘Creating Positive Change Together’ strategy, coproduced by over 130 staff, volunteers, clients and partner, Groundswell has ambitious plans and a compelling model which in its simplest form promotes healthier lives and a better future for anyone who has experienced homelessness. 

The post-holder will have the opportunity to develop Groundswell’s next fundraising strategy, working closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and particularly Finance & Fundraising Director who can bring a wealth of knowledge and insight from recent external and internal reviews of Groundswell’s fundraising portfolio. You will be a champion for the joined up working of fundraising and communications, with the ability to line manage a team and lead strategic plans to engage a range of current and potential donors (individuals, trusts, corporates) to diversify Groundswell’s income and ultimately help Groundswell continue to create positive change in the lives of people, services and systems on their mission to tackle homeless health inequalities.

You will put relationships and effective communications at the core of your work; ensuring both those who give (or have the potential to give), alongside crucial internal stakeholders are energised and involved in Groundswell’s mission. You will pride yourself in collaborative working to ensure the most successful chance of securing income, whilst being a self-starter who can manage their own workload effectively.

Are you passionate about mission? Are you organised and a people person? Do you want to play an essential part in Christians living out their calling to serve in mission globally? Do you enjoy variety in your work, where the unexpected often happens? This might be the role for you!

BMS World Mission is looking for someone to lead the provision of high-quality HR operations and support for mission personnel, throughout the whole lifecycle. You will be responsible for the development and implementation of all BMS mission programmes enabling people to participate globally in mission, including the growth and further development of our people pool. You will contribute to creating a positive, engaging and professional working environment, where our people can thrive.

As our Head of Mission HR, you will work strategically with the Director of People and Culture (P&C) to deliver our People Strategy in order to achieve our BMS strategy and organizational transformation. You will have the opportunity to help strengthen our BMS culture and uphold its core values.

The role is involved in these main areas:
• Mission personnel HR operations leadership
• Recruitment, training and care of mission personnel
• Personnel crisis management

We are looking for someone who has excellent strategic thinking and organisational skills and has excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to relate well with a range of stakeholders and work as part of a team. This is a varied and rewarding role.

The successful applicant will be a committed Christian. The nature of this role means that this is a specific occupational requirement.

About the role

We’re recruiting for a Head of Retail Operations for our Southern Division. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of driving success within five regions, leading a team of dedicated Regional Managers across 85 shops with around 270 colleagues.

This isn’t just about overseeing operations – it’s about owning them. You’ll have the freedom and autonomy to shape the strategy for your division, making key decisions on everything from financial performance to people development. You’ll build a values-led, inclusive culture – one where our people feel appreciated, respected and supported.

As part of the senior leadership team, you’ll play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of Mind Retail, bringing fresh ideas and driving initiatives that make a real impact. And because every pound we make in our shops helps support Mind’s mission, the work you do will have a lasting and meaningful impact.

This is a role for an ambitious leader – someone ready to take ownership, think strategically and inspire a team to do great things.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is a natural leader, passionate about creating high-performing teams and building an inclusive culture
• Has senior-level experience leading multi-site, large-scale retail operations and knows how to drive commercial success
• Understands retail finances inside out, from managing P&L’s, to spotting opportunities for growth
• Thinks strategically, but isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and make things happen
• Embodies our values and behaviours

Ready to make a difference?

Join Mind Retail. Join the fight for mental health.

Due to our commitment to work/life balance, you must live within reasonable travelling distance of the division. The geography of the division covers the South East, South West, South Wales, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Mind Retail reserve the right to close the vacancy to applications earlier, should we receive a high volume of strong candidates. Therefore we encourage an early application.

About our benefits

As Head of Operations, you’ll receive:

• A competitive salary of £59,753 per year
• A company car
• A strong commitment to work-life balance with a working pattern that supports this, with the occasional weekend working
• 25 days’ paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Development workshops & courses, to help build your career
• Comprehensive, personalised induction programmes, tailored to your role when you join us
• A huge variety of additional qualifications & development programmes for anyone looking to grow their skills
• Family friendly policies & enhanced pay
• A competitive pension scheme & life assurance, available to all our employees
• 25% staff discount in all Mind shops
• Access to exclusive discounts at over 160 retailers through our employee savings app
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating an income of around £25 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we’re going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve. There’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We value the power of diversity. We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We are creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is appreciated for being authentic and bringing their whole selves to work.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working with us to share this commitment. In line with our Safer Recruitment policy, the successful candidate will be required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children's Barred List and/or ‘Work with Adults' workforce check based on their role and responsibilities. A DBS check is a process to check someone's criminal record (if they have any). A Barred List is a list of people who are barred from working with children. To enable you to predetermine what might be disclosed in your DBS check, please use this disclosure calculator.

Mind Retail is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applicants from all communities. We are committed to the fair treatment of our staff, potential staff and volunteers, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.

This job vacancy is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. 

More details

For more information and a full person specification, please review the job description.

About Leeds Baby Bank

At Leeds Baby Bank our mission is to ensure no child goes without. We support families in Leeds, with children aged 0-5 years, who are experiencing poverty. We provide families with all the essentials and equipment they need for their babies and young children. This includes bed bundles, nappies and toiletries, baby baths, potties, highchairs, prams and buggies, clothes and shoes, toys and books.

Families are referred to Leeds Baby Bank by our professional referral partners. This includes midwives, health visitors and social workers. This ensures we’re helping families who are in the most need. We also run an Outreach project, where we support families in the community at four different community centres across Leeds. Here we provide signposting and advice as well as essential items for young families.

About the role

The Head of Charity will work with the board of trustees to lead the day to day running and management of Leeds Baby Bank. You will be self-motivated and enthusiastic with demonstrable leadership experience and a strategic mindset. The Head of Charity will lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team to achieve the ongoing strategic aims of Leeds Baby Bank, whilst also having the skills to support the charity through a period of ongoing change.

You will be able to think creatively, be a problem-solver, seize opportunities and create a sustainable future Leeds Baby Bank. You will have excellent communication skills, a flexible approach to managing the demands of the role, and the skills to build strong relationships with a wide variety of people including service users, staff, volunteers and supporters.

Why work for Leeds Baby Bank
With more and more families in Leeds struggling to afford the essentials for their children, the need for our charity has grown significantly. Leeds Baby Bank has been operating for over eight years and is about to take a big step in its journey. The charity is about to move into its own standalone premises, which will bring new opportunities for the charity and our beneficiaries and enable us to support even more families.

We are a friendly and dedicated team of six paid staff, over thirty volunteers and a supportive board of trustees. Together we work hard to deliver for families, in partnership with our network of referral partners. This is an exciting time to join the charity, and this role of Head of Charity provides an opportunity to make a real difference to families in need in Leeds.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Manage the implementation of Leeds Baby Bank’s strategic plan.
• Develop and present an annual business plan and income and expenditure budget to deliver the strategic plan.
• Manage all operational activity of the charity in line with the business plan and budget, ensuring they are the central drivers of the charity’s work.
• Develop and maintain systems which monitor progress against the business plan and budget and provide regular reports to the Board of Trustees on progress against those plans.
• Create the annual Social Impact Report and share with key stakeholders and partners.
• Support the creation of the annual accounts reporting via QuickBooks.
• Ensure that the legal requirements of the Registered Charity are met and that all trustees, staff and volunteers are kept abreast of changes in relevant legislation and policy as appropriate.
• Responsible for the charity’s policies and procedures, leading on their implementation in the charity’s work and ensuring trustees, staff and volunteers are aware of their responsibilities.
• Review policies and procedures proactively and reactively as required, in line with the charity’s review procedures.
• Responsible for the charity’s day to day risk management procedures, this includes updating risk assessments, ensuring that ongoing risks are reported on and highlighting new risks to the Board of Trustees.
• Provide strong leadership, direction and management in all aspects of the charity’s work and represent the charity with stakeholders and publicly.
• Facilitate the continual development of the charity’s services by introducing new ideas, identifying new opportunities and increasing income. 

The head of business development will play a pivotal role in driving the NCTJ’s growth and sustainability by identifying and securing revenue opportunities for new and existing projects and forming strategic business partnerships.

The successful candidate will be responsible for securing income to support our mission and charitable objectives while supporting the commercial development of our Journalism Skills Academy and our awarding organisation. This senior leadership role requires a proactive and strategic individual with an appreciation of the business and media landscape and the ability to cultivate and manage high-value relationships.

The head of business development will have two direct management reports: our fundraising manager and our Journalism Skills Academy manager.

The responsibilities of this role cover business growth, sales and revenue generation, commercial partnerships, industry engagement, strategic leadership and operational management.

This is an exceptional opportunity to play a pivotal senior leadership role in shaping the future of journalism. Join a passionate, driven team within an organisation deeply committed to journalistic excellence.

We are working in partnership with Dogs for Good to secure their new Head of Volunteering.

Dogs for Good is a registered charity dedicated to advancing the boundless possibilities of what a connection between people and dogs can enable – in making everyday life fuller, healthier, and happier for everyone involved. As they embark on a new strategy, volunteer engagement and mobilisation will become even more important to the smooth running of the organisation and the successful delivery of their ambitions.

As Head of Volunteering, you will be visible, collaborative and forward-thinking. You will partner with colleagues to understand current and future volunteer recruitment requirements, co-creating ways of working together, developing and implementing a volunteer strategy to meet organisational needs, and making sure there is greater visibility and participation of underrepresented groups.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• A highly developed awareness, sensitivity to and understanding of volunteer recruitment, engagement and management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the capacity to listen to, work with and influence stakeholders.
• Substantive experience of volunteer training and skills development.
• Experience of working with CRM databases to produce management information.
• The ability to lead, manage and develop a high performing team.
• Evidence of embedding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion across ways of working and programme delivery.

We are seeking a collegiate and engaging individual with the ability to problem solve, see the bigger picture and a commitment to promoting a safe, inclusive and accessible working environment. You must be comfortable working around dogs (including sharing office space with them) and as you will be working with vulnerable people, you will be required to undergo a DBS check.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications 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.

Location: Head Office in Banbury (The Frances Hay Centre) / hybrid working policy in place

Closing date: Wednesday 14 May 2025

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by EOD on Wednesday 21 May, prior to shortlisting from Thursday 22 May.

Interviews with Dogs for Good: TBC

Reporting to: Director of Policy and Engagement 

Direct reports: 1 x Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager and Legislative Lead, 2 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers, 1 x England Policy and Public Affairs Manager 

Location of work: Home-based. The post holder must be easily and quickly commutable to London and will require frequent meetings in London. The role may involve some irregular travel throughout England and Scotland to attend events and meetings.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week,  flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work 

Contract Length: Permanent 

Salary: £54,500 - £56,500 

BACKGROUND

Our work has never been more needed. The latest research suggesting that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.6 million* means that one in five children don't have enough to eat.When a child is too hungry to learn, when they’re aching for something to eat, they can’t concentrate. They can’t absorb information. Big feelings and worries can be impossible to control. They fall behind in their studies.

Magic Breakfast provide a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma.  Magic Breakfast are ambitious to grow our impact to remove hunger as a barrier to learning for all children and young people in the UK.

 This is an exciting time to join Magic Breakfast if you wish to make a difference to the lives of children as we work to influence both policy implementation, with the national rollout of primary-aged universal school breakfast, and legislative change, through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. There has also been commitment from the Scottish Government for a national breakfast scheme and we are seeking to expand our advocacy work into Wales. Magic Breakfast’s influence will be instrumental to ensuring school breakfasts are implemented in a way that is hunger-focused and barrier free.

In addition, thousands of secondary school children are at risk of losing their free school breakfasts from September next year. For many of these students, this is their only opportunity to have a nutritious meal before facing a demanding school day, including taking exams.  And for the very youngest, we know that the disadvantage gap begins before they even reach reception. With the Government commitment to another 100,000 places in school-based nurseries, early years is also a critical part of our advocacy work.

 Being part of the work of Magic Breakfast is your chance, together with parents, teachers and people across the UK, to demonstrate the power of school breakfasts and to shape the way forward to end morning hunger for good.

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2025

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Policy & Public Affairs will review, develop and implement our advocacy strategy and lead a team to influence the devolved legislatures across the UK to address child morning hunger, with a view to the underlying systemic causes of child poverty and hunger, by driving change through policy and legislation. The role operates at our ‘Head of level’ which is the most senior operational specialist level and provides both operational and strategic leadership.

This role will also provide wider leadership across the charity and input into organisational strategy development and planning as part of the Core Management Group. This role will ensure that the Policy and Public Affairs function is aligned to the wider strategic aims and outcomes of Magic Breakfast as well as the internal operational systems and delivery.

The strategic leadership will ensure an external and long term view, with an outward looking and forward thinking approach that builds thought leadership, relationships and partnerships, with positioning to anticipate and build on new opportunities to end child morning hunger for good.

It will require an experienced Policy and Public Affairs professional, with significant experience of high impact and demonstrable outcomes at a senior level in the field. The postholder will lead the policy and public affairs team to influence the Early Adopters Scheme, the national rollout of primary school breakfast provision in England and breakfast legislation in the Children’s Wellbeing Bill (CWB).

They will also develop, guide and lead plans to influence the Scottish government, particularly in the run up to the election in May 2026 and the influencing of manifestos; and will lead Magic Breakfast’s upcoming influencing work in Wales. 

In the external leadership that the role provides they will build relationships with politicians, political influencers, special advisors and civil servants to establish long-term, sustainable solutions to child morning hunger in the UK.

As a compassionate, people centric and inspiring leader they will work to enable their team to grow and develop in their skills ensuring they can step away from the detail whilst retaining accountability, build effective resource management and progression pathways. This role may manage external consultants where necessary, and work collaboratively with external organisations to amplify our voice and asks and strengthen our position as a thought leader. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Review and define the advocacy strategy for 25/26 in line both with moving political environment and Magic Breakfast’s influencing agenda, considering the systemic barriers to ending child morning hunger for good.

· Develop and maintain close relationships with the Department for Education and other key departments including Department for Health and Social Care and Treasury, to secure hunger and child focus as key priorities for breakfast provision.

· Develop, monitor and evaluate influencing plans for each devolved nation

· Support the development of influencing plans with coalition groups and organisations to influence school breakfast policy, commitments and implementation

· Review policy positions in Wales and Northern Ireland and define our advocacy approach, gaining external insights and analysing available research and data to shape the plan

· Develop a vision for advocacy beyond current demands, considering political appetite and gaining insight from lived experience communities and relevant sectors, to ensure that we are clear on future asks, and can build the foundation towards them.

· Work with Impact and Insights team to define future research needs to meet our longer-term advocacy plans

· Enhance and establish internal processes and ensure good internal information dissemination 

· Work closely with key internal stakeholders to shape advocacy work and support broader organisational objectives

· Embed learnings and develop a fail fast, learn fast culture in the team

· Coach, support and lead direct reports enabling increased professional development, strategic decision making, proactive project management and robust political influencing

· Contribute to and help shape the work of the Core Management Group to ensure ongoing alignment for in year implementation of the strategic plan and create integrated future year plans which meet organisational goals

· Monitor and review KPIs to monitor and measure both team and cross organisational performance, using the results to guide teams and surface learnings

· Assess areas of risk and escalate where necessary and according to policy

· Develop and monitor annual team budgets

General

• Work collaboratively across the organisation, building good working relations and providing ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff

• Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating morning hunger as a barrier to learning for children in the UK.

• Help to maintain a positive working environment; keeping the vision of Magic Breakfast at the heart of everything we do. 

• Share Magic Breakfast’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

• Establish and ensure existing Ways of Working are adhered to across team

• Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures and ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR, data protection and child safeguarding requirements

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

· Strategy development, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to craft, implement, and evolve strategies that align to operational outcomes for the Policy and Advocacy function as well as enabling our organisation strategy in our aim to end child morning for good.

· Stakeholder management and partnership building with extensive experience of engaging, influencing, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including senior political figures, policymakers, funders and sector leaders.

· Ability to confidently and flexibly deal with volatile political environment, anticipating potential developments and adapting to emerging situations to meet aims

· Highly experienced in developing and shaping policy positions, using insights, research and data sets to inform and guide decision-making

· Understanding and experience of the role of the broader external environment to shape policy asks and political influencing, including the implications of a policy ask in one sector on another.

· Experience of influencing key political events such as budgets, national elections and the legislative process.

· Significant experience of coaching, supporting and managing the development of a team, with the ability to make difficult decisions and challenge where needed to deliver the organisational strategy.

Desirable

· Experience of education, food insecurity, child poverty or childcare sectors

Skills and Abilities

• Effective leadership mentality with confidence to step away from the detail and delegate responsibility, enabling others to use judgements, make decisions, learn from failures and continuously improve.

• Analytical and evidence based decision making, with the ability to turn data and analysis into policy and advocacy related recommendations or outcomes for action.

• Effective planning, prioritisation and project management skills. Able to organise self and team to meet planned objectives and strategic direction with the ability to pivot and manage the unexpected.

• Strong, influential and impactful interpersonal and communication skills and to advocate for own specialism, department and Magic Breakfast's mission, effectively conveying the organisation's impact and needs to a wide range of audiences.

• Operational and financial acumen and analysis: understanding and practical application of knowledge as required around funding considerations, budget development and management, risk management, and ensuring systems in place for efficiency by setting and maintaining policy and procedural frameworks.

• An outward looking and forward thinking approach that drives a sense of curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. Always thinking what can we learn from others, what new developments can be explored and what are the opportunities for the function to improve and grow with others too.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

Please find attached our job pack

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, recruitment @ magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - w/c 5th May

Interview 1 - 15th and 16th May

Interview 2 - w/c 21st May

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.