Director of Operations

About Us 

Hibiscus Initiatives is a passionate, women’s organisation, delivering high impact advocacy and advice services for more than 35 years to those at the intersection of the Criminal Justice and Immigration systems. As an organisation, we have distinct expertise in working with Black and minoritised women in prison, in the community and in immigration removals centres.

Our holistic and trauma informed approach makes a real and lasting impact on women's lives. We aim to make a difference within the criminal justice and immigration systems too by working with women and amplifying their own voices, so their experience is recognised by those making policy decisions

We are particularly keen to attract talent from Black and minoritised communities and those with lived experience of immigration, the criminal justice systems, and/or gender-based violence.

Hibiscus adopts anti-racist; anti-oppression, and feminist principles and believes in the importance of nurturing a diverse team who can embody these principles.

We are committed to the wellbeing and development of our staff. We provide regular training and other learning opportunities and offer wellbeing classes and activities, clinical supervision, an Employee Assistance Program and other benefits to support staff wellbeing.

This post is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010.

About the Role

We are now recruiting for an experienced Director of Operations to play a crucial role in guiding our driven and committed team as we shift our culture and infrastructure, upholding our vision, mission, principles, and values.

The post holder will work with colleagues to develop, implement and review Hibiscus’s strategy and plans, particularly as they impact our operating and finance models. They will be responsible for developing and monitoring the annual business plan, reporting progress and providing reliable structural, financial and people management. They will support the CEO in building and instilling a sense of unity and purpose into the work of the organisation, and represent the operational work to the Board. They will be responsible for the efficient running of operations and central functions, conducting risk assessments, monitoring performance and reviewing procedures, with a particular focus on overseeing the effective financial management of the organisation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for financial planning and producing financial budgets for the organisation, alongside monitoring projects from start to finish, preparing costings for funding applications, agreeing contracts and grant terms, monitoring deliverables and co-ordinating timely reporting. They will oversee the production of quarterly management accounts and yearly finance audits, and communicate the financial landscape of the organisation to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Board. The Director of Operations will play a key role in risk and compliance, with a focus on data, safeguarding, policies and procedures, and legal and statutory requirements. They will work to increase the effectiveness of our operations, whilst supporting and contributing to the fundraising efforts of the organisation. A key element of the role will be to work to integrate our workplace culture into HR processes and procedures, modelling a fair and open management approach that ensures trusted relationships are embedded throughout the organisation.

[Please note: Successful candidates will need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years to ensure the clearance process is authorised.]

Salary
£60,000 – £65,000* per annum

*Salary negotiable up to the mid-point of the band, depending on experience

Team
Operations

Duration
Permanent 

Hours
Full-time (35 hours per week)

Location
Hibiscus’ main office in Islington, London, for between two and three days a week. Flexible working arrangements available for the remaining days.

Reporting to
CEO

About you

We are particularly keen to attract talent from Black and minoritised communities and those with lived experience of immigration, the criminal justice systems, and/or gender-based violence.

The successful candidate will have significant experience of strategic financial planning and managing organisational finances. The candidate will have a clear commitment to Hibiscus’ vision, mission and values, and a strong commitment to anti-racism. They will have a willingness to deepen their understanding of our work and show a commitment to personal growth.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, data protection, Charity Commission and Companies House requirements, alongside other major compliance areas. They will have highly effective communication and presentation skills, and will be confident liaising with Hibiscus’ teams, the board and a wide range of contractors and partners. This will include demonstrable skills around change management and a strong understanding of risk management. Experience of writing and contributing to fundraising bids is desirable, as is prior experience of the charity sector.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to Hibiscus's ethos aims and objectives, including having an intersectional and anti-racist approach to the work and a comprehensive understanding of one of more of Hibiscus’ key work areas.