Head of Operations

Acre is delighted to once again be supporting a leading UK-based independent private equity investment company with a strategic fixed-term contract hire within their foundation. This is a 12-month maternity cover contract with an ASAP start.

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Our client's operations span the United Kingdom and Ireland, where they are dedicated to addressing the persistent funding shortages faced by small and medium-sized enterprises where they operate as minority and long-term partner, where they drive growth and building scale in a sustainable way. In 2022, they introduced an independent charitable foundation that provides grants to small to medium-sized charities in the UK. This foundation is primarily focused on improving the lives of disadvantaged children, young people, and adults.

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As the Head of Operations, you will lead on all of the operations and day-to-day management for the foundation. Key responsibilities include:

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1. Grant Portfolio Management:

• Manage the foundation's grant portfolio, including application review, selection, and ongoing support for grant recipients.

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of grants and adjust strategies as needed.

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2. Audit and Annual Reporting:

• Oversee audits and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Prepare and present annual reports outlining financial performance and transparency.

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3. Social Impact Days and Pro-Bono Support:

• Plan and coordinate social impact initiatives and pro-bono activities where the business provides non-financial support to the charity partners.

• Engage with the wider business, partners and portfolio companies to maximise support for social impact projects.

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4. Strategy, Budget, and Annual Planning:

• Develop and implement strategic plans, aligning them with the foundation's mission.

• Create and manage budgets, annual plans, and key performance indicators to measure success.

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5. Marketing, Communications, and Fundraising:

• Develop marketing and communication strategies to raise awareness of the foundation's work, as well as internal and external communications for the foundation.

• Execute fundraising campaigns and engage with donors to secure financial support.

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6. External Engagement:

• Cultivate and manage external relationships with stakeholders, partners, and charities that share the foundation's goals.

• Represent the foundation in various events and collaborations.

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7. Internal Communications:

• Deliver effective internal communication channels to ensure alignment with the foundation's mission and goals, as well as providing updates and general communication on the foundation.

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8. Charity Commission/Charity Law:

• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission regulations and charity law.

• Stay up-to-date with evolving charity legislation and implement necessary changes.

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9. Grant Funding Rounds:

• Plan, organise, and execute grant funding rounds, including application processes, evaluation, and awarding of grants.

• Continuously assess the effectiveness of the grant-making strategy and the charity partners the foundation is working with, whilst making improvements as needed.

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The ideal candidate will come from either a similar role within a foundation, or from an in-house position at a charity/not-for-profit organisation. Experience in grant-giving is crucial.

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This role has an urgent start date, either in December or in January. If this role is of interest and you would like to find out more about the position, please apply for the role and for any questions, reach out to Elliot Fisher at elliot.fisher@acre.com.