The Kids Network is looking foranExecutive Directortosupport theFundraising, Finance and Operations of the charity for an interim period.
Contract:Fixed12-14-monthcontractdepending on availability for start date– Full time35 hoursper week
Salary: £60,000 per annum
Location: LondonVictoria/ Hybrid
Some evening and weekend work may berequired, which can be claimed as TOIL
Reporting tothe CEO
Line Management of 3xstaff
About theCharity
A rare opportunity to lead a values-driven children’s charity through an exciting chapter of its story.
The Kids Network is a growing charity with an ambitious five-year strategy and a decade of impact behind us. We connect children facing adversity with caring mentors from their own communities, creating relationships that change trajectories. In 2027 we celebrate our 10th anniversary and this role sits right at the heart of that milestone.
We’rea small, high-performing teamof 16who care deeply about the children and families we serve. We work hard, we learn constantly, and welook aftereachother. Now, while our Managing Director is on maternity leave,we’relooking for an exceptional interim leader to hold the organisation steady and help it thrive.
About the role:
As Interim Executive Director,you’llbe deputy to the CEO and a core member of our Senior Leadership Team.You’llhold the big picture: strategy, governance, finance, and fundraising, whilst also being across our operations and being present and part of the day-to-day. From Board engagement and risk management to leading our impact report anddriving our plans forour 10th anniversary event, no two weeks will look the same.
You’lllead and line-manage talentedteam membersacross fundraising, school partnerships, and operations.You’llbe the steady hand that keeps our income pipeline strong and our systems running smoothly.
This role would suit you if,you’rea leader who balances strategic thinking with being genuinely hands-on. You stay calm under pressure, make clear decisions whenthey’reneeded, and take people with you rather than leaving them behind.
Mission matters to you. Working to improve the lives ofunderservedchildren is something you care about, not just a roleyou’refilling.You’llchampion our values, model our culture and behaviours, and bring the team with you in doing the same.
You’rewell-suited to the interim context.You’reable to build trust quickly, make an impact from day one, and build onwhat’salready working well.You’recomfortable with a varied workload and have the experience to make good decisions for the benefit of the children we work with.
Benefits:
Flexible working arrangements (mostly working from home, withapproximatelyone-twodays a week working from the office)
Optionfor 2 Me days
25 days annual leave entitlement
Optionto swap bank holidays for other religious holidays
Team Socials
Birthdays off
Working in a value led organisation, where we see and share theimpactwe have on children every day
Responsibilities
Strategy & Leadership
Provide executive leadership to the organisation, fostering a high-performance,inclusiveand values-led culture aligned with the charity’s mission.
Lead, support, and develop the Senior Leadership Team and Fundraising and Schools Partnership leaders, ensuring consistent performance and accountability.
Inspire and motivate staff, promoting engagement, foster a learning culture, create ownership, and commitment to organisational goals.
Work with the CEO, Board, and Senior Leadership Team to shape and deliver the charity’s third year of its five-year strategy, ensuringalignment with the funding landscape and the evolving needs of children and communities.
Deputise for the CEO whenrequired, including Board engagement, strategic decision-making, and external representation.
Act as an ambassador for TKN, promoting its work and campaigns to engage, influence, and collaborate with key stakeholders.
Governance &Operations:
Lead the Operations function. ManagetheSystems and Operations Officer to ensure our robust systems andoperationscontinuetorun effectivelyat a highqualityand enable the charity to achieve its stated goals.
Provide executive oversight of HR,demonstratingknowledge of HR compliance and law, supporting with serious HRmattersandprovidingleadership support on people matters, performance managementandstaffdevelopment.
Oversee the use of keytechnologyplatforms, ensuring thatthe charityisoperatingin the most efficient way,in accordance withUK GDPR and promoting data hygiene and securityandsupportingthe Operations officer to develop guides and standard operatingprocedures
Hold executive accountability for organisational compliance, risk management, and operational integrity. Act as the lead for the charityin the event ofa serious data or H&S incident.
Lead the organisational risk register and risk management, ensuring risks are proactivelyidentified, mitigated,managedand communicated to our board of Trustees and the CEO
Maintain awareness of relevant policy, legislative, regulatory, and sector developments, ensuring organisational readiness and compliance.
Work closely with theCEO andchair oftheResourceCommittee to set the agenda and plan for papers for this committee(3 times a year).
Act as the key contactwiththelandlordand thecharity’sIT contractors, as and whenrequired
Income Generation, Partnerships and Communication:
Oversee the coordination and delivery of key fundraising activities, supporting the organisation’s income generation through strategic oversight and targeted input whererequired.Leadand line managethe Fundraising and Development Lead.
Play a key role in planning and delivering the 10-year anniversary event in May 2027.
Develop, manage, and strengthen high-level strategic funder relationships and networks, building a strong pipeline of partnerships to support income targets.
Leadand line managethe Schools and Partnerships Lead to achieve ambitious school targets andsecurepositive partnerships with schools
Utilise the organisation’s data systems toidentifyrelevant insights andstories,leadingthe development of the 2026 Impact Report.
Work withtheexternal Marketing Provider and Schools and Partnerships Lead to deliver the organisation’s communicationsstrategytomaintaina strong digital and online presence
Finance& Sustainability
Hold accountability for the operationaldelivery and financial sustainability of the charity.
Work closely with the CEO andexternalFinancial Service Providerto develop organisational budgets, support with the annual independent examiner and ensure effective financial planning, management, and oversight.
Ensure financial performance, risks, and forecasts are clearlyand appropriatelycommunicated to the CEO, Board.
Support income sustainability by aligning delivery with funding strategy andidentifyingopportunities for growth and partnership.
Act as main liaison between the charity and the FinancialServiceProvider, ensuring that both the charity and contractor adhere to theorganisation’sfinancial procedures
Personal Specification
Strategic Leadership & Drive
Proven senior leadership experience at director level or equivalent in the charity, public, or social sector, including leading teams and engaging boards.
Organisational governance
Financial acumen;comfortable owning budgets, managing forecasts,approvingpaymentsand communicating financial health clearly tothe board.
Sound knowledge of charity governance, HR, GDPR, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
Excellent organisational & project management skills
Vision, stakeholderengagementand influence
Experience cultivating strategic partnerships with schools, funders, and external stakeholders.
A track recordof building funder relationships and driving income generation, with confidence overseeing fundraising strategy and pipelines.
Advancedcommunication skills, someone whocanrepresentthe organisation externally with credibility and warmth.
Change Management &Adaptability
Experiencein an interim/ shortterm role
Strong people management skills, with a warm and accountable approach to developing and supporting others.
Desirable:
Experienceworking directly with schooland corporatepartnerships
Experience using Salesforce.
Experience working with trustees
Safeguarding commitment
The Kids Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant willbe requiredto apply for an enhanced DBS check.
Equity commitment
The Kids Network values diversity and inclusion and we have worked to create an application process that is as accessible as possible, however we still recognise that there is maybe more we can do especially for applicants who are minoritised in society, have specific accessibility needs and/or experience discrimination.
If this is thecasewe are both happy and open to discussing better ways to support your candidacy and make this application process asequitableas possible for you.
We are a diverse organisation and welcomeeveryonebut it is important to note that the intersections of your identity will not increase or affect the amount of labour you are asked to do. If you wish to draw on your own lived experiences that will be both encouraged and supported but it is not nor ever will be a prerequisite of this role.
You can find out more about our commitment to anti-oppression on our website.
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