At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead grant-making and philanthropy to empower young people and communities.
- Company: Historic Livery Company with a modern approach to philanthropy.
- Benefits: Impactful role with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people through innovative charitable strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in grant-making, fundraising, and a passion for social impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on values and community resilience.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a person who brings professionalism, drive and imagination to the Company’s grant-making and philanthropic work whilst appreciating the history, heritage, tradition and ceremony in which the Company is rooted.
The Haberdashers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, with a history dating back to 1371. While custodians of a remarkable heritage, we are firmly focused on the present and future. Our enduring purpose is to empower young people from every background to fulfil their potential through our schools and by supporting their communities. Today, the Company is a thriving membership organisation of more than 1,000 members from a wide range of professions, united by a shared commitment to service and social impact.
We are a modern, values-led funder, committed to flexible, relational and transparent grant-making, working in partnership with our schools, churches, communities and charity partners to create lasting change. Central to our approach is the Haberdashers’ Advantage, a distinctive funder-plus model that combines grant funding with member-led governance support, volunteering, mentoring and capacity building. Each year, the Company distributes over £5.6 million to support schools, young people, churches and charities across North London, Southeast London, South Wales and the West Midlands, with a primary focus on education and community resilience.
We are seeking a Director for Charities to lead and further develop the Company’s grant-making, philanthropy and fundraising. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering charitable strategy and ensuring the Company’s resources create meaningful, long-term impact for young people and communities. The Director for Charities will oversee our grant-making, steward key funding relationships and play a central role in developing fundraising with members, including growing individual giving, legacies and events-based income.
The role is inherently relational, working closely with charity partners, schools, dioceses, Company members and colleagues. You will support and advise grant-making committees, convene learning and engagement events, and represent the Company within external funder networks to remain connected to best practice in modern philanthropy.
We are looking for a values-driven leader with strong experience of flexible and responsive grant-making and fundraising in the charitable sector, and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for young people and communities. You will have excellent communication skills, a warm, engaging and reflective leadership style, and will thrive in a small but highly collaborative organisation. You will be comfortable engaging with grassroots charities, senior stakeholders, Company members and robust governance structures, combining an appreciation for heritage and service with a commitment to modern, progressive philanthropy.
To read more about the opportunity and our work, please download the full appointment brief below.
Closing Date: 3 March 2026
People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 9-18 March 2026
The Haberdashers’ Company Panel Interviews: First Stage: 27 March 2026.
Location: London
How to apply: Please send your CV and 2 page supporting statement, via the link in the back of the appointment brief.
Director for Charities employer: ACF
Contact Detail:
ACF Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director for Charities
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about why you care about empowering young people and how your values align with the Company’s mission. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework before the interview! Familiarise yourself with the Company’s history, its charitable work, and current projects. We love candidates who can speak knowledgeably about our mission and show how they can contribute to our goals.
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a great way to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role. We appreciate candidates who take the time to follow up and keep the conversation going.
We think you need these skills to ace Director for Charities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission to empower young people and support communities. Share personal experiences that highlight your commitment to philanthropy and social impact.
Tailor Your CV and Statement: Make sure your CV and supporting statement are tailored specifically to the Director for Charities role. Highlight relevant experience in grant-making and fundraising, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've held. We love seeing how your background fits with our goals!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to engage with our modern approach to philanthropy.
How to prepare for a job interview at ACF
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the history and values of The Haberdashers’ Company. Understanding their roots will help you connect your vision for philanthropy with their longstanding traditions, showing that you appreciate both the past and the future.
✨Showcase Your Relational Skills
Since the role is inherently relational, prepare examples of how you've successfully built partnerships in the charitable sector. Be ready to discuss your experience with engaging stakeholders and fostering collaboration, as this will be key to your success.
✨Demonstrate Impact-Driven Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you would shape and deliver a charitable strategy that creates meaningful impact. Think about specific initiatives or programmes you've led that improved outcomes for young people and communities, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Engage with Modern Philanthropy
Stay updated on best practices in modern philanthropy. Bring insights into current trends and innovative approaches in grant-making and fundraising, as this will demonstrate your commitment to flexible and responsive strategies that align with the Company’s goals.