At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance services for women experiencing domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.
- Company: Advance Charity, a feminist organisation dedicated to empowering women and girls.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to women's rights and safety.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives while leading impactful services.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in social care or justice services, with strong strategic judgement.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you! We are looking for a Director of Services - Domestic Abuse / VAWG for a maternity cover vacancy.
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000
Location: Hammersmith (with travel to delivery sites as required)
We offer the flexibility to work from home for 2/3 days per week.
Contract: Maternity cover, fixed term contract of 9 months which may be extended
Hours: 35 hours per week with availability for Board meetings 4-6pm on Tuesdays 2x per quarter
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer. This role is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, working with the Board of Trustees.
Direct Reports: Head of Services - DA (this may change in line with organisational strategy)
This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
About us
Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community. We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies. Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Advance evokes systemic change by engaging with professionals within statutory agencies, including commissioners and policymakers, to deliver sustainable impact for women. Through a coordinated community response, we work in partnership with other charities, as well as regional and national government to develop innovative responses and influence policy.
About the role
You will lead Advance’s frontline domestic abuse and VAWG services ensuring they are safe, effective, high quality and aligned with our strategic aims. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team you will work closely with the CEO, Directors, Trustees and senior managers to shape service strategy, strengthen quality systems and ensure excellent outcomes for women and children. You will provide confident strategic and operational leadership, manage complex stakeholder relationships, support governance and reporting and ensure services are financially sustainable, contract compliant and responsive to the needs of women and children.
About You
We are looking for a senior manager with a proven track record of leading services for women experiencing violence and abuse, women in contact with the criminal justice system, or similar social care or social justice services. You will bring strong strategic judgement, confident operational oversight and the ability to lead with clarity, compassion and resilience. Strong knowledge of domestic abuse, VAWG, safeguarding and the wider issues affecting women and children with complex needs. Significant experience of strategic leadership, service management and team development. A sound knowledge of safeguarding adults and child protection issues. Experience managing budgets, partnerships, contracts, outcomes and reporting. Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills. The confidence to work under pressure, manage complexity and inspire teams through change. A collaborative, values-led leadership style and a commitment to women’s rights, safety and dignity.
How to apply
Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.
Closing Date for Applications: Friday 17th July 2026 @23:59. Interviews taking place: First stage 27th July. Second stage likely w/c 3rd August. Advance reserves the right to close the role early, or on the appointment of a candidate.
What we can offer you - Employee Benefits
- A 35-hour working week
- An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
- Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
- Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
- Pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee eye-care scheme
- Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
- Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
- Organisation wide away days
- Thorough induction and training
- Career development pathways
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding
Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing. Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have additional needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team and we will make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Director of Services - Domestic Abuse / VAWG employer: Advance Charity
Advance Charity is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering women and girls, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises flexibility, collaboration, and professional growth. With generous benefits including 30 days of paid holiday, enhanced maternity provisions, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are supported in their roles while contributing to meaningful change in the community. Located in Hammersmith, the organisation fosters a culture of innovation and accountability, making it an ideal place for those passionate about social justice and women's rights.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Services - Domestic Abuse / VAWG
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
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Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like Advance Charity!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at Advance Charity that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Services - Domestic Abuse / VAWG
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Advance Charity. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Advance Charity.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Advance Charity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance Charity
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Advance Charity resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Director of Services - Domestic Abuse / VAWG position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
