Executive Director, Children's Services Operations

Executive Director, Children's Services Operations

Full-Time 90000 - 110000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and transform Children's Services operations, ensuring high-quality support for children and families.
  • Company: Join Barnardo’s, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to helping children and families.
  • Benefits: Flexible/hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work collaboratively with a passionate team and drive meaningful change.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in shaping services that impact over 300,000 lives each year.
  • Qualifications: Proven executive leadership experience in children's and family services with a focus on transformation.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.

Barnardo’s is seeking an outstanding executive leader to take on the role of Executive Director Children’s Services Operations at a pivotal moment in the charity’s evolution. As the UK’s leading children’s charity, Barnardo’s works with over 300,000 children, young people and families each year through more than 650 services across the UK.

This is a critical executive leadership role with responsibility for the strategic direction, governance and delivery of Children’s Services operations across the charity. Leading seven Directors of Children’s Services and approximately 4,500 colleagues, you will oversee a portfolio of around £200 million and ensure the delivery of safe, effective, high-quality and high-impact services for children, young people and families.

As a high-profile member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will contribute to the leadership and direction of Barnardo’s as a whole, providing strategic advice and assurance to the Chief Executive, Board and Trustees. You will lead continued transformation and modernisation across Children’s Services, driving innovation, financial sustainability, service improvement and a culture of collaboration and accountability.

You will also represent Barnardo’s externally, building influential relationships across government, commissioners, regulators and partners. We are looking for an experienced executive leader who has operated at significant scale within complex children’s and family services, with a strong track record of transformation, operational leadership, financial stewardship and leading through complexity and change.

Above all, we are looking for someone who shares Barnardo’s commitment to ensuring the voices and lived experiences of children, young people and families shape how services are designed, delivered and continually improved.

Location: Flexible/hybrid, with travel across the UK.

Executive Director, Children's Services Operations employer: BARNARDOS

Barnardo's is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being. As a Strategic Finance Partner in Greater London, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's services while benefiting from professional growth and development within a supportive environment dedicated to improving the lives of young people.

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Contact Details:

BARNARDOS Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Director, Children's Services Operations

Get Involved Locally

Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by BARNARDOS.

Tap into Professional Networks

Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like BARNARDOS.

Showcase Your Commitment

When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at BARNARDOS.

Utilise Online Platforms

We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at BARNARDOS. Apply directly through us to stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director, Children's Services Operations

Strategic Leadership
Governance
Operational Leadership
Financial Stewardship
Transformation Management
Service Improvement
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of BARNARDOS. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.

Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.

Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Executive Director, Children's Services Operations, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.

Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at BARNARDOS

Show Your Passion for Social Change

When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of BARNARDOS. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.

Highlight Project Experience

We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.

Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices

Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!