At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and oversee impactful programmes in prisons.
- Company: Dynamic charity focused on creative rehabilitation through music.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to social justice and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals in the criminal justice system.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in charity or social impact sectors.
The predicted salary is between 52500 - 57500 £ per year.
The charity supports people serving prison sentences through creative music and peer‑led employment programmes. Working closely with the existing Director and Board of Trustees, you will help shape and deliver the organisation's strategic vision while ensuring the successful delivery of programmes across multiple prison sites.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading strategic planning and organisational growth
- Developing and delivering fundraising and income generation strategies
- Securing grants, contracts and partnership opportunities
- Overseeing financial planning, budgeting and reporting
- Managing contracts and relationships with prison and sector partners
- Leading and supporting a dispersed team
- Acting as an ambassador for the organisation with funders and stakeholders
About You
You will be a strategic and hands‑on leader with:
- Significant leadership experience within the charity, criminal justice or wider social impact sector.
- Experience as a senior leader, Director, CEO or member of a leadership team.
- A strong track record in fundraising, income generation and partnership development.
- Experience securing and managing contracts, organisational operations and financial oversight.
- Strong strategic, operational, and financial management skills.
- Experience leading and supporting dispersed teams in complex environments.
- A strong understanding of prisons, rehabilitation and the barriers faced by people within the criminal justice system or related sectors (homelessness, substance use, rehabilitation).
- Excellent communication, relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.
- Strategic thinking combined with a practical, hands‑on approach.
- A genuine commitment to social justice and belief in the transformative power of creativity, music and peer‑led support.
About the Organisation
Established in 2014, the charity delivers creative music and peer‑led employment programmes in prisons across London, Kent, the Midlands and the North East. The organisation works alongside people facing significant barriers, helping them develop skills, confidence and pathways into employment while creating meaningful opportunities for long‑term change.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce.
Director employer: Beating Time
As a leading charity dedicated to transforming lives through creative music and peer-led employment programmes, we offer a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while ensuring strong team cohesion, and our commitment to social justice empowers employees to make a meaningful impact in the criminal justice sector. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a supportive culture that values diversity, we are an excellent employer for those passionate about driving change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director
✨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 Beating Time.
✨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 Beating Time.
✨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 Beating Time.
✨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 Beating Time. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director
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 Beating Time. 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 Director, 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 Beating Time
✨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 Beating Time. 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!
