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- Tasks: Lead a charity that transforms lives through early years and family services.
- Company: The Sunshine Centre, a valued community hub in Banbury.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact while shaping the future of the Centre.
- Why this job: Join a purpose-driven organisation and inspire change in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in early years or charity settings with strong safeguarding knowledge.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a committed team and supportive Board of Trustees.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lead a charity that changes lives every single day. The Sunshine Centre is a well-established and highly valued community hub, supporting children and families across Banbury through early years provision, family services and strong local partnerships. We are now looking for an exceptional Director to lead the organisation into its next phase - someone who can balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational delivery, while continuing to build on the Centre's strong reputation. This is a rare opportunity to lead a purpose-driven organisation where your impact will be visible, meaningful and genuinely valued within the community.
The role
- As Director, you will take overall responsibility for the leadership and performance of the Centre, working closely with the Board of Trustees to shape its future direction.
- Provide clear strategic leadership and deliver the Centre's long-term vision.
- Oversee day-to-day operations across early years provision, childcare and family services.
- Lead and develop a team of 30-35 staff, including the Senior Leadership Team.
- Ensure high standards of safeguarding, compliance and regulation (including Ofsted).
- Take ownership of financial sustainability, including budgeting, fundraising and income generation.
- Drive continuous improvement, responding to community needs and feedback.
- Act as a visible ambassador, building strong relationships with families, partners and stakeholders.
This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring both strategic thinking and close involvement in day-to-day delivery.
About you
- You'll be a confident, values-led leader with the ability to inspire others and deliver real impact.
- You will bring proven leadership experience within early years, childcare, charity or community settings.
- Experience working in regulated environments (e.g. Ofsted), with strong safeguarding knowledge.
- A track record of securing funding through fundraising, bid writing or income generation.
- Strong financial and commercial awareness.
- The ability to turn strategy into practical delivery.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- A genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and families.
Why join the Sunshine Centre?
- Lead a respected, community-rooted organisation with a strong local impact.
- Shape the future strategy and long-term sustainability of the Centre.
- Work with a committed team and supportive Board of Trustees.
- Make a meaningful difference to children, families and the wider community.
Additional information
- Closing date: 9am, Tuesday 14 April 2026.
- Start date: As soon as possible.
This role is being advertised via Employ Direct, a service provided by Cameo Consultancy. As this is an advertising-only service, we are not involved in the selection process. All suitable applications will be forwarded directly to the employer, who will contact shortlisted candidates to arrange interviews.
Charity Early Years Director: Lead Impact & Growth employer: Cameo Consultancy
Contact Detail:
Cameo Consultancy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Charity Early Years Director: Lead Impact & Growth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity sector, especially those connected to early years and community services. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential collaborators and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, let your enthusiasm for improving outcomes for children and families shine through. Share your vision and how you can make a difference at The Sunshine Centre.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Centre’s current projects and community impact. Be ready to discuss how your leadership experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their long-term vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a purpose-driven organisation like The Sunshine Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Charity Early Years Director: Lead Impact & Growth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for improving outcomes for children and families shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at The Sunshine Centre.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your proven leadership experience in early years or community settings. We’re looking for concrete examples of how you've made an impact, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to tailor your application to the role. Mention specific aspects of the job description that resonate with you and how your skills can help us achieve our long-term vision.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cameo Consultancy
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research The Sunshine Centre thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific services they provide. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in leading a charity that makes a difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the hands-on nature of the role, be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've demonstrated strategic leadership and operational delivery. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, especially in regulated environments like Ofsted.
✨Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills
As a potential Director, you'll need to inspire and lead a team. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in developing high-performing teams. Discuss how you've motivated staff, fostered collaboration, and driven continuous improvement in past positions.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since financial sustainability is key for this role, be prepared to talk about your experience with budgeting, fundraising, and income generation. Share specific examples of how you've successfully secured funding or managed finances in previous roles to ensure the organisation's growth.