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- Tasks: Lead a charity transforming lives through literacy and strategic growth.
- Company: Dynamic charity focused on adult literacy and community empowerment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, holiday entitlement, and flexible working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving literacy and empowering communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, fundraising, and relationship building.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to equity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 105000 ÂŁ per year.
Lead an organisation that transforms lives through literacy.
Time Commitment: 3-4 days per week
Location: Primarily home based, with regular meetings across London
Salary: ÂŁ75,000 FTE (pro rata), plus pension and holiday entitlement
About the charity:
The charity believes that reading is a right, not a privilege. Today, more than 8 million adults in the UK struggle with functional literacy, limiting their access to education, employment, independence and opportunity. The charity exists to change that. Founded in 2021, it provides personalised reading support for disadvantaged adults across some of London’s most deprived communities. Volunteer reading coaches help learners build confidence, unlock opportunities and rewrite the narrative of their lives. Retention among learners and volunteers is exceptionally high, and demand for the programme continues to grow.
Why This Role Matters:
- As Executive Director, you will shape a charity with the potential to change many lives.
- Drive strategic growth by leading an exciting expansion that will see the charity scale its programme across London and beyond.
- Champion the cause nationally, raising the charity’s profile and influencing the policy landscape around adult literacy.
- Strengthen organisational foundations to ensure robust governance, financial sustainability, and operational excellence.
- Build powerful partnerships with funders, adult learning providers, policymakers, and community organisations.
- Lead and empower a small, talented team – cultivating a culture of collaboration, commitment and learner‑centred impact.
- Amplify learner and volunteer voices by ensuring those directly affected help shape the charity’s work.
What Makes This Opportunity Inspiring:
Improving literacy delivers life‑changing outcomes: employment, wellbeing, independence, confidence and community connection. The charity has a proven model, a solid funding base, excellent evaluation, a committed volunteer base, and a highly engaged board. It is poised to expand rapidly and influence systemic change within the adult learning ecosystem. This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery – perfect for someone who thrives in mission‑driven, entrepreneurial environments.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
Skills and Experience:- Strategic leader with experience spanning operations, external affairs, and organisational growth.
- Proven fundraising track record, especially securing multi‑year grants; experience with major donors.
- Skilled relationship builder able to represent an organisation with credibility and warmth.
- Experience in financial management, governance and compliance within a charity setting.
- Understanding of adult learning, literacy or education desirable but not essential.
- Visionary, adaptable, with strong strategic insight.
- Empathetic, collaborative and purpose‑driven.
- Excellent communicator, comfortable representing the charity publicly.
- Practical, hands‑on leader with a positive, solutions‑focused mindset.
- Deeply committed to equity, inclusion and community empowerment.
Recruitment Timeline:
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold the charity’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, a Q&A webinar will replace individual informal calls. Please register interest to attend the webinar on Wednesday 4th March 2026 – we will send a link.
Application Deadline: 5 pm Wednesday 18th March 2026
First Interviews: w/c 6th April 2026
Final Interviews: w/c 13th April 2026
How to Apply:
Charity People Ltd is acting as the recruitment agency advisor. Interested candidates should submit a CV to seniorappointments@charitypeople.co.uk and request a candidate pack in the first instance.
Contact:
For an informal conversation about the role or any further questions prior to applying, contact Fabrice Yala on 07563 030595 or seniorappointments@charitypeople.co.uk. We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so the application process works for you.
Charity People is a forward‑thinking, inclusive organisation that actively promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We believe greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Executive Director in London employer: Charity People
Contact Detail:
Charity People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity sector, especially those involved in literacy and education. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for adult literacy shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight why this cause matters to you.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the charity's impact and current projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help them expand their reach and improve lives through literacy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Executive Director. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and any relevant fundraising successes. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission to transform lives through literacy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for adult literacy and how you envision driving our charity's growth. Be authentic and let us know why you're the perfect fit for this inspiring opportunity.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your past experiences, focus on the impact you've made in previous roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and lead teams effectively. We love seeing how you've empowered others!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don't miss out on this chance to make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the charity's mission and values. Understand how they transform lives through literacy and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. This shows genuine interest and commitment to their cause.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Leadership
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your strategic leadership skills. Think about times you've driven organisational growth or secured funding. Be specific about your role and the impact you made, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Rapport with Empathy
As a potential Executive Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to connect with people. Practice active listening and show empathy during the interview. Share stories that reflect your collaborative spirit and commitment to community empowerment.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers. Ask about their current challenges in expanding the programme or how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking and readiness to contribute to their goals.