At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational strategy and enhance organisational performance for impactful community projects.
- Company: Join the Jewish National Fund, a century-old organisation connecting the UK Jewish community with Israel.
- Benefits: Be part of a committed team with opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and strategic development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of JNF UK while making a difference in communities and supporting Israel.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership roles within charity or not-for-profit sectors is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 77400 - 94600 £ per year.
About the Jewish National Fund (JNF) For more than a century, the Jewish National Fund (JNF UK) has provided a meaningful connection between the UK Jewish community and Israel. Through philanthropy, education and community engagement, it enables supporters to contribute to projects that improve lives, strengthen communities and support Israel’s long-term social and economic development.
With a proud history and an enduring sense of purpose, JNF UK is now building for its next chapter. The organisation is investing in its people, leadership and capabilities so that it can engage a broader range of supporters, grow sustainable income and deliver even greater impact in the years ahead.
JNF UK is entering an exciting period of growth and is investing in its people, functions and operational capacity to deliver greater impact. The newly created Chief Operating Officer role will strengthen leadership across JNF UK and its subsidiaries, including SmartGiving, KKL E&T and JNF UK Israel, providing a clear management link between the Chief Executive and departmental heads. Reporting to the Chief Executive, the COO will translate strategy into delivery, lead the development of core functions and deputise on operational matters when required. As some functions, systems and reporting arrangements continue to develop, the role requires a hands-on and strategic leader who can provide clear direction, build capability and establish the structures needed to support sustainable growth.
The Chief Operating Officer, who will sit on the Senior Leadership Team, will join a committed team with a strong understanding of JNF UK and its work. This will be a hands-on role, particularly at the outset, as the successful candidate seeks to understand how the organisation operates and brings the expanding team up to full operational capacity.
Key Responsibilities and Requirements
- Leadership and Strategy
- Act as a close strategic partner and operational counterpart to the Chief Executive.
- Represent the operational and delivery perspective in strategic and Board-level discussions.
- Organisational Performance
- Shape and translate strategy into clear operating plans, priorities and delivery.
- Set objectives and KPIs, establish effective reporting and review performance.
- Create clarity across accountabilities, decision-making and cross-functional working.
- Building Core Functions
- Proven ability to build and scale functions, not only lead established ones.
- Help recruit, establish and develop the leadership required for the fundraising, education and SmartGiving teams.
- Set objectives and KPIs for department heads.
- Operational Excellence
- Possess excellent written skills including the ability to write reports and review contracts.
- Oversee business operations, ensuring functions work cohesively and driving improvements where appropriate.
- Governance and Resilience
- Have experience managing organisation-wide risk and implementing governance measures to ensure business continuity.
- Ensure departments operate in line with policies, procedures and regulatory expectations.
- Commercial and Financial Thinking
- Work closely with the Finance Director, holding budgets and making informed resource decisions.
- Bring a commercial lens to fundraising, SmartGiving and organisational investment.
Personal Specification
- Desirable
- Experience in the charity, not-for-profit or third sector.
- Familiarity with an organisation operating across multiple entities or jurisdictions.
- Experience of fundraising and/or education functions.
- Personal Qualities
- Collaborative and able to work closely with a CEO while holding independent operational authority.
- Comfortable balancing hands-on delivery with strategic contribution.
- Comfortable operating where some functions and processes are still developing, with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners: Jodi Beauchamp Consultant Berwick Partners +44 (0)
Closing date for applications: Friday 4th December 2026.
Chief Operating Officer in London employer: JNF UK
JNF UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in North West London where your contributions directly impact charitable initiatives. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Enjoy a generous holiday package, including main Jewish festivals, and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in London
✨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 JNF UK.
✨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 JNF UK.
✨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 JNF UK.
✨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 JNF UK. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in London
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 JNF UK. 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 Chief Operating Officer, 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 JNF UK
✨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 JNF UK. 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!
