Interim Executive Director in London

About the Role

As Interim Executive Director, you will serve as deputy to the CEO and a core member of the Senior Leadership Team. You will own the big picture—strategy, governance, finance, and fundraising—while also engaging daily operations. You will oversee board engagement, risk management, impact reporting, and the 10th anniversary event, ensuring the organisation thrives during a transition period.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements (mostly remote with one–two days per week in the office)
• Executive leadership, fostering a high‑performance, inclusive, values‑led culture aligned with the charity’s mission
• Support and development of the Senior Leadership Team and the Fundraising and Schools Partnership leaders, ensuring consistent performance and accountability
• Inspire and motivate staff, promote engagement, foster a learning culture, create ownership and commitment to organisational goals
• Work with the CEO, Board and Senior Leadership Team to shape and deliver the charity’s third year of a five‑year strategy, aligning with the funding landscape and evolving community needs
• Deputise for the CEO when required, including board engagement, strategic decision‑making and external representation
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work and campaigns to engage, influence and collaborate with key stakeholders

Governance & Operations

• Lead the Operations function; manage the Systems and Operations Officer to maintain robust, high‑quality systems that enable the charity to achieve its goals
• Provide executive oversight of HR, supporting serious HR matters, people development, performance management and staff development
• Oversee key technology platforms, ensuring efficient operation, UK GDPR compliance, data hygiene and security, and develop guides and SOPs with the Operations Officer
• Hold executive accountability for organisational compliance, risk management and operational integrity; lead the charity in the event of serious data or H&S incidents
• Lead the organisational risk register and risk management, proactively identifying, mitigating, managing and communicating risks to the board of Trustees and the CEO
• Maintain awareness of relevant policy, legislative, regulatory and sector developments, ensuring organisational readiness and compliance
• Work closely with the CEO and chair of the Resource Committee to set agendas and plan papers for the committee (three times a year)
• Act as key contact with the landlord and charity’s IT contractors when required

Income Generation, Partnerships and Communication

• Coordinate and deliver key fundraising activities, support income generation through strategic oversight and targeted input, and line‑manage the Fundraising and Development Lead
• Plan and deliver the 10‑year anniversary event in May 2027
• Develop, manage and strengthen high‑level strategic funder relationships, building a strong pipeline of partnerships to support income targets
• Line‑manage the Schools and Partnerships Lead to achieve ambitious school targets and secure positive partnerships with schools
• Utilise data systems to identify insights and stories, leading the development of the 2026 Impact Report
• Work with the external Marketing Provider and Schools and Partnerships Lead to deliver the organisation’s communications strategy and maintain a strong digital presence

Finance & Sustainability

• Hold accountability for operational delivery and financial sustainability of the charity
• Work closely with the CEO and external Financial Service Provider to develop budgets, support the independent examiner and ensure effective financial planning, management and oversight
• Ensure financial performance, risks and forecasts are clearly and appropriately communicated to the CEO and Board
• Support income sustainability through alignment with funding strategy and identification of growth and partnership opportunities
• Act as main liaison between the charity and the Financial Service Provider, ensuring adherence to financial procedures

Organisational Governance

• Financial acumen; comfortable owning budgets, managing forecasts, approving payments and communicating financial health to the board
• Sound knowledge of charity governance, HR, GDPR, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Excellent organisational and project management skills

Vision, Stakeholder Engagement and Influence

• Experience cultivating strategic partnerships with schools, funders and external stakeholders
• Track record of building funder relationships and driving income generation, with confidence overseeing fundraising strategy and pipelines
• Advanced communication skills; represent the organisation externally with credibility and warmth

Change Management & Adaptability

• Experience in an interim/short‑term role
• Strong people‑management skills, with a warm and accountable approach to developing and supporting others

Desirable

• Experience working directly with school and corporate partnerships
• Experience using Salesforce
• Experience working with trustees

About The Kids Network

The Kids Network is a growing charity with an ambitious five‑year strategy and a decade of impact. We connect children facing adversity with caring mentors from their own communities, creating relationships that change trajectories. In 2027 we celebrate our 10th anniversary, and this interim role sits at the heart of that milestone. We are a small, high‑performing team of 16 who care deeply about the children and families we serve, work hard, learn constantly and look after each other.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Kids Network values diversity and inclusion. We have worked to create an application process that is as accessible as possible. If you have specific accessibility needs or experience discrimination, we are happy to discuss ways to support your candidacy and make the application process equitable. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds; the intersection of your identity will not affect the amount of labour you are asked to do. Drawing on lived experiences is encouraged and supported, not a prerequisite. For more information about our commitment to anti‑oppression, please visit our website.