At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth and strengthen access to life-changing cleft care worldwide.
- Company: Operation Smile UK, a leading international medical charity.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, enhanced maternity benefits, and employee support programmes.
- Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive organisation committed to equality and community representation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global healthcare while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in charity, strong fundraising skills, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
Operation Smile UK is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic leader to join as Executive Director, driving strategic growth, strengthening our organisation and helping expand access to life-changing cleft care worldwide.
About Operation Smile
Operation Smile is an international medical charity providing free, life-changing surgery and comprehensive care to children and adults born with cleft conditions. Through a global network of medical volunteers, healthcare professionals and hospital partners, we work to improve access to safe, high-quality cleft care and strengthen local healthcare systems. Operation Smile UK (OSUK) is an independently registered UK charity responsible for fundraising, donor engagement, advocacy and raising awareness in support of our international programmes.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership for Operation Smile UK at an important stage in the delivery of our five-year strategy. This is an opportunity for an ambitious and collaborative leader to build on the charity's strengths, grow and diversify income, strengthen organisational performance and profile, and develop an effective partnership with Operation Smile's international organisation.
The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with hands-on leadership, strong fundraising expertise and the ability to build trusted relationships across a complex international environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategy and governance: Lead the development and delivery of OSUK's strategy, working closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure strong governance, effective risk management and regulatory compliance.
- Fundraising and income growth: Drive sustainable income generation and diversification across major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and individual giving.
- Financial and organisational performance: Oversee financial sustainability, resource allocation and organisational performance, ensuring effective use of resources and robust financial management.
- International partnerships: Build a strong, collaborative relationship with Operation Smile Inc., ensuring UK fundraising supports global programmes and impact is communicated effectively.
- People and culture: Lead and develop a high-performing, inclusive team, fostering collaboration, accountability, staff wellbeing and a shared commitment to the charity's mission.
- External engagement and profile: Represent OSUK with donors, partners, media and other stakeholders, strengthening the charity's visibility and influence across the UK.
About You
We are looking for an experienced senior leader who combines strategic judgement with practical delivery and a genuine commitment to our mission. You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience in a charity, non-profit or comparable purpose-led organisation, including working closely with a Board.
- A strong track record in fundraising, income generation and revenue diversification.
- Experience of leading, developing and motivating teams, including through organisational change.
- Strong financial acumen, commercial judgement and experience of organisational performance management.
- Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-management skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders.
- Knowledge of UK charity governance, regulation and safeguarding.
- Experience of international partnerships, global charity networks or growing a small-to-medium-sized organisation would be advantageous.
Above all, you will be a collaborative and entrepreneurial leader who can turn strategic ambition into measurable results while championing Operation Smile's values and mission.
What We Offer
- Hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week in our London office.
- 25 days' annual leave, increasing with service to a maximum of 30 days, plus applicable public holidays.
- Season ticket loan and Cycle to Work scheme.
- Enhanced maternity benefits for eligible employees.
- Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
- The role requires regular international travel.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages, outlining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the essential criteria. Please see the job description for further details of how to apply.
Closing date: 30 November 2026
First-stage interviews: Early December 2026
Operation Smile UK is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from communities historically under-represented in charity leadership. We value transferable skills and potential, and you do not need to meet every desirable criterion to apply.
As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the role. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.
Operation Smile UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity No. 1091316).
Executive Director in London employer: Operation Smile UK
Operation Smile UK is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team in making a significant impact on global cleft care. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, hybrid working options, and generous leave policies, we foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that empowers our staff to thrive. Join us in our mission to transform lives while enjoying professional growth and the chance to engage with a diverse network of stakeholders in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director 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 Operation Smile 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 Operation Smile 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 Operation Smile 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 Operation Smile UK. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director 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 Operation Smile 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 Executive 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 Operation Smile 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 Operation Smile 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!
