At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at a prestigious charity, ensuring effective and sustainable practices.
- Company: The Royal African Society, a respected institution promoting understanding of Africa.
- Benefits: 27+ days holiday, hybrid working, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fostering UK-Africa relations and cultural understanding.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience in the charity sector and strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Royal African Society, established in 1901, is one of the UK’s oldest and most respected institutions dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of Africa and fostering stronger relations between the UK, Africa, and the wider world. Through conferences, cultural festivals, publications, and policy dialogues, the Society brings together business leaders, artists, academics, policymakers and civil society to showcase Africa’s achievements and address its challenges.
ROLE PURPOSE
The Head of Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the effective, compliant and sustainable operation of the Royal African Society. The Head of Operations provides strategic and operational oversight across people, finance, governance, systems, partnerships and delivery, enabling the Society to fulfil its charitable mission and strategic objectives. Working closely with the Director/CEO, Council and Council sub‑committees, the Head of Operations ensures organisational resilience, strong governance, financial stewardship and operational excellence—particularly during periods of growth, transition and increased public profile.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Royal African Society, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and charitable objectives.
- Translate Council and Director/CEO decisions into effective operational plans, systems and delivery frameworks.
- Act as a key strategic partner to the Director/CEO, providing senior operational insight, risk awareness and organisational intelligence.
- Support organisational growth, change management and long-term sustainability.
- Support effective charity governance in line with Charity Commission guidance and best practice.
- Provide senior operational support to the Council and its sub-committees, including: Nominations & Governance, Finance, Audit & Risk.
- Maintain and develop organisational policies, procedures and controls, including HR, financial, safeguarding, data protection and risk management.
- Oversee organisational risk registers and contribute to audit and assurance processes.
- Oversee operational financial management, ensuring strong internal controls, delegated authorities and compliance with charity finance regulations.
- Work closely with the Admin & Finance Manager and Treasurer to support budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management and reporting.
- Manage procurement, contracts and value-for-money assessments across suppliers and service providers.
- Oversee third-party consultants and contractors, ensuring clear scopes, performance management and cost control.
- People, HR & Organisational Culture
- Provide senior leadership for people management, organisational culture and staff wellbeing.
- Line-manage senior operational roles, including: Admin & Finance Manager, Membership Growth & Engagement Manager, Events Manager, African Arguments Intern.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management and staff development processes.
- Ensure HR policies and practices reflect equality, diversity, inclusion, fair pay and good employment standards.
- Lead volunteer recruitment, onboarding, management and safeguarding in line with best practice.
- Programmes, Events & Delivery Oversight
- Provide operational oversight for RAS programmes, public events and flagship initiatives, including Film Africa and anniversary programming.
- Manage high-level events consultants and programme delivery partners.
- Ensure effective planning, risk management, resourcing and post-event evaluation across all activities.
- Embed learning and continuous improvement into programme delivery.
- Support the Director/CEO in fundraising strategy implementation, funder stewardship and donor relationships.
- Manage operational relationships with funders, sponsors, corporate members and partners.
- Ensure compliance with grant conditions, reporting and funder requirements.
- Support organisational reputation, credibility and stakeholder confidence through robust delivery and governance.
- Systems, Digital & Infrastructure
- Oversee organisational systems, including CRM, membership platforms, finance systems and digital tools.
- Ensure data integrity, GDPR compliance and effective use of technology to support growth and efficiency.
- Support digital communications and content workflows in collaboration with editorial and communications staff.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Role title: Head of Operations
- Reports to: Director & CEO
- Location: London (hybrid) Remote and onsite working at the Royal African Society offices at SOAS, London, WC1H 0XG (as well as RAS public events)
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week
- Holiday: 27 days+ Bank Holidays
- Contract type: Permanent
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Significant senior operational leadership experience in the third sector, charity or mission-led organisation.
- Strong understanding of charity governance, Charity Commission requirements and best practice.
- Proven experience of financial oversight, budgeting and internal controls.
- Demonstrable people management experience, including line management and organisational development.
- Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships, including boards, funders and partners.
- Excellent organisational, communication and decision-making skills.
- High levels of integrity, discretion and accountability.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Alignment with the mission, values and purpose of the Royal African Society.
- Experience working with councils, trustees or non-executive boards.
- Experience managing public-facing programmes, cultural events or media-related initiatives.
- Knowledge of fundraising operations, grant management and donor stewardship.
- Experience working in or with African-focused, international or cultural organisations.
- Experience leading organisations through transition or growth phases.
- Familiarity with digital publishing, CRM systems or audience development platforms.
VALUES & BEHAVIOURS
- Commitment to inclusion, equity and respectful dialogue.
- Collaborative, proactive and delivery-oriented.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach.
- High levels of professionalism, integrity and discretion.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The Society is based at SOAS, University of London, and supports flexible and hybrid working. Remuneration aligns with the charity sector, and some evening/weekend work may be required during events (TOIL available). We are committed to an inclusive, diverse, collaborative working culture where African and diaspora perspectives are valued and centred.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability to: Director & CEO. Deadline: 5 PM (GMT) 19th June 2026. Applications will however be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Head of Operations in London employer: Royal African Society
The Royal African Society is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, dedicated to promoting understanding and relations between the UK and Africa. Located at SOAS in London, the Society offers flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional growth within a mission-driven environment. Employees are encouraged to engage with diverse perspectives and contribute to impactful programmes, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about cultural and social change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations 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 Royal African Society.
✨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 Royal African Society.
✨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 Royal African Society.
✨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 Royal African Society. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations 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 Royal African Society. 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 Head of Operations, 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 Royal African Society
✨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 Royal African Society. 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!
