At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and services, driving strategic and operational excellence.
- Company: Royal Geographical Society, a historic charity promoting geography and education.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days leave, life assurance, and employee support.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a dynamic cultural environment.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious organisation making a global impact as it approaches its 200th anniversary.
- Qualifications: Proven financial leadership and experience in managing diverse teams.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
Hours: Full-Time. (We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and part time working).
Location: South Kensington, London SW7
About Us
The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography and geographers. It is also a charity and a membership organisation. The Society was founded in 1830 and has been one of the most active of the learned societies ever since. It was pivotal in establishing geography as a teaching and research discipline in British universities and continues to play a key role in geographical and environmental education. The Society is a leading world centre for geographical learning – supporting education, teaching, research, professional practice and scientific expeditions, as well as promoting public understanding and enjoyment of geography and providing advice to policymakers. The Society offers professional accreditation to members through Chartered Geographer status.
About You and the Role
As the Society approaches its 200th anniversary in 2030, with ambitious associated goals, ensuring that we continue to have the best possible leadership team in place has never been more relevant. With the approaching retirement of our current Director of Finance & Services, we are looking for an exceptional, entrepreneurial senior leader with proven ability to balance strategic and operational impact. Whilst an executive level financial background is a given, we are additionally seeking an individual who has led other functions and developed the professionals within them. This role leads a diverse team of 10, spanning: Finance, Facilities & Estates, IT & Database Administration, and HR. It also holds additional responsibility for: Safeguarding, Data Protection, Risk Management, Pensions, Company Secretarial, Insurance & Legal. We have exciting plans for our building, at the heart of London’s Exhibition Road Cultural Quarter, optimizing and developing this space as a gathering point of global significance and influence for people intent on making a positive difference to the world. Accordingly, we are particularly interested in individuals who bring with them strong programme management skills and experience of managing heritage estate projects operationally, in partnership with external consultants. The successful candidate will drive and deliver effective and efficient financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, reporting, controls, operations, and management, whilst continuing to improve the Society’s processes and systems.
Salary and Benefits
This is a permanent post. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and part time working. This is looked at on a case‑by‑case basis, balancing the Society’s needs with the successful candidate’s other commitments, to support a good work‑life balance. The salary range for this post is c£100,000+ (FTE) per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. The post is based in Kensington, London. There are a range of benefits at the Society which include the following:
- 35‑hour working week with core working hours between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
- Flexible working arrangements are available with a mix of office based and home working.
- 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public bank holidays.
- Society closure between Christmas and New Year, in addition to the basic annual leave allowance.
- Group Life Assurance at four‑times basic annual salary.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free 24‑hour Employee Assistance helpline with available counselling support.
Applications must be received by 5.30pm 12 June 2026. It is anticipated that interviews will take place week commencing 29 June 2026.
Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. The Society aims to be an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from those traditionally underrepresented in the geographical discipline. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The Society is unable to offer work visa sponsorships.
Director of Finance & Services employer: Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
The Royal Geographical Society is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of South Kensington, London. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, the Society provides flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a supportive culture that fosters professional growth and development. As a leading institution in geographical education and research, employees have the unique opportunity to contribute to impactful projects while being part of a historic organisation approaching its 200th anniversary.
Contact Details:
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance & Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and services sector, especially those who might have insights into the Royal Geographical Society. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Society’s history and its impact on geography. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how your skills can help them achieve their ambitious goals as they approach their 200th anniversary.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences managing diverse teams and driving financial strategies. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your entrepreneurial spirit and programme management skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team at the Royal Geographical Society.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance & Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Finance & Services role. Highlight your executive-level financial experience and any leadership roles you've held in other functions. We want to see how your skills align with our ambitious goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for leading our diverse team and how you plan to drive effective financial planning and management.
Showcase Programme Management Skills:Since we’re keen on strong programme management skills, don’t forget to include examples of your experience managing projects, especially those related to heritage estates. We love seeing how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just click that apply button and follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance & Services, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive strategic decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role involves leading a diverse team, so be prepared to share specific examples of how you've developed and managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in balancing operational and strategic responsibilities.
✨Understand the Society's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Geographical Society’s goals and values. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their mission, especially as they approach their 200th anniversary.
✨Prepare for Programme Management Questions
Given the emphasis on programme management skills, think about your experience with managing projects, particularly in heritage estate contexts. Prepare to discuss challenges faced and how you overcame them.
