At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and operations, driving strategic impact and managing diverse teams.
- Company: Royal Geographical Society, a historic charity promoting geography and education.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days leave, life assurance, and employee support services.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a dynamic cultural environment.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal organisation shaping geographical education as it approaches its 200th anniversary.
- Qualifications: Proven financial leadership and experience in managing diverse functions.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 125000 £ 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.
Strategic Finance & Operations Director (Hybrid) 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 enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
Contact Details:
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Finance & Operations Director (Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. We can’t stress enough how much this can boost your confidence when it’s time to shine in the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So go on, hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Finance & Operations Director (Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Strategic Finance & Operations Director. Highlight your executive-level financial background and any experience leading diverse teams, as this is key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our Society. Share your passion for geography and how your skills can help us achieve our ambitious goals as we approach our 200th anniversary.
Showcase Programme Management Skills:Since we’re looking for someone with strong programme management skills, don’t forget to include examples of past projects you've managed, especially those related to heritage estate projects or similar.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic Finance & Operations Director, 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 goals.
✨Understand the Society's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Geographical Society's history and its current initiatives. Showing genuine interest in their mission will set you apart and demonstrate that you're aligned with their values.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in managing heritage estate projects or risk management. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges and be ready to discuss your approach.
