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 offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, perfect for those passionate about geography and events. With flexible working arrangements and a focus on employee growth, this role provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills in event coordination while contributing to meaningful programmes in the heart of London. Join a team that values collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for motivated individuals seeking rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Recruitment Team
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