At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and services, driving strategic and operational excellence in a diverse team.
- Company: Join the Royal Geographical Society, a historic charity promoting geography and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days leave, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact as we approach our 200th anniversary with exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Proven financial leadership and experience in managing diverse teams.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 110000 € per year.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time. (We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and part time working).
Location: South Kensington, London SW7
Salary: Circa £100,000+ per annum FTE
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.
- 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.
- Pension scheme - 3% employee, 7.5% employer.
- Group Life Assurance at four-times basic annual salary.
- Corporate eye care vouchers.
- 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.
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. No agencies please.
Director of Finance & Services employer: Royal Geographical Society
The Royal Geographical Society is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of South Kensington, London. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on employee well-being, including generous annual leave and a supportive pension scheme, the Society fosters a culture of professional growth and collaboration. 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.
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 recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in our mission and how your skills can contribute to our goals, especially as we approach our 200th anniversary!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed diverse teams in the past. We want to hear about your strategic thinking and operational impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the 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 relevant experience in finance and leadership, and don’t forget to showcase any programme management skills you have!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your passion for geography and how your background aligns with the Society's goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a senior leader, we want to see how you lead teams and develop talent. Share examples of how you've successfully managed diverse teams and improved processes in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at the Royal Geographical Society.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Geographical Society
✨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 Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills, particularly in areas like risk management and project oversight. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated challenges in these areas.
