At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and services, driving strategic and operational excellence.
- Company: Royal Geographical Society, a historic charity and professional body for geography.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days leave, pension scheme, and employee support.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth and heritage project management.
- 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.
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 £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.
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. No agencies please.
Director of Finance & Services in Kensington 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, the Society fosters a culture of professional growth and collaboration. Employees benefit from generous leave policies, a supportive pension scheme, and opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to global geographical education and research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance & Services in Kensington
✨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 leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences managing diverse teams and driving strategic initiatives. 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 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 in Kensington
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 explain why you're the perfect fit for us. Share your vision for the role and how you can contribute to our mission as we approach our 200th anniversary.
Showcase Your Programme Management Skills:Since we're looking for someone with strong programme management skills, be sure to include examples of past projects you've managed, especially those related to heritage estate projects. We love seeing how you've made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
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 delivery. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated challenges in these areas.
