At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and services, driving strategic and operational excellence.
- Company: Join the Royal Geographical Society, a historic charity and professional body for geography.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days leave, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Dynamic role managing diverse teams in a culturally significant location.
- Why this job: Make a real impact as we approach our 200th anniversary with ambitious goals.
- Qualifications: Proven executive financial background and strong leadership skills required.
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.
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.
- 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 in North 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 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance & Services in North 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 history and its role in geographical education. Show us you’re genuinely interested in our mission and how your skills can help us achieve our ambitious goals 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 noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our exciting plans for the future.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance & Services in North Kensington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of Finance & Services role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant financial management roles you've held.
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 position. Share specific examples of how you've balanced strategic and operational impact in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Programme Management Skills:Since we’re looking for someone with strong programme management skills, don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you’ve managed, especially those involving heritage estate projects or similar.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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 professionals in your past positions. Highlight your experience in managing cross-functional teams and driving operational success.
✨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 and aim for impactful leadership.
✨Prepare for Programme Management Questions
Given the emphasis on programme management skills, think about your past projects, particularly those involving heritage estate management. Prepare to discuss challenges faced and how you collaborated with external consultants to achieve successful outcomes.
