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 plans for heritage estate projects and a dynamic work environment.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 125000 € 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.
Director of Finance & Services in Ruislip 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 provides generous benefits including a 35-hour work week, 25 days of 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 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 in Ruislip
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and services sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Royal Geographical Society. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the organisation too.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed diverse teams in the past. Confidence is key when you’re aiming for that Director position!
✨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 you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Society’s exciting future as they approach their 200th anniversary.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance & Services in Ruislip
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a candidate and how your skills align with the role. This will help you tailor your application to stand out!
Showcase Your Experience:When writing your application, highlight your relevant experience, especially in finance and leadership roles. We want to see how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for geography and how you can contribute to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website:Once you're ready, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so you can focus on making your application the best it can be!
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 successfully managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles. This shows you’re not just about the numbers, but also about strategic impact.
✨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 how you’ve fostered collaboration across departments.
✨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. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Prepare for Programme Management Questions
Given the emphasis on programme management skills, think of examples where you've successfully managed projects, particularly in heritage estate or similar environments. Be ready to discuss challenges faced and how you overcame them, showcasing your problem-solving abilities.
