At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, ensuring effective governance and a positive culture at Sister System.
- Company: Join a dynamic charity empowering care-affected girls and young women in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and a £1,000 CPD budget.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven team committed to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while shaping the future of a growing organisation.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in operations, finance, or governance is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Tottenham, London (N17) | In-person with up to 1 day WFH per week
Salary: £60,000 per annum
Contract: Full Time (40 hours per week)
Reports to: CEO, with accountability to the Board of Trustees
Line Management: Operations Co-ordinator and Finance Officer
About Sister System
Sister System is a charitable organisation supporting care-affected girls and young women aged 13-24 to achieve their potential through mentoring, therapeutic support, leadership development, accredited learning, and progression into education and employment. Founded in 2018 and shaped alongside the young women we serve, our work is grounded in co-curation, race and gender equity, and culturally responsive practice. Last year we supported more than 200 girls and young women, through our long-term mentoring and educational empowerment programme, and worked with more than 30 organisations to strengthen support systems across London. We are entering an exciting phase of growth and are looking for an experienced Director of Operations to strengthen our organisational infrastructure and help shape our next strategic chapter.
The Role
The Director of Operations is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team. Working closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, you will lead the organisation's operational functions, ensuring robust systems, effective governance, financial sustainability, and a positive organisational culture. You will play a central role in translating strategy into delivery, supporting organisational growth, and ensuring that our internal operations reflect the same values-led approach that underpins our work with girls and young women.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Strategic Leadership and Implementation
- Financial Strategy and Audit
- Culture and Operational Effectiveness
- People Planning and Management
- Compliance and Risk Management
- Governance, Communications and Facilities
About You:
We are seeking a values-led operational leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience in operations, finance, governance, HR, or organisational development.
- Experience within a charity, social enterprise, or purpose-driven organisation.
- Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
- Knowledge of charity governance, compliance, and risk management.
- Experience supporting organisational growth, change, or transformation.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- A commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-discriminatory practice.
- Experience working within a founder-led organisation.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally competent, or relational approaches.
- Understanding of the experiences of care-experienced or care-affected young people.
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Flexible working (1 day WFH per week)
£1,000 annual CPD budget
Pension contribution
Group Life Insurance
Free Thursday brunch
Our Values
At Sister System, we are:
- Evidence-Based
- Masterful
- Solution-Focused
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who share our commitment to race and gender equity and to improving outcomes for care-affected girls and young women.
Safeguarding
Sister System is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Second interviews: Week commencing 14 September 2026
Find out more about Sister System by visiting our website: www.sistersystem.org
Director of Operations employer: Sister System
Sister System is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering care-affected girls and young women through mentoring and educational support. Located in Tottenham, London, we offer a collaborative work culture that values equity and inclusion, alongside generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and a commitment to professional development. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Sister System.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Sister System.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Sister System.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Sister System. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Sister System. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Director of Operations, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sister System
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Sister System. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
