At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate services to support survivors of gender-based violence.
- Company: Join Solace Women's Aid, a leading feminist organisation in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong support for staff development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of women and children affected by violence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex service environments and a commitment to feminist values.
The predicted salary is between 67617 - 75952 £ per year.
Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team at Solace Women's Aid. We exist to end the harm caused by gender-based violence. Our aim is to prevent violence and abuse, as well as provide services that meet the individual needs of survivors, particularly women and children. Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives free from abuse.
Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work, and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the UK's leading organisations supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, and other forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). You will join our Executive Leadership Team at a pivotal moment as we prepare to launch our new five-year strategy and shape the future of our services.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for a diverse portfolio of services. You'll lead a highly experienced senior management team, ensuring our services continue to deliver outstanding, survivor-centred support while driving innovation, quality, financial sustainability, and continuous improvement.
We're looking for an inspiring and values-led senior leader with experience of leading complex services at executive or director level. You'll have a strong track record of developing high-performing teams, building influential partnerships with commissioners and stakeholders, managing significant budgets and risk, and using data and insight to improve outcomes. Most importantly, you'll share our commitment to feminist, trauma-informed and anti-racist practice, ensuring survivors remain at the heart of everything we do.
Solace Women's Aid is London’s largest domestic abuse and sexual violence charity. We support survivors to build safe lives and strong futures by providing advice, counselling, refuge accommodation, community-based services and more. We tirelessly campaign to reduce violence against women and girls.
Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.
This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1. Section 7(2)(e) of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 applies. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.
Closing date: 17 August 2026.
Director of Services in London employer: Solace Womens Aid
Solace Women’s Aid is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the survivors they assist. Located in Enfield, the organisation provides extensive employee growth opportunities through training and development, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that underscores their commitment to fostering a positive work environment. Joining Solace means being part of a dedicated team that makes a meaningful impact in the community, ensuring that every day at work is rewarding and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Services in London
✨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 Solace Womens Aid.
✨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 Solace Womens Aid.
✨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 Solace Womens Aid.
✨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 Solace Womens Aid. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Services in London
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 Solace Womens Aid. 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 Services, 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 Solace Womens Aid
✨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 Solace Womens Aid. 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!
