At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at our cricket centre and drive impactful charity initiatives.
- Company: The Change Foundation, a charity transforming lives through sport.
- Benefits: Professional growth, training opportunities, 25 days annual leave, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to making a real difference in communities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a charity with a rich history and empower young people.
- Qualifications: Experienced leader with a passion for social change and strong financial skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
The Change Foundation are seeking an experienced, passionate leader to join us as a Director. The successful candidate will lead our cricket centre and oversee the charity’s operations, driving forward our ambitious strategy: The Next Five 2026–2031. This role is perfect for someone with lived experience who understands the transformative power of sport and wants to shape a future where every young person feels seen, safe, and supported.
About us
London was burning in 1981. The Brixton Riots exposed the deep cracks in our communities, and from that moment of unrest, a spark of hope emerged. A young cricketer invited local kids to join him on the pitch instead of moving them aside. That simple act became the London Community Cricket Association — now The Change Foundation — a charity that uses sport to transform lives, create safe spaces, and empower young people to grow free from fear. Today, we continue that legacy through innovative, values-led programmes that challenge broken systems and build lasting impact.
Our home: The Cricket Centre, Sutton
From the heart of Sutton, The Cricket Centre stands as more than just a building; it’s our home and the place where change begins. It’s where our team works to drive the mission of The Change Foundation forward, where young people find belonging through sport and mentoring, and where the energy of the community helps sustain our work through events and facility hire. But our impact reaches far beyond these walls. Across Greater London and beyond, our social change coaches bring our values to life, delivering programmes in the very communities that need them most. They know the people, they know the places, and they understand what it takes to create lasting change.
Key responsibilities
- Manage the day-to-day running of the cricket centre, leading it into a new era of values-led income generation.
- Take ownership of initiatives to grow income generation at the cricket centre.
- Oversee all operational aspects of the charity and organise the annual charity calendar.
- Work with the Head of Finance to manage operational budgets.
- Attend board and sub-committee meetings, providing updates on operational developments.
- Develop strategic partnerships to enhance the charity’s impact.
- Lead, mentor, and manage all operational staff.
- Deliver the objectives outlined in The Next Five 2026–2031 strategy.
Who we are looking for
- Experienced operational leader with a passion for social change and sport.
- Strong financial acumen and ability to manage budgets.
- Skilled in building partnerships and generating income.
- Committed to values-led leadership and empowerment of staff and participants.
- Lived experience within the communities the charity serves is highly valued.
This is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of a charity with a rich history of transforming lives through sport. If you are ready to lead with courage, empathy, and vision, helping young people thrive in safe, empowering spaces, we want to hear from you.
Director of operations in Sutton employer: Sportanddev
The Change Foundation is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative initiatives in the heart of Sutton. With a strong commitment to professional growth, our team enjoys regular training, annual away days, and access to an Innovation Fund to foster creativity. Join us in shaping a future where every young person feels seen and supported, all while working in a values-driven environment that prioritises community impact and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of operations in Sutton
✨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 Sportanddev.
✨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 Sportanddev.
✨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 Sportanddev.
✨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 Sportanddev. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of operations in Sutton
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 Sportanddev. 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 Sportanddev
✨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 Sportanddev. 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!
