Hours: Part time, circa 30 hours per week (flexible working considered)
Supporting Older People (SOP) is a Harrogate-based charity tackling loneliness and social isolation among older people in Harrogate and Knaresborough. With a dedicated staff team and around 94 volunteers, SOP delivers a befriending service, group activities and outings that help older people stay connected.
SOP is seeking an experienced Charity Director to lead its small team, support its volunteers and work with the Board of Trustees to shape the charity’s future. The role offers an opportunity to sustain and grow funding, strengthen partnerships and make a real difference in the local community.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading the day-to-day work of SOP, managing a small staff team and supporting volunteers
- Maintaining relationships with existing funders, securing new funding and income while overseeing grant reporting
- Developing partnerships with local authorities, community groups and service providers
- Working closely with the Board of Trustees on strategy, finances, risk and the future
- Overseeing day-to-day operations and financial administration alongside the Treasurer
- Ensuring safe, high-quality services and promoting good safeguarding and volunteering practice
You will bring experience of leading or managing within a charity, community organisation or similar setting, alongside a track record of securing and managing grant or trust funding. Strong relationship-building skills, good financial and administrative understanding, and the confidence to manage a small team and work hands-on are essential.
You will be organised, self-motivated and comfortable working autonomously, with a warm, empathetic approach and a genuine commitment to tackling loneliness and isolation among older people.
This is an opportunity to lead a valued local charity, build on its strong community relationships and help shape the next stage of its work. The successful candidate will start by mid-March 2027, allowing time for a handover before the current Director retires on 31 March 2027.
Interviews: Weeks commencing 26 November to 4 December 2026
Supporting Older People CIO is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
