The COO will translate BLiM's mission and strategy and ensure its well-run, properly resourced, with its ambitious day-to-day delivery. You will free the CEO to focus on strategic leadership and external influence by owning operations, people management, financial oversight and internal systems. The COO will be a senior leader who shapes organisational culture, makes operational decisions, manages complex stakeholder relationships and drives the performance of a passionate, high-commitment team. You will be the person the organisation looks to when it needs clarity, stability and momentum. The COO joins at a moment of leadership transition following the departure of BLiM's co-founder and Director of Operations. Why Join Us: Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing racial equity across the UK music industry. We amplify the voices of Black artists, music professionals and communities; drive systemic change; and hold the industry accountable for meaningful progress. Through research, advocacy, programming and strategic partnerships, BLiM creates the conditions for Black talent to thrive. BLiM has published ground-breaking research including the Being Black in the UK Music Industry report, produced the UK's first Black classical music festival in Classically Black, influenced government policy on live music licensing, and built a network of over 100 partner organisations across the four nations. BLiM is now entering a new phase of its development, with a strengthened leadership team, a Target Operating Model designed to carry the organisation beyond its founding era, and an ambition to become the UK's most influential voice for racial equity in music. Person Specification Essential Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally as a COO, Head of Operations or Director of Operations in a charity, social enterprise or purpose-driven organisation. Demonstrable track record of building and improving operational infrastructure: systems, processes, policies and ways of working that make organisations more effective and resilient. Proven people management experience, including line management of senior staff, performance development, recruitment and team culture-building. Strong financial literacy, including experience of budget management, grant compliance, financial reporting and working with a board finance function. Experience of leading or supporting governance processes, including board reporting, risk management and compliance. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational information into clear, accessible reports and presentations for senior stakeholders. A genuine, demonstrable commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the specific systemic barriers faced by Black professionals, artists and communities. The emotional intelligence and interpersonal skill to lead with care, build trust quickly and navigate complex relationships under pressure. The resilience and adaptability to thrive in a small, fast-paced, mission-driven organisation where the work is varied, the stakes are high and no day is the same. Desirable Experience of working in or with the music industry, creative industries or arts and culture sector. Familiarity with Arts Council England funding frameworks, charity law and the regulatory environment for non-profit organisations. Experience of implementing or managing a CRM system, project management platform or other operational technology. Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and how to embed inclusive practice into operational systems and culture. Experience of leading an organisation through a period of significant change, transition or growth. An existing network within the UK music sector, creative industries or racial equity and social justice space.
May 14, 2026
Full time
The COO will translate BLiM's mission and strategy and ensure its well-run, properly resourced, with its ambitious day-to-day delivery. You will free the CEO to focus on strategic leadership and external influence by owning operations, people management, financial oversight and internal systems. The COO will be a senior leader who shapes organisational culture, makes operational decisions, manages complex stakeholder relationships and drives the performance of a passionate, high-commitment team. You will be the person the organisation looks to when it needs clarity, stability and momentum. The COO joins at a moment of leadership transition following the departure of BLiM's co-founder and Director of Operations. Why Join Us: Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing racial equity across the UK music industry. We amplify the voices of Black artists, music professionals and communities; drive systemic change; and hold the industry accountable for meaningful progress. Through research, advocacy, programming and strategic partnerships, BLiM creates the conditions for Black talent to thrive. BLiM has published ground-breaking research including the Being Black in the UK Music Industry report, produced the UK's first Black classical music festival in Classically Black, influenced government policy on live music licensing, and built a network of over 100 partner organisations across the four nations. BLiM is now entering a new phase of its development, with a strengthened leadership team, a Target Operating Model designed to carry the organisation beyond its founding era, and an ambition to become the UK's most influential voice for racial equity in music. Person Specification Essential Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally as a COO, Head of Operations or Director of Operations in a charity, social enterprise or purpose-driven organisation. Demonstrable track record of building and improving operational infrastructure: systems, processes, policies and ways of working that make organisations more effective and resilient. Proven people management experience, including line management of senior staff, performance development, recruitment and team culture-building. Strong financial literacy, including experience of budget management, grant compliance, financial reporting and working with a board finance function. Experience of leading or supporting governance processes, including board reporting, risk management and compliance. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational information into clear, accessible reports and presentations for senior stakeholders. A genuine, demonstrable commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the specific systemic barriers faced by Black professionals, artists and communities. The emotional intelligence and interpersonal skill to lead with care, build trust quickly and navigate complex relationships under pressure. The resilience and adaptability to thrive in a small, fast-paced, mission-driven organisation where the work is varied, the stakes are high and no day is the same. Desirable Experience of working in or with the music industry, creative industries or arts and culture sector. Familiarity with Arts Council England funding frameworks, charity law and the regulatory environment for non-profit organisations. Experience of implementing or managing a CRM system, project management platform or other operational technology. Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and how to embed inclusive practice into operational systems and culture. Experience of leading an organisation through a period of significant change, transition or growth. An existing network within the UK music sector, creative industries or racial equity and social justice space.
Are you passionate about building relationships to drive meaningful change to make a real difference in people s lives? Samaritans is the UK and Ireland s leading suicide prevention charity. While we are best known for listening to those who need us, we also work to influence change through our advocacy campaigning and relationships with political stakeholders. We are looking for a Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer to join our team and help influence decision makers and mobilise our campaigners to achieve our vision of fewer lives lost to suicide. You ll play a pivotal role in delivering inspiring public affairs and advocacy campaign activity that help achieve our policy and influencing aims, resulting in lasting system change. About the Role As Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer, you will lead on the development and delivery of impactful advocacy campaigns and public affairs activity, managing supporter journeys and mobilisation, as well as political engagement. It involves building strong relationships with parliamentarians, Samaritans branches and people with lived experience, while producing high quality campaign actions, briefings, events, and intelligence to influence change. Contract £30,000-£33,000 per annum plus benefits Full Time (35hrs per week) Permanent Hybrid working with link to Ewell office In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days per month. This role will also involve regular travel to Westminster. We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences What You ll Do Develop and deliver effective advocacy campaign actions. Manage campaign data, mailing lists and inboxes. Support strategy development for campaigns and lead community mobilisation. Promote our campaigning work internally and externally. Build and maintain public affairs relationships, particularly with parliamentarians. Monitor parliamentary developments and identify opportunities for influencing. Coordinate political engagement events. Provide secretariat support to relevant APPGs. What You ll Bring Strong experience designing impactful advocacy campaigns. Solid understanding of public affairs and the Westminster environment. Excellent communication, facilitation and relationship building skills. Highly organised, proactive and adaptable, with strong project and time management skills. (Desirable) Knowledge of suicide prevention and mental health policy, local and regional political structures, and experience within complex service delivery charities. Full Job Description and Person Specification attached Why Samaritans? At Samaritans, you ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives. We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported. You ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this. We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. Apply now If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to some answer short application questions (please keep your answers to max 300 words) and to upload your CV. Applications close:09:00am on Tuesday 2nd June Interviews: w/c 15th June At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through.
May 14, 2026
Full time
Are you passionate about building relationships to drive meaningful change to make a real difference in people s lives? Samaritans is the UK and Ireland s leading suicide prevention charity. While we are best known for listening to those who need us, we also work to influence change through our advocacy campaigning and relationships with political stakeholders. We are looking for a Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer to join our team and help influence decision makers and mobilise our campaigners to achieve our vision of fewer lives lost to suicide. You ll play a pivotal role in delivering inspiring public affairs and advocacy campaign activity that help achieve our policy and influencing aims, resulting in lasting system change. About the Role As Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer, you will lead on the development and delivery of impactful advocacy campaigns and public affairs activity, managing supporter journeys and mobilisation, as well as political engagement. It involves building strong relationships with parliamentarians, Samaritans branches and people with lived experience, while producing high quality campaign actions, briefings, events, and intelligence to influence change. Contract £30,000-£33,000 per annum plus benefits Full Time (35hrs per week) Permanent Hybrid working with link to Ewell office In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days per month. This role will also involve regular travel to Westminster. We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences What You ll Do Develop and deliver effective advocacy campaign actions. Manage campaign data, mailing lists and inboxes. Support strategy development for campaigns and lead community mobilisation. Promote our campaigning work internally and externally. Build and maintain public affairs relationships, particularly with parliamentarians. Monitor parliamentary developments and identify opportunities for influencing. Coordinate political engagement events. Provide secretariat support to relevant APPGs. What You ll Bring Strong experience designing impactful advocacy campaigns. Solid understanding of public affairs and the Westminster environment. Excellent communication, facilitation and relationship building skills. Highly organised, proactive and adaptable, with strong project and time management skills. (Desirable) Knowledge of suicide prevention and mental health policy, local and regional political structures, and experience within complex service delivery charities. Full Job Description and Person Specification attached Why Samaritans? At Samaritans, you ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives. We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported. You ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this. We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. Apply now If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to some answer short application questions (please keep your answers to max 300 words) and to upload your CV. Applications close:09:00am on Tuesday 2nd June Interviews: w/c 15th June At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through.
Help shape a future where fewer people die by suicide Samaritans is entering an exciting new chapter, focused on transforming how we deliver support to those in greatest need. We re seeking a Project Officer to support and coordinate activity in our South East pathfinder region. In this important role you ll work with the Project Manager to support the implementation of Samaritans Future Proofing project plan within your region. You ll provide regular updates on activity and progress, highlighting risks and issues when needed. Communication is key to success in this role. You will work closely with volunteers, staff and other stakeholders to successfully deliver the project. You ll act as a key contact for branches in your region to coordinate their involvement and activity, and work with our internal and external communications teams to support with project updates. If you re organised and great at keeping things on track, with a desire to contribute to future of Samaritans lifesaving service, then we d love to hear from you. Contract terms: £33,000 - £35,000 per annum, plus benefits 24-month fixed term contract Full time hours are 35 hours per week, but we are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences Linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office, with significant travel round the South East region. In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. It is anticipated that the post holder will be based in the region on average two days per week and the successful candidate should live within close proximity of the Region. In-person meetings will be held in Ewell once to twice a month. See attached regional map. What you'll do: Support the development of detailed project plans Coordinate and monitor the delivery of the project plan within your pathfinder region Create and maintain up to date project documentation Support with communications to relevant internal and external stakeholders Organise, facilitate and document meetings Work closely with volunteers to capture learning What you ll bring: Experience providing support to projects, ideally within a large-scale transformation programme Experience creating and maintaining project documentation, including project plans, risk registers and action trackers Confidence engaging and building relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders Strong IT skills, with platforms such as Microsoft Office and Zoom Formal project management qualifications or training would be advantageous For full Job Description and Person Specification click here Why Samaritans? At Samaritans, you ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives. We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported. You ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this. We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. Apply now If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to some answer short application questions and to upload your CV. Applications close: 09:00am on Thursday 28th May Interviews: w/c 8th June At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through.
May 14, 2026
Full time
Help shape a future where fewer people die by suicide Samaritans is entering an exciting new chapter, focused on transforming how we deliver support to those in greatest need. We re seeking a Project Officer to support and coordinate activity in our South East pathfinder region. In this important role you ll work with the Project Manager to support the implementation of Samaritans Future Proofing project plan within your region. You ll provide regular updates on activity and progress, highlighting risks and issues when needed. Communication is key to success in this role. You will work closely with volunteers, staff and other stakeholders to successfully deliver the project. You ll act as a key contact for branches in your region to coordinate their involvement and activity, and work with our internal and external communications teams to support with project updates. If you re organised and great at keeping things on track, with a desire to contribute to future of Samaritans lifesaving service, then we d love to hear from you. Contract terms: £33,000 - £35,000 per annum, plus benefits 24-month fixed term contract Full time hours are 35 hours per week, but we are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences Linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office, with significant travel round the South East region. In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. It is anticipated that the post holder will be based in the region on average two days per week and the successful candidate should live within close proximity of the Region. In-person meetings will be held in Ewell once to twice a month. See attached regional map. What you'll do: Support the development of detailed project plans Coordinate and monitor the delivery of the project plan within your pathfinder region Create and maintain up to date project documentation Support with communications to relevant internal and external stakeholders Organise, facilitate and document meetings Work closely with volunteers to capture learning What you ll bring: Experience providing support to projects, ideally within a large-scale transformation programme Experience creating and maintaining project documentation, including project plans, risk registers and action trackers Confidence engaging and building relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders Strong IT skills, with platforms such as Microsoft Office and Zoom Formal project management qualifications or training would be advantageous For full Job Description and Person Specification click here Why Samaritans? At Samaritans, you ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives. We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported. You ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this. We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. Apply now If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to some answer short application questions and to upload your CV. Applications close: 09:00am on Thursday 28th May Interviews: w/c 8th June At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through.
