The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required have also been included. Workplace role categories describe our approach to workplace attendance

Salary: £75,010 - £85,170 inclusive of all allowances. In addition, this post also attracts a Market Forces Supplement of up to £8,517 per annum.
Contractual Hours: 35 hours per week
Basis: Full time, Permanent 
Workplace category: Hybrid
Attachments: Job Information Pack

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About Heart of the City

Heart of the City is an independent charity, supported and housed by the City of London Corporation, dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) on their sustainability journeys. Since 2000, we’ve empowered thousands of SMEs to create inclusive workplaces, tackle social inequalities, and begin their journeys to net zero. Our work is funded by the City of London Corporation, SME memberships, and partnerships with local authorities and large organisations across London. Learn more at https://theheartofthecity.com/.

The Role

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Director to lead Heart of the City through its next phase of development. You will work closely with the Board to set strategic priorities, oversee all operations, and ensure the charity continues to deliver impactful programmes for SMEs. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading Heart of the City as an independent charity, both within and outside the City of London Corporation.
• Developing and delivering annual and three-year business plans, reporting progress to the Board, Council of Members, and funders.
• Managing a budget, and driving business development - diversifying income streams, while maintaining the charity’s vision and objectives.
• Embedding robust impact measurement across all streams of work.
• Representing Heart of the City at senior levels across public, private, and third sectors, and building relationships with key stakeholders.

About You

We are looking for a dynamic leader with:

• Relevant academic qualifications and professional experience in responsible business, sustainability, or related fields.
• Proven success in complex environments, managing multiple stakeholders and leading teams.
• Strong knowledge of responsible business in the UK, ideally with experience of Heart of the City’s work.
• Excellent networking, communication, influencing, and advocacy skills at senior levels.
• Experience in income generation, charity fundraising, and effective budget management.
• Ability to develop and maintain broad networks of partners and suppliers.
• Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to deliver outcomes in a fast-changing environment.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and to promoting health and safety.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a charity at the forefront of responsible business and sustainability in London. You will shape the future of Heart of the City, working with passionate colleagues and partners to make a real difference for SMEs and the communities they serve.

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Closing date: 12 Noon on Monday 19th January 2026

To apply online please click the Apply online button below.  

Alternatively, please contact 020 7332 3978 (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number OOIG985 if you experience any difficulties.  A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732. 

The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. 

We reserve the right to close the advert earlier should we receive a high number of applications. 

Because our roles are so varied, we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ policy for workplace attendance. How many days a week you’ll be required to attend your workplace will depend on the requirements of your role. It’s important that you understand the requirements before applying to ensure you are able to meet them. We are committed to considering requests to work flexibly and job share. Requests will be considered by the recruiting manager in line with our policies and business needs. 

For more information on our categories for workplace attendance, please view our guide here.   

We will be reviewing this policy and approach at regular intervals to ensure we’re meeting our attendance needs.