COO

Role Overview: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of The Vavengers Charity. Working closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, the COO ensures the organisation operates efficiently, sustainably, and in accordance with its charitable objectives, governance requirements, and legal obligations. The COO will oversee the charity's day-to-day operations, work closely with the CEO to improve organisational systems and processes, manage operational risks, and support the delivery of high-quality frontline, campaigning and convening programmes while fostering a positive and inclusive organisational culture. Alongside the CEO and other team members, the COO is an inspiring leader who champions the charity's values, elevates its profile, and steers its work to influence national and international policy and advocacy, engage communities, and support survivors of violence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Support the CEO in delivering the charity's strategic plan.

• Translate strategic priorities into operational plans and measurable outcomes.

• Identify opportunities for organisational growth, innovation, and partnerships.

• Contribute to long-term sustainability planning and organisational development.

Operational Management

• Lead the day-to-day operational management of the charity.

• Develop and maintain effective operational policies, procedures, and systems.

• Ensure programmes and services are delivered efficiently, safely, and to a high standard and be an active delivery person for programmes.

• Manage the resources and visitors of Vavengers HQ and ensure the space is utilised effectively by ambassadors and members of the charity

• Monitor organisational performance and help produce an annual impact report

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with charity law, employment legislation, safeguarding requirements, data protection regulations, and relevant regulatory standards.

• Support the CEO and the Board of Trustees through timely reporting and implementation of governance decisions.

• Maintain organisational policies and ensure regular review and compliance.

• Oversee organisational risk management and business continuity planning.

Financial Oversight

• Work alongside the CEO and Treasurer to develop and monitor the annual budget and management accounts/cash flow.

• Ensure effective financial controls and value-for-money practices.

• Monitor operational expenditure and resource allocation.

• Actively participate in income-generating activities, including supporting grant applications, other fundraising initiatives, and partnership building.

• Support the CEO and board of trustees to produce annual accounts.

People Leadership

• Act as a key leader for incoming staff members, ambassadors and volunteers.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing trauma-informed workplace culture.

• Oversee recruitment, performance management, learning, and staff wellbeing.

• Oversee volunteer and ambassador management

Programme Delivery

• Ensure all programmes achieve planned objectives and demonstrate measurable impact, providing critical support and care to survivors and those at risk.

• Establish systems for monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

• Promote innovation and evidence-based practice across all service areas.

• Deliver support hubs in partnership with ambassadors

Partnerships and External Relations

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with funders, local authorities, community organisations, activists, corporate partners, government members and other stakeholders.

• Represent the charity at meetings, conferences, and partnership events as required.

• Support collaborative working across sectors to maximise impact.

Risk Management

• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.

• Ensure appropriate safeguarding, health and safety, and information security practices are maintained.

• Develop and oversee business continuity and crisis management procedures.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Significant leadership and campaigning experience within the charity, public, or private sector.

• Demonstrated success in operational management and organisational development.

• Experience managing budgets and financial planning.

• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory compliance.

• Proven ability to manage change and deliver organisational improvements.

• Excellent project and programme management skills.

Knowledge

• Charity governance and best practice.

• Financial management principles.

• Human resources and employment legislation.

• Risk management and organisational compliance.

• Monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

• Safeguarding and data protection requirements.

• Racial, social and gender justice.

Skills

• Strategic thinking with strong operational delivery.

• Outstanding leadership and people management.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Effective stakeholder engagement and partnership development.

• Excellent organisational and decision-making skills.

• Ability to balance strategic priorities with operational detail.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to shape the future of The Vavengers alongside inspiring leaders

• A Central London workspace

• Professional development opportunities

• A collaborative, led-by and for values-driven working environment in the gender justice sector

• The chance to lead positive change for the communities we serve

• A flexible working opportunity with an appropriate London living wage

• Staff wellbeing programmes

Equal Opportunities

The Vavengers Charity is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is respected, valued, and able to thrive. We are a led-by-and-for movement, and we encourage those with lived experience of Gender-Based Violence to apply for paid and unpaid positions in our organisation.

The Vavengers is an equal opportunity employer. In line with legal requirements and the nature of the work required for this role(running women-only safe spaces), we are seeking women-only applications as an occupational requirement under Schedule 9 Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.