Dog Assistance in Disability (A.I.D.) is a unique organisation, empowering physically Disabled people to train their own pet dogs, supported by professional dog trainers as volunteers.
This is an exciting time for the charity as we have recently developed our new Strategic Plan, with support from Assistance Dogs UK. Our successful Emergency Appeal in 2025 demonstrated the wonderful support for our accredited model of physically Disabled people working with volunteer trainers to train their own dogs to meet and maintain our high training and welfare standards, set by Assistance Dogs International.
We are now looking to recruit a new Charity Manager to implement this Strategic Plan, supported by a committed Board of Trustees and small team. You will play a key role in developing our charity to support more physically Disabled people. As a small charity with a big impact, Dog A.I.D. needs a practical Charity Manager who is also a ‘Doer’.
Responsibilities
Charity and Staff Management
- Delegated responsibility for the day-to-day running of the charity, office administration, line management and supervision of the small staff team
- Liaison with HR support service, supported by the Chair and Treasurer
- Lead on digital development and liaison with external IT support service
- Lead on monitoring, evaluation and learning
- Lead on dealing with any concerns, complaints, or safeguarding issues, and act as the charity’s Designated
- Safeguarding Lead, supported by the
- Safeguarding Trustee and Chair
- Maintain the charity’s Risk Register
Strategic Development
- Operational implementation of the Board-led Strategic Plan including providing regular reports for trustees and members as required
- Develop and manage annual operational plans and reports, supported by
the Trustees - Working with the Client Representative Trustees, support clients (Disabled people with Assistance Dogs) to participate in the charity’s development
- Manage accreditation with Assistance Dogs International and standards
Promotion and Communications
- Promote the work of the charity positively and proactively, manage and ensure consistency of the charity brand across communications
- Liaison with Assistance Dogs International, Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) and fellow member organisations, including attendance at ADUK meetings
- Maintain and develop key relationships, supported by relevant staff and
trustees - Manage communications with members (clients and trainers)
Finance and Fundraising
- Work with the Treasurer and relevant staff to support the management of annual budgets, financial reporting and monitoring
- Operational implementation of the Fundraising Strategy, working with relevant staff and trustees
Governance and Compliance
- Support the Board of Trustees to ensure high standards of governance and compliance with all legal requirements affecting the charity
- Support the development of new processes, procedures and policies, with regular monitoring and reviews
- Health and Safety lead, responsible for completing any RIDDOR paperwork as and when required
Person Specification
Essential
- Previous experience of operational management, ideally in a small charity, line management of staff, project and change management
- Strong organisational and strategic management skills, with an ability to plan and prioritise own work and for others
- Effective communication and relationship management skills which offer a person centric approach
- Proficient in the use of IT, including Microsoft Office applications and databases
- Experience of volunteer management and support
- Ability to work flexibly and adapt quickly and positively to change
- Honesty, integrity and commitment to the charity’s objectives and cause
- A good understanding of and commitment to disability rights, equity, diversity and inclusion
Desirable
- Knowledge and understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements relating to charities, finance, employment and small organisations
- Awareness and understanding of the Social Model of Disability and the impact of Assistance Dog partnerships
Key Competencies
- Problem-solving skills
- Planning, organisational skills
- Communication skills
- Conflict management skills
- Teamwork
- Relationship management
How to apply
In order to apply, please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter via the link below with the subject as “Application for CEO role” to Isobel Michael, Deputy Chair by Friday 14th August.
For further info, please refer to the Recruitment Pack
Please mention Jobs With Animals when applying for this role.