Vacancies

About the Dorset Community Foundation

Dorset Community Foundation is a charity which was founded on 14 June 2000. It links private and public funders with small community projects across Dorset. It is an accredited member of UK Community Foundations, a national association which promotes and supports 47 Community Foundations across the country.

We work with individuals, companies and other organisations to assist in delivering their charitable aims and develop longer-term strategic giving programmes. This work enables us to distribute grant funding to Dorset based community groups and charities that provide services and support to people and communities within Bournemouth, Poole and across Dorset.

A small team of four full time and one part time members, we focus primarily on managing existing grant programmes, working closely with our fund holders and groups that need support as well as raising funds for future funding programmes.

Since 2000, the Foundation has grown from being a fledgling organisation to one that is firmly at the heart of community life in Dorset awarding millions of pounds during this time. Through its grant making and fundraising we have made a significant contribution to the lives of some of the county’s most disadvantaged people.

The Coronavirus emergency created a huge demand for support from hundreds of charities and groups, both established and emerging. Within days of the lock-down starting we set up our Coronavirus Community Fund and corresponding appeal which attracted donations from local companies, generous local individuals, charitable trusts and national funders and as a result we were able to award £1.5m in 2020. We have never been more relevant, acting fast and responding when Dorset needs it most.

Purpose of the role

Provide strategic leadership to Dorset Community Foundation, ensuring its sustainability, grow the endowment, and impact across the county. The Chief Executive is responsible for providing hands on leaderships to the Board and the team. They will lead the organisation’s strategic direction, produce a three-year strategy and develop strong partnerships, ensuring robust governance, and enabling the team to deliver DCF’s charitable objectives effectively and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Lead and produce the Foundation’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board.
• Ensure good governance, compliance, and transparency across all areas of operation.
• Provide a focal point for management advice to the Chair and Trustees, supporting them in fulfilling their responsibilities effectively, ensuring informed decision-making through clear reporting and communication.
• Demonstrate effective leadership skills which are seen as a model to employees while enabling DCF team members to achieve their full potential through personal development.
• Embed structured delegation to enable decision-making at appropriate levels and reduce operational bottlenecks.
• Represent DCF as a visible and respected leader in the charitable and community sectors.

Philanthropy & Relationship Management

• Lead and grow of DCF’s endowment and donor base through trusted relationships with individuals, corporates, and public sector partners.
• Represent DCF externally, developing and maintaining high-value partnerships with donors, the NHS, local authorities, and other key stakeholders.
• Act as an ambassador for philanthropy, inspiring giving across Dorset and promoting the Foundation’s impact and reputation.
• Ensure DCF’s grant-making reflects community needs and demonstrates measurable outcomes.

Operational & Financial Oversight

• Oversee effective resource management, ensuring the Foundation operates within budget and maintains financial sustainability.
• Work closely with the finance and operations managers to ensure appropriate controls, reporting, and accountability.
• Ensure risk management processes are embedded across all areas.
• Develop and implement operational plans, policies, and delegated authority frameworks that support effective delivery.

Board & Stakeholder Engagement

• Manage relationships with all Trustees, supporting the Chair in maintaining a structured communication approach.
• Provide productive board meetings, providing clear information and actionable recommendations.
• Strengthen DCF’s governance maturity through training and continuous improvement in board management practice.
• Report regularly on performance against strategy and impact outcomes.

Advocacy & External Representation

• Act as the public face of the Foundation, strengthening its profile, influence, and credibility locally and nationally.
• Champion community-led initiatives and ensure DCF’s work reflects and responds to local priorities.
• Engage in regional and national community foundation networks, contributing to sector development and policy dialogue.

Other

• Comply with all policies and procedures and with relevant legislation.
• Carry out other duties and lead specific projects as and when agreed with the Board of Trustees.