Head Of Governance & Membership

Hire Ground; City Of London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A global charity organisation is seeking a Head of Secretariat to ensure effective governance and support high-level decision-making. This role involves leading Board meetings, engaging with members, and overseeing operational activities. Ideal candidates will have strong governance knowledge, exceptional organisational skills, and experience in a membership organisation. The position offers a salary up to £65K plus generous benefits including pension and private health.

Benefits

Generous pension

Private health insurance

Qualifications

• Experience in a membership organisation or charity, ideally at a senior coordination or governance level.
• Strong knowledge of good governance, charity compliance, and Board support.
• Exceptional organisational, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination of Board and Council meetings, including agenda planning and accurate minutes.
• Support the development and execution of membership engagement strategies.
• Provide leadership and development to the Secretariat team.
• Oversee internal and external communications to ensure clarity and engagement.
• Ensure compliance with data protection policies and maintain the organisation's risk register.

Skills

Knowledge of governance

Organisational skills

Stakeholder-management

Leadership

Communication skills

Job description

Head of Secretariat

Permanent Full-time Hybrid (Minimum 2/3 days/week office-based)

Do you have strong knowledge of governance and thrive in a mission-driven, membership-focused environment? Do you enjoy leading teams, strengthening organisational processes, and supporting high-level decision-making at the heart of a global charity? If so, this role offers a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a respected international organisation dedicated to improving health and rights worldwide.

My client is seeking a Head of Secretariat to play a central role in ensuring the smooth and effective governance, communications, and strategic coordination of the organisation. Working closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership, you will support the Board, Council, and member societies, ensuring governance systems are robust, transparent, and aligned with best practice.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Board Support

• Lead the coordination of Board and Council meetings, including agenda planning, papers, accurate minutes, and follow-up actions.
• Ensure full compliance with governance frameworks, regulatory requirements, and charity best practice.
• Maintain accurate governance records and support the planning of the General Assembly.

Membership Engagement

• Act as a central point of contact for global membership community.
• Support the development and execution of membership engagement strategies.
• Oversee planning for member events, including the General Assembly and Council gatherings.
• Lead the review and future implementation of an organisation-wide CRM system.

Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Provide leadership and development to the Secretariat team.
• Support cross-organisational coordination and strategic initiatives.
• Develop policies and procedures related to governance, communications, and membership.

Communications

• Oversee internal and external communications to ensure clarity, consistency, and engagement.
• Produce key reports, newsletters, and organisational updates.
• Act as liaison and spokesperson for Secretariat-related matters where appropriate.

Compliance & Risk

• Serve as Data Protection Officer and ensure compliance with data protection policies and requests.
• Maintain the organisation s risk register in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Support internal audits, external reviews, and policy management.

About You

• Experience in a membership organisation or charity, ideally at a senior coordination or governance level.
• Strong knowledge of good governance, charity compliance, and Board support.
• Exceptional organisational, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to lead a team and manage complex workflows with confidence and diplomacy.
• A proactive, solution-oriented approach and a commitment to supporting the mission and values of a global non-profit.

Why Join Us?

You will become part of a committed, purpose-driven team working to support impactful global work. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who wants to shape governance excellence, strengthen organisational effectiveness, and help build meaningful engagement with members across the world.

Apply now for immediate consideration. Salary up to 65K plus excellent benefits (including generous pension and private health)