Project Lead (Fixed term to Permanent) - Free to Fly

Charisma Charity Recruitment; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A charitable organization in Portsmouth is seeking a Project Lead to oversee operations and launch their project. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in charity operations, excellent communication skills, and a strong commitment to safeguarding. This part-time position offers flexible hours and the potential for a permanent contract after one year.

Qualifications

• Experienced in charity operations, including finance, HR, marketing, and fundraising.
• Skilled in safeguarding and survivor support, with experience working with victims of abuse.
• Organised, analytical, and self-motivated with a results-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operational and strategic functions of the charity.
• Agree budgets and manage finances with the support of the Board and accountants.
• Represent the charity at meetings, events, and in the media.

Skills

Charity operations experience

Trauma informed and safeguarding experience

Excellent communication and networking

Leadership ability

High computer literacy (Microsoft 365)

Job description

Free To Fly is a registered charity supporting expectant mothers to leave abusive relationships and protect their unborn babies. Following successful fundraising and network-building in Portsmouth, they have appointed Charisma to support the recruitment of a Project Lead, to lead and launch their Portsmouth project.

As their first paid employee, the Project Lead, reporting to the Board of Trustees, will lead the day to day operational, strategic and business functions of the charity. You will be agreeing budgets and managing finances (with support and input from our Board and accountants), recruiting and mentoring volunteer teams, ambassadors, and future paid team members, driving fundraising via corporate partnerships, individual giving, events, and other income streams. With a responsibility for ensuring the charity’s sustainability, growth, and impact you will be the face and voice, representing the charity at meetings, events and in the media.

The successful candidate will be:

• Experienced in charity operations, including finance, HR, marketing, and fundraising, with a strong understanding of policy compliance and development.
• Trauma informed and skilled in safeguarding and survivor support, with experience working sensitively with victims/survivors of abuse and protecting vulnerable adults and children.
• Excellent communicator and networker, able to build strong partnerships and represent the charity with professionalism and empathy.
• Organised, analytical, and self-motivated, with proven leadership ability, high computer literacy (Microsoft 365), and a results-focused, KPI-driven approach.
• Values-led and committed to growth, demonstrating flexibility, reliability, and alignment with the charity’s ethos and commitment to continuous development.

You will be based in Portsmouth, willing to travel and work occasional unsociable hours, with your own vehicle covered by business use insurance. This is a home-based role, and it is essential that you can work in a private working space with secure WIFI.

An Enhanced DBS check is also required (exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974).

Your application should include your CV including full work history, and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Please note that in accordance with paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010, this role within the charity is subject to an occupational requirement to recruit only an individual who is biologically female, due to the specific nature of the duties involved.

Contract: 1 yr Fixed Term contract with potential to become permanent

Hours: Part time 26 hours per week, Flexible working

Closing date: 14th December 2025

Applications are being reviewed by Charisma on a rolling basis, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.