Director of Income and External Affairs

VoiceAbility is seeking an exceptional Director of Income & External Affairs to join our Executive Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping our future direction.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this senior leadership role will provide strategic leadership across two key areas: External Affairs and Commercial Growth. The postholder will lead VoiceAbility's approach to public affairs, communications, brand, stakeholder engagement, government relations and strategic partnerships, while also overseeing the Business Development function, commercial strategy, bid and tender activity, pipeline management and sustainable income growth.

This is a high-impact opportunity to strengthen VoiceAbility's influence and reputation whilst driving commercial success and long-term organisational sustainability. The successful candidate will lead and develop both the External Affairs and Business Development teams, ensuring a joined-up approach to market positioning, commissioner and stakeholder engagement, income generation, funding opportunities and strategic growth.

Working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, the postholder will help position VoiceAbility as the leading national voice of independent advocacy, building strong relationships across government, policymakers, commissioners, partners and funders while identifying and securing opportunities that enable the organisation to grow its impact and reach.

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About you

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational senior leader who can bring strategic vision, strong external relationships and a track record of delivering meaningful organisational growth. You will have significant leadership experience across external affairs, communications, fundraising, commercial business development or related areas, with experience developing and delivering strategy at a national or organisational level.

You will have a proven ability to identify and secure growth opportunities, develop high-quality business development pipelines and translate strategic relationships into sustainable income and impact. Experience of leading business development, bid and tender activity, income generation and market growth, alongside building organisational profile, influence and stakeholder engagement, will be essential.

The successful candidate will be equally comfortable shaping external affairs strategy, influencing key stakeholders and policymakers, and leading commercial growth through effective pipeline development, opportunity conversion and the successful delivery of business development objectives.

How will you make a difference?

You will play a central role in enabling the organisation to deliver its mission and maximise its impact. You will lead and develop VoiceAbility's external affairs, communications, stakeholder engagement, partnership and business development functions, strengthening our influence, profile and relationships while driving sustainable growth through effective pipeline development, income generation and successful bid activity.

You will contribute to the delivery of VoiceAbility's strategic objectives and process improvement programmes, working in alignment with organisational governance, priorities and timelines. Through your leadership, you will help identify and secure opportunities that expand our reach, enhance our services and create long-term value for the people we support.

In all aspects of your work, you will uphold VoiceAbility's values and commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred advocacy and support.

Benefits 

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service 

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution 

Salary sacrifices pension scheme 

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary) 

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc 

24/7 Employee Assistance programme 

Access to remote counselling service 

Paid Disability Leave 

Paid compassionate Leave 

Home Working Allowance  

How are staff supported to work remotely? 

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).  

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact myhr@voiceability.org for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; Midnight on 28th October 2026, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date. 

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

VoiceAbility Recruitment Team