At a glance

Skills

Campaigning
Event management
Marketing strategy
Social media marketing
Change management
Project / programme management
Advice / Advocacy
Mentoring / Coaching
Social care / Counselling

Where

Remote, W1W 7LT

Mainly at home

Time

Either in or out of office hours Estimate of time needed:
7-15 hours / week

Deadline

20 Sep 2025

Visitors from Fifth Day

Welcome to Reach Volunteering. We are a community and registered charity that connects people, skills and good causes.

To apply for this role, and any other on our platform, you need to be based in the UK, have at least three years of experience using the skills you wish to volunteer in a professional capacity or have lived experience (for trustee roles). Read more about our criteria.

We’re a small charity with a big heart! Disability Equals Ability (DEA) is a UK-registered charity seeking a Volunteer COO to enhance operations, visibility, and income growth with trustees based in the UK and abroad

What will you be doing?

Disability Equals Ability (DEA) is a charity that champions disability inclusion, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive. Although we’re a small organisation, our heart beats loud and strong, driving positive change across the UK and Africa.

With a committed group of trustees based both in the UK and overseas, we bring a diverse range of expertise and perspectives to our mission. As our Volunteer Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will play a critical role in ensuring DEA operates efficiently, grows sustainably, and builds meaningful relationships with corporate partners and sponsors.

Reporting directly to the Founder and Trustees, you will balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight to drive the charity forward. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference by shaping the future of a charity.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee day-to-day operational management to ensure seamless delivery of DEA’s initiatives.
Lead and manage a dedicated team of volunteers, fostering a positive and inclusive culture.
Prepare agendas and documentation for trustee and volunteer meetings.
Represent DEA at public events to build awareness and connections.
Plan and execute impactful events that showcase DEA’s work and mission.
Collaborate with the social media team to increase awareness and support.
Lead efforts to grow DEA’s supporter base and strengthen donor relationships.
Use your knowledge and networks to build strong relationships with corporate sponsors, grant funders, and community partners
Collaborate with the Founder and Trustees to develop and execute DEA’s strategic vision.
Identify opportunities to strengthen DEA’s financial position and secure sustainable income streams.

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking an experienced and dedicated Volunteer Chief Operating Officer (COO) who can bring strategic leadership, operational excellence, and financial sustainability to Disability Equals Ability (DEA). The ideal candidate will work closely with the Founder and Trustees to ensure that DEA continues to grow and effectively deliver on its mission.

Skills, Experience, and Qualities:

Leadership: Ability to lead teams effectively, inspire volunteers, and work closely with the Trustees and Founder to guide the strategic direction of the charity.
Proven ability to increase income generation through partnerships, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives.
Partnership & Sponsorship Development: Skilled in building and nurturing relationships with corporate sponsors, donors, and community partners to secure financial support and collaborations.
Strategic Planning: Experience in developing and executing long-term strategies and goals, ensuring the charity’s operational and financial growth. A strategic thinker who can translate ideas into actionable plans.
Communication & Marketing: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to engage stakeholders, donors, partners, and the broader community. Experience in marketing and branding for charities is a bonus.
Operational Excellence: Strong organisational skills with experience overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring the charity’s initiatives run smoothly and efficiently. Ability to implement systems and processes to improve operational efficiency.
Passion for Disability Inclusion: A deep commitment to the values and mission of Disability Equals Ability, with a passion for advocating for disability inclusion and empowerment.

Qualities:

Proactive & Results-driven: Able to take initiative, solve problems, and drive projects forward.
Collaborative & Supportive: Ability to work as part of a team, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and support volunteers effectively.
Adaptable & Flexible: Comfortable with change and can pivot strategies as necessary in a small charity environment.

What difference will you make?

By stepping into this role, you will help scale a small charity with a big heart, ensuring DEA has the operational strength, financial resilience, and community engagement needed to expand its impact. Your contributions will:

Increase DEA’s visibility and donor support.
Build sustainable partnerships to generate long-term income.
Empower DEA to deliver more high-impact programs to individuals with disabilities.

About Disability Equals Ability

Causes

Learning disabilities / difficulties

Physical disabilities

Poverty relief

Young people

Organisation type:

Charity

We focus on empowering and supporting young people with disabilities by providing advice, raising awareness and carrying out research that informs the advancement of the rights of people with...