Head of Community Development Finance

Personal learning and development opportunities Annual leave and additional leave Service related pension scheme Maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave and pay Personal Learning & Development Service Related Pension Scheme Health Care Cash Plan Salary:As per Secondment Policy Location:London Contract Type:Secondment (20 months) Hours:Full Time This is a {Advertised Permanent / Temporary}, {Advertised Full Time / Part Time} vacancy that will close in 3 days at 23:59 BST.

The Vacancy The Vacancy Our Islamic Relief UK team is seeking a Head of Community Finance, Governance & Strategy to establish and lead an exciting new Community Finance function that will transform access to ethical and inclusive financial services for underserved communities across the UK. This is a unique opportunity to build a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) from the ground up, shaping strategy, governance, regulatory compliance, operations and partnerships while delivering meaningful social impact.

As Head of Community Finance, Governance & Strategy, you will lead the end-to-end creation of a UK CDFI, including legal and governance structures, regulatory authorisation, operational design, capital mobilisation and pilot delivery. Working closely with senior leadership, external partners, regulators and stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in developing innovative financial solutions that are rooted in Islamic Relief’s values and principles and safeguarding expectations and regulatory requirements.

About the Role Reporting directly to the Director of Islamic Relief UK, you will lead the end‑to‑end creation of a UK CDFI, including legal set‑up, governance, policy framework, operational design, capital mobilisation and regulatory engagement, and to initiate controlled pilot operations that demonstrate need, impact and viability. You will act as programme lead and (where required) nominated senior manager for regulatory applications, ensuring that the CDFI meets all prudential, conduct, AML/CTF and data protection expectations prior to any lending or customer onboarding.

The role works closely with the IRUK Director and Steering Committee to provide clear plans, risk reporting and decision papers, and will build effective partnerships to support product design, referrals, customer support and investment readiness. About You You will have a proven ability to build partnerships, navigate complex regulatory environments and lead major programmes from concept through to implementation.

Most importantly, you will share Islamic Relief's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting ethical approaches to economic empowerment, and a strong commitment to creating positive social impact. You will have: Significant leadership experience in community finance, retail/consumer lending, financial inclusion, social investment or a related regulated financial services environment.

Proven track record of designing and launching financial products and operations (including underwriting, affordability, collections, complaints handling and customer support). Strong understanding of UK regulatory expectations relevant to lending and customer-facing financial services (e.g., consumer credit, AML/CTF, sanctions, data protection, vulnerable customers, financial promotions as applicable).

Experience leading governance and risk management processes, preparing Board/committee papers and managing stakeholders to decision. Excellent programme leadership skills: planning, budgeting, delivery management, prioritisation and reporting against milestones and KPIs. Strong analytical capability (financial modelling, portfolio performance, credit/risk MI) with the ability to translate analysis into clear recommendations.

Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and build trusted relationships with community partners and funders. Commitment to IRW/IRUK values and the ability to work sensitively and