Common Wheel is a Glasgow-based charity dedicated to supporting people with mental health issues. Our vision is for individuals to live meaningful, satisfying lives and contribute to society. Our mission focuses on improving mental wellbeing, building skills, reducing isolation, and challenging stigma through creative, practical activities like music, art, bike building, and climbing. We have been supporting people manage or recover from mental illness for 25 years. We work in the community, in hospital wards and care homes and at our 2 purpose-built bike workshops in Maryhill and Glasgow.

Role Overview

The Charity Manager will lead the day-to-day operations of Common Wheel, ensuring the effective delivery of programmes, sound financial management, communications as well as contributing to successful fundraising. With an annual income of between £250,000 and £300,000, the charity is at a pivotal stage of growth and impact. The Manager will play a key role in shaping strategy, managing the team, and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage a small team of 7-10 staff, a pool of freelance practitioners and a team of volunteers.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organisational culture.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees to develop and implement strategic plans.

Programme Delivery

• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of all programmes and services, such as build-your-own-bike workshops, climbing, art, music and others.
• Ensure programmes align with the charity’s mission and deliver measurable impact to participants.
• Monitor performance and report on outcomes to funders and trustees.

Fundraising & Income Generation

• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to sustain and grow income.
• Cultivate relationships with funders, grant-makers, corporate partners, referrers and community supporters.
• Work with our Fundraiser to prepare funding applications and manage grant reporting requirements.

Finance & Governance

• Manage the charity’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and compliance.
• Oversee financial reporting, including monthly management accounts and annual audits, working with our finance manager and treasurer.
• Ensure compliance with charity legal and regulatory requirements.

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the charity externally, acting as a spokesperson and champion for Common Wheel when required.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including beneficiaries, partners, and funders.
• Oversee marketing, communications, and public relations activities.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in charity management or a leadership role in an equivalent organisation.
• Strong understanding of fundraising, financial management, and governance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on operational capability.
• Interest in mental health and a commitment to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Desirable

• Experience working with a charity of similar size and scope.
• Knowledge of the charity’s sector or beneficiary group.
• Familiarity with regulation, relevant systems and processes