Executive Director Finance

Salary: £110,000 FTE + 6% pension

Location: London (Hybrid working: 2 days/week in office)

Contract: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours/week)

Anna Freud is a world-leading children’s mental health charity with over 70 years of pioneering research, innovation and practice. Its mission is to close the gap between mental illness and mental wellness for children, young people and their families—and to create a more compassionate society for all.

The organisation is entering a transformative new chapter and is seeking a visionary, values-driven Executive Director of Finance to join the Executive Team. This is more than a finance role; it is a strategic leadership opportunity with deep social purpose.

The Opportunity to Make a Lasting Impact

The Executive Director of Finance will work closely with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees to shape Anna Freud’s long-term financial and operational strategy.

They will oversee a talented team of professionals across Finance, IT, Facilities, Procurement, Risk and Information Governance—ensuring the systems, infrastructure and financial stewardship are in place to support ambitious goals and life-changing services.

This role will play a central part in finalising and delivering the organisation’s new corporate strategy—helping Anna Freud reach more children, young people and families with the support they deserve.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive strategic financial leadership: Translating vision into robust financial strategies, rolling 3-year business plans and sound capital management.
• Champion a culture of excellence and collaboration: Leading a multidisciplinary team of 21 with five direct reports, embedding proactive business partnering across the organisation.
• Ensure operational resilience and innovation: Overseeing IT and estates strategies to enhance systems, infrastructure and space planning.
• Lead information governance and risk management: Acting as Senior Information Risk Officer (SIRO) to maintain the highest standards of data protection and compliance.
• Enable ethical and impactful growth: Managing procurement and investment strategies that deliver best value while aligning with Anna Freud’s values and mission.
• Be a trusted advisor: Providing insight, challenge and confidence to the Executive Team, Board and stakeholders in pursuit of a more compassionate, mentally healthy society.

Candidate Profile

Anna Freud seeks a strategic, values-led finance leader who brings:

• Proven executive-level leadership in finance and operations within a complex, mission-driven organisation.
• Strong expertise in financial planning, governance and business partnering, with the ability to translate data into strategic decisions.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams (finance, IT, estates, risk, procurement).
• A collaborative and emotionally intelligent leadership style, leading with empathy, clarity and purpose.
• A deep commitment to inclusion, ethical practice and the wellbeing of children and young people.

Why Join Anna Freud?

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of mental health for generations to come. Anna Freud offers:

• A values-led culture with meaningful work
• Flexible, supportive hybrid working (2 days in-office)
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Competitive salary and generous benefits
• Access to professional development opportunities

Ready to lead with purpose?

Those inspired by the opportunity to lead finance and operations in an organisation rewriting the future of children’s mental health are encouraged to apply and help build a world where every child and young person can thrive.

To apply, please express your interest by contacting Rosemary Pini at Allen Lane, who is partnering with Anna Freud on this appointment. Rosemary will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the role.