Governance Manager
Salary: £55k-60k
Location: London, with some hybrid working.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 to 17:00, with occasional evening commitments.
Holiday: 33 days (including Bank Holidays).
Other benefits: Life insurance, 8% pension (increased to 10% if the employee also contributes 2%), healthcare cash plan, training and development, staff socials, birthday day-off.
The Royal Aeronautical Society is the world's oldest professional body dedicated to aviation, aerospace and space. From our headquarters in London, we support a global community of specialists, promote professional standards and champion the advancement of aeronautical engineering.
We are seeking an experienced Governance Manager to lead the Society's governance, compliance and risk functions. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and working closely with the CEO, you will ensure the Board of Trustees, Council and Committees operate effectively and in line with our Royal Charter, By-laws, Regulations and all relevant charity and legal requirements.
In this role, you will oversee meeting cycles, provide high‑quality secretariat support, administer AGMs and ballots, manage key constitutional processes, coordinate risk and assurance activities, and support the Data Protection Officer. You will also provide authoritative advice to senior volunteers and executives, ensure transparent member communications, and line-manage the Governance Executive. The role includes hybrid working, with attendance at our London office required on a weekly basis.
About you
You bring strong governance expertise, clear communication and meticulous organisation. You are confident supporting Boards and senior volunteers, experienced in managing complex governance cycles, and comfortable providing proportionate, practical advice. You work with integrity, discretion and sound judgement, and you take a proactive, collaborative approach to applying and strengthening governance across an organisation.
Essential experience
* Delivering governance and secretariat support to Boards and committees including agendas, papers, minutes and action tracking.
* Administering AGMs, elections and member communications.
* Coordinating risk management, internal audit and business continuity activities.
* Understanding charity governance and regulatory expectations.
* Strong verbal and written communication, organisation and IT proficiency (including Microsoft Teams and SharePoint).
* Demonstrated ability to work at a level equivalent to graduate‑level (Level 6), gained through relevant professional experience and/or qualifications.
* Interest in using AI tools to support minute-taking and productivity.
Desirable
* Chartered Governance Institute or similar professional qualification.
* Governance experience in a charity or membership body.
* Familiarity with Privy Council and Charity Commission processes.
About the Royal Aeronautical Society
The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) is the world's oldest professional body for aviation, aerospace and space. Based at 4 Hamilton Place in London, we have spent more than 160 years advancing aeronautical engineering, supporting professional development and connecting a global community of specialists and innovators.
As a registered charity, we inspire, educate and influence - championing excellence across the sector and supporting the next generation. We are proud of our heritage and independent voice, but we are equally focused on the future: exploring new frontiers in flight, adapting to a rapidly changing sector and shaping a Society that meets the needs and expectations of generations to come.