Permanent Senior Management Jobs in South East

Are you a strategic, passionate, and experienced leader with a big heart for the older generations? If so, you could be the person we are looking for to lead Embracing Age.

Introduction

We live in a world that is ageing, and with that come opportunities and challenges.  At Embracing Age we want to harness those opportunities and respond to the challenges. We’re motivated by the heart of God towards the older generations, particularly those no longer able to live independently, and needing to draw on care and support. 

If you’re motivated by a similar heart and that message resonates, then perhaps you are the person to take Embracing Age forward in this next season. It’s an exciting time, we’re a growing charity with an amazing staff team and trustee board.
 

About Us

Embracing Age is a Christian charity working towards a world where older people are valued, connected and full of hope. We do this by befriending care home residents, supporting informal carers and equipping churches in their work amongst older people. Care home residents are twice as likely to feel severely lonely than older people living at home and we want to embrace them with God's love.

About the Role

The CEO will provide leadership to Embracing Age and to be responsible for the management and administration of the charity, in partnership with and reporting to the trustees. You'll lead, inspire and motivate staff and volunteers, whilst upholding and developing the Christian ethos, vision, mission and values of Embracing Age, along with the strategic objectives and priorities.

About You

You’ll be a strategic, passionate person with a big heart for the older generations and a desire to mobilise churches and communities in coming alongside them. You’ll be a friendly, confident individual with good communication and organisational skills who is looking for a part time flexible role. 

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please read through the recruitment pack and send your CV and a covering letter of no more than two sides, outlining your interest in and suitability for the role.

Your application should include a brief description of your faith journey and Church involvement and the details of two referees, one being a Church leader and the second a professional referee.

If you would like an informal chat about the role please get in touch

Closing date 8th June 2024

The Counselling Centre has supported the mental health of people across West Kent and East Sussex for more than three decades. Our charitable mission is to ensure financial barriers do not prevent people in our community from accessing the professional help they need.

We’re proud to have built a strong reputation for clinical and training excellence, and we’re proud of what we do for our clients. We’re also aware of the opportunities ahead of us and excited by what we can achieve with the right leadership in place.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Head of Operations and Development (HOD) will play a pivotal role in taking our work to its next stage, helping us deliver even greater impact across our community.

With ultimate decision making responsibility for the charity the HOD will work alongside the Head of Counselling and Head of Training,  overseeing the smooth running of day-to-day operations at the Centre while also nurturing opportunities for commercial growth by supporting the fundraising strategy and targeted expansion of our service offering.

Capable of working autonomously, you will be expected to form an integral part of an experienced, hardworking team of professionals and administrators who are dedicated to ensuring the Centre succeeds in all it does.

ABOUT YOU

First and foremost, you will be passionate about the importance of improving mental health in our community.

An excellent communicator with people at all levels, you will be in a position to leverage your commercial and business skills to build on the Centre’s existing operational framework. You will also be expected to get up to speed quickly with various aspects of the Centre’s business functions, including finance, IT and marketing.

Management-level experience in a charitable or not-for-profit organisation is an advantage, but more important is a hands-on, can-do approach and the motivation to help deliver the Centre’s strategy over the coming years.

The post is part-time with flexibility in the hours required. The role allows for hybrid working depending upon the demands of the job. Time at our offices in central Tunbridge Wells will be required.

Closing date for applications: 14th June 2024.

Dogs Trust is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK with a nationwide network of rehoming centres and charity shops, and is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction in the UK and internationally. Dogs Trust Worldwide works with local dog welfare organisations around the world to improve the lives of dogs in the communities where they operate.

Dogs Trust are going through a period of growth, with recruitment for two Senior New Partnerships Managers due to the existing Lead getting an internal promotion. There are continuing plans to drive new business through long-term strategic partnerships.

The Senior New Partnerships Manager will play an active role in winning new partnerships to support international and UK-based work. Alongside the Deputy Head of Partnerships, you will work closely with the prospect research and special events team, and line manage a New Partnerships Manager.

You will be responsible for proactively identifying and cultivating high value prospects within target corporate sectors, to win significant high value multi-year partnerships that support Dogs Trust’s work.

This role will look for high value opportunities across multiple fundraising mechanisms including, but not limited to, corporate donations, cause-related marketing, consultancy services, gift in kind and pro bono cost saving, employee engagement and volunteering, charity of the year and sponsorship.

About the role

• Identify and cultivate new corporate partnerships supporting a new business team target of £950k.
• Collaboratively work with the Deputy Head of Corporate Partnerships in developing new corporate fundraising products that access a range of different corporate income streams.
• Build networks with key decision makers and influencers at target companies to strengthen relationships and build long term partnerships.
• Line manage a New Partnerships Manager supporting performance and professional development.

About you

• Proven track record of identifying and securing 5-6 figure corporate partnerships.
• Experience of line managing or supervising staff to deliver excellent work and of supporting their professional development.
• Demonstrable experience of writing successful, inspiring, emotive and technically accurate proposals and pitches, tailored to a corporate audience.
• Tenacious, with strong negotiation skills and full appreciation of the commercial value of Dogs Trust brand and assets

Release Counselling and Therapy for Women was set up in Brighton and Hove in January 2013, and registered as a UK charity in 2020, to provide affordable counselling and other forms of support for women across Sussex experiencing mental health distress. We specialise in maternal mental health, supporIng mothers and their babies during the perinatal period, a key Ime of transiIon in a women’s life in which many experience vulnerable mental health. As part of this, we aim to increase inclusion, reaching women often excluded from counselling and other mental health support due to cost.

Whilst we have offered a range of therapeutIc groups, workshops and 1-2-1 counselling over the years, we are currently focussing on delivering our flagship ‘Mother Nurture’ 10-week therapeutIc group for new mums, and our ‘Second Nature’ 8-week therapeutIc group for second + tIme mums across Sussex.

Our services are operated by a team of sessional qualified counsellors, and counsellors in supervised training, and work within the BACP Ethical Framework.

As the founding CEO is now moving on, we are looking to appoint a new CEO to lead us in this next season. If you share our vision, have relevant leadership experience, and would relish the opportunity to play a key role in a dynamic small charity with an excellent reputaIon – then this could be the role for you.

Job Description

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Brighton and Hove. The role is expected to involve homeworking plus external delivery, although may be subject to change.

Accountable to: Board of Trustees

Direct reports: Part-tIme Administrator/Bookkeeper, part-tIme Digital and Data MarketIng Exec plus sessional delivery staff

Hours: 2-3 days per week (TBC)

Contract: One Year Fixed term contract, extension dependant on funding

Summary of post

The Chief ExecuIve is responsible for the successful operaIon and development of Release Counselling and Therapy for Women CIO, in accordance with the Charity’s Strategic Plan and policies of the Board.

Remuneration

£46,464 - £50,512 pro rata, depending on experience

Main Purpose and scope of role

1.Leadership

Provide leadership for the charity and its staff by -

• Ensure the values of the charity are embedded through the organisation fostering a positive work culture that promotes collaboration, professional development and staff well-being.
• Build and maintain key partnerships to enhance the charity’s impact and reach within the community. Including, represenIng the charity to third parIes such as, funders, the public, other sector agencies, and statutory bodies.

2.Governance & Compliance

• Work closely with the board of trustees to ensure the charity adheres to the highest levels of governance including all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure the board of trustees are well informed of the work of the charity, providing them with all the information they require in order to exercise their fiduciary duIes and in accordance with their legal requirements.
• Ensure the organisaIon’s policies and pracIces are kept up to date and adhered to, including and ensuring effective risk management.

3.Strategy

• Work with the board of trustees to develop the strategic direcIon for the charity in line with the charity’s mission and objectives.
• Implement the strategic plans and communicate this internally and externally as appropriate.
• Keep abreast of sector developments, closely monitoring opportuniIes and threats, and taking acIon accordingly.

4.Operations

• Ensure the charity is resourced to meet the objecIves of the strategic plans.
• Lead fundraising activities for the organisation, including income generaIon, monitoring and evaluation securing diverse income from government grants, foundations, corporate sponsors and individual donors.
• Manage the financial performance of the charity, including setting budgets and providing financial reporting to the board of trustees.
• Develop effective controls, incorporating finance, data management, safeguarding, equalities, and monitoring systems.
• HR oversight.

5.Service delivery

• Manage the successful delivery of the charity’s work in line with its contractual obligations.
• Manage and upskill a team of staff, ensuring they are fully skilled and able to deliver effectively for the organisation.
• Ensuring all service delivery is impact driven and of the highest quality.

6.Communications and PR

• Manage all internal and external communicaIons for the charity.
• Act as a spokesperson and first point of contact for all press and media enquiries.
• Represent the charity at public events and conferences as opportunities present themselves.

7.Safeguarding

• To work alongside the Designated Trustee Lead for Safeguarding in creating a culture of high safeguarding standards throughout the organisation.
• To ensure that the statutory obligaIons with regards to safeguarding are met and any safeguarding issues arising are dealt with in an appropriate manner.

Closing date for applications is 5pm Monday 13 May 2024

You will spearhead our efforts in evidence implementation and practice. Collaborating with our Programmes and Evidence Teams, you will drive our efforts to build the capacity of practitioners and policymakers working in homelessness to use evidence to create impact.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of homelessness, commitment to using evidence in practice, and excellent relationship-building skills. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape an organisation dedicated to using evidence to end homelessness for good.

Time off

• 30 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ service (plus public holidays) 

• Paid carers’ and compassionate leave 

Financial 

• Contributory pension scheme – employer contribution 8.5% (employee contribution 2.5%)

• Non-contributory group life assurance scheme (4 x annual salary) 

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay 

• Enhanced sick pay scheme (after 6 months’ service)

Wellbeing 

• Employee assistance programme through life assurance cover.  WeCare: 24/7 online GP, mental health support service, get fit programme and more.

• Flexible working arrangements i.e. part time, compressed hours, working hours etc.

About 5Rights​

5Rights Foundation exists to ensure a digital world that will serve children and young people today and for future generations.​​

We are a small team of senior professionals and experts delivering change in how the digital world works. We have shifted the narrative and the agenda through provocative comms campaigns (e.g. Twisted Toys), pioneering research (e.g. Pathways) and award-winning tools (e.g. Child Online Safety Toolkit). We continue to drive real-life change thanks to an outstanding track-record of delivering legislation (e.g. Californian Age Appropriate Design Code), policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. UNCRC General comment No. 25), and industry standards (e.g. IEEE 2089).​

Key responsibilities ​

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will:​​

• Work on the development of technical frameworks, guidelines, standards, certification or audit processes relevant for implementing regulation for children’s rights in the digital environment at international, EU and UK levels. This includes representing 5Rights in technical meetings and working groups, such as at the IEEE and CEN-CENELEC.​

• Work to promote and support the uptake of these standards by the tech industry, including by working with industry associations, chambers of commerce and tech companies directly.​

• Lead our work to gather technical evidence on company compliance with regulation for children in the UK and EU.​

• Identify cases of non-compliance, develop argumentation and engage with companies and regulators for remedy, with legal support as necessary.​

• Work to promote compliance, by supporting public accountability for non-compliance and positive visibility of best practice.​

• Lead our work to raise awareness and stimulate action of industry stakeholders, notably advertisers and investors.​

• Liaise with technologists and experts around the world, exchanging knowledge and staying up to date on the latest developments, research and emerging issues.​

• Oversee the 5Rights Research Officer, research projects and evidence-gathering programmes.​

• Draft briefings for Executive Director and policy leads.​

• Contribute to 5Rights reports, positions, communications and fundraising materials.​

• Represent 5Rights as an expert at meetings and events.​

Person specification​

You’ll be a confident and skilled researcher, a clear, fresh thinker, and an excellent writer. High attention to detail, an eye for nuance, and the ability to digest complex information quickly and communicate it coherently are all musts. A background in technology issues or children’s rights is preferable, but not essential. Most of all, we’re looking for someone who’s thorough, proactive, super smart, and committed to our mission. ​

ESSENTIAL skills and attributes: ​

• In depth knowledge of the technology regulatory landscape from the perspective of privacy, consumer protection or child rights;​

• A strong understanding of the tech industry ecosystem and business models.​

• Experience developing or contributing to tech regulation or technical frameworks.​

• Strong research credentials and the ability to design and oversee technical evidence gathering for corporate compliance;​

• A sharp mind and pen for succinct regulatory analysis;​

• A meticulous eye for detail and proven ability to design and deliver high-quality products, including the ability to craft and manipulate legal language (at least in English);​

• A keen sense of politics and knack for strategic negotiation and timing;​

• The imagination and curiosity to put forward new and inventive ways to solve problems without compromising on core goals;​

• The reliability, patience and relentless focus required to get complex deliverables over the line;​

• The interpersonal, communication and leadership skills (including humility and self-confidence) to build consensus within groups and lasting positive relationships;​

• The confidence to engage in adversarial exchanges when necessary;​

• Strong prioritisation and organisation skills to manage various processes and pieces of work in parallel;​

• A can-do, action and solution-oriented attitude;​

• Self-motivation and drive to work independently and cohesively within a remote team;​

• The commitment, energy and enthusiasm to deliver on 5Rights’ ambitious mission. ​

• Right to work in Belgium or the UK. ​

DESIRABLE skills and attributes: ​

• Legal or technical expertise. ​

• Experience in a similar role, e.g. working on research, enforcement or technical standards. ​

• Experience working internationally and in culturally-diverse settings;​

• Ability to work in other languages, such as French or Spanish.​​

Remuneration and details​

• Location: Remote position with employee contract in UK or Belgium. Hybrid working in 5Rights’ London and Brussels co-working office spaces is available.​

• Salary: £43,600-£48,300 for UK-based candidate, with flexibility depending on experience; EUR 61,500-68,100 for a Belgium-based candidate.​

• Working hours: Full time, with some accommodation necessary for work across time-zones and international travel.​

• Statutory pension contribution.​

• 25 days of annual leave.​

• Work equipment including a laptop and mobile phone will be provided​

• Starting data: asap.​

• Reporting line: Executive Director.​​

5Rights values diversity and we strongly encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for this role. We aim for our recruitment to be inclusive and equitable, and we strive to constantly learn and improve in this regard. ​​

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a written task as part of our recruitment approach. The task will take 2 hours. First round interviews will be held over Zoom.

Music at Oxford is searching for a creative, driven and passionate Head of Development and Membership to lead a new era of fundraising at this majestic organisation.

Applications close at: 9 a.m. Friday 17th May 2024

Location: Oxford 2 days a week in the office, 3 flexible

About Music at Oxford

Music at Oxford is leading the charge in providing a wide range of engagement opportunities with incredible contemporary music. From classical concerts and education programmes for primary school children, to providing access to musical instruments for refugees – the remarkable Music at Oxford is providing opportunities for all.

About the role

The Head of Development and Membership is a newly created role and will lead all aspects of development for the organisation. The key areas of focus are trusts and foundations, individual giving and membership/patron income and we are searching for candidates with some or all of that experience.

Who we are looking for

This is the perfect opportunity for someone who has a passion or understanding of music and wants to work in a creative, hands-on and varied role. It would suit someone who wants their first ‘head of’ role or someone who is an existing head but wants a new challenge.

The wonderful team cannot wait to bring on someone who will bring a wealth of development knowledge with them so they can continue the impact they have.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 17th May 2024.

Elfrida Rathbone Camden (ERC) has been making a difference for children, young people and adults in London for more than 30 years, helping them achieve their potential and aspirations.   We are looking for an exceptional leader who is passionate about our mission and has vision.Our new Director will be leading us through a period of significant change for the organisation.

We're looking for someone with the following skills and experience:

Leadership skills

· Creative and strategic thinker and problem solver

· Ability to lead and use professional and organisational judgement

· Experience of working with Trustees and the governance function of a Charity

· Promote the vision, mission and goals of ERC

· Excellent time management and organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

· Able to negotiate and influence at all levels

· Excellent partnership and networking skills.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Finance

· Experience of setting and managing budgets.

· Experience of developing and managing a fund-raising strategy.

Knowledge and experience

· Experience of working at a senior management level.

· Good project management skills

· Safeguarding – policies and procedures

Please also note that although the role is remote, the successful candidate will need to spend at least one day a week at our local hub in Camden, North London.

We positively celebrate Diversity and Inclusion at ERC and the foundations and principles underpinning all our work are about reflecting and connecting with the diverse community that we serve. We want people from all walks of life to work at ERC and to feel valued for their individuality, to thrive and to share a sense of belonging.

We wish to encourage applications to this position regardless of race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

This is a newly created role and there is a great deal of untapped potential here for a proactive leader to support the CEO and SLT to create efficiencies in how we manage our internal infrastructure (IT Systems and processes), Finance and charity Governance, and HR/people to ensure we maintain and develop a thriving and nurturing working environment. The individual will have significant involvement in the strategic vision of the organisation as a whole. With a broad portfolio, the role combines both operational and strategic elements and must be able to flex up and down accordingly. 

If you have strong leadership and strategic planning skills, vision, fiscal acumen and a passion for and understanding of the rights and well-being of disabled people, then we would love to hear from you.

Possability People is a pan-impairment disability charity based in Brighton. We work with people with a number of health conditions, including mental health, as well as older people.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic senior manager to act as Chief Officer to lead our disability charity’s growth and development. The Chief Officer will provide strategic guidance and oversight, ensure operational efficiency and sustainability, and maintain the organisation's commitment to serving disabled people in our community.

Salary: £50K+ negotiable for exceptional candidates

                             (flexible hours arrangements if appropriate)

Reports to: Chair of Trustees

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, full time

Holidays: 28 days plus Bank Holidays

Deadline for this post is: Monday 13 May 2024 (9am)

Interviews will take place on: Tuesday 21 May 2024 (online)

We actively encourage applications from disabled people in accordance with a policy of equal opportunity. We guarantee an interview if you demonstrate you meet the minimum criteria and have let us know you’re a disabled person.

Are you a strategic, passionate CEO ready to lead The Gatehouse in its mission to provide support and services to vulnerable adults in Oxfordshire? If so, they want to hear from you!

The Gatehouse is in search of a dedicated and empathetic individual to join as their Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Job title: CEO

Hours: 35 hours a week

Contract: Permanent

Responsible to: Chair of Board of Trustees

Salary: £50k to £60k (dependent on experience)

Location: Oxford OX2 6HT, hybrid working model, site based, with remote options

Benefits: 5% pension, 29 days annual leave, including the summer closure of Gatehouse in August (approximately 2 weeks).

About the Gatehouse:

It is a volunteer and donation-led registered charity supported by the whole Oxfordshire community, including churches and congregations of other faiths in Oxford. The Gatehouse community drop-in centre offers free support services for adults aged 25+ who are homeless, vulnerably housed, on low income, and/or looking for company and community. The Gatehouse offers a free café (six evenings a week), therapeutic workshops, and a bespoke one-to-one support service (over two evenings and one afternoon a week). The project also delivers an outreach service, an independent counselling service, and supports the Lived Experience Advisory Forum (LEAF). The Gatehouse is experiencing rapid growth and is eager to expand its leadership team to support its exciting plans.

About the Role:

As the CEO, you will spearhead The Gatehouse's mission and vision alongside the Board, ensuring stakeholders receive the best services.

You will be a visionary lead, driving organisational success through supporting your dedicated team of staff and volunteers, managing budgets, and overseeing fundraising efforts, while championing The Gatehouse's mission to serve vulnerable adults in Oxfordshire. You'll embody strong values, excel in interpersonal communication, demonstrate initiative and resilience, and exhibit a deep commitment to the mission.

You'll forge strong partnerships across various sectors, including donors and policymakers, and act as the public ambassador for The Gatehouse.

Role Highlights include:

• Lead strategic vision and organisational growth, with the Board.
• Oversee resource allocation and financial management.
• Create, manage, and empower the staff and volunteer teams.
• Develop sustainable funding models and diverse revenue streams.
• Engage with donors, foundations, and the private sector.
• Develop policies, procedures, and service initiatives, including safeguarding.
• Cultivate external relations, foster community engagement, and represent the Gatehouse widely.

About You:

You are a passionate leader with a proven track record of making a difference in the homeless sector or a similar field. Most importantly, you are an empathetic leader who understands the complexities of the charity and the individuals it supports, or a comparable charity.

The Gatehouse welcomes candidates with transferable skills, particularly those poised to transition into a CEO role from a leadership position in relevant or similar fields.

If you're committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable adults and possess the leadership skills to drive strategic vision and organisational growth, we encourage you to apply and join The Gatehouse in making a difference in the homelessness community in Oxford.

To apply, please send a copy of your profile or CV in the first instance Priya Vencatasawmy and Ellen Drummond at Charity People.

Deadline: 9am, 17th May
First stage interview: Thursday 30th & Friday 31st May
Second stage interview: Thursday 6th June

Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities we work with.

Kent Refugee Action Network are looking for an exceptional individual to join KRAN’s senior management and be the full-time lead on advocacy and support, managing a team to deliver effectively for our service users.

Role Summary

You will lead KRAN’s strategic direction and delivery of a variety of advocacy and support services, ensuring safe and effective operation through your Advocacy and Support Team.

The team offers a range of services and interventions to support and empower young refugees and asylum seekers. Services include casework, mentoring partnerships, volunteer support, wellbeing activities, Youth Ambassadors and engagement. A central goal is to amplify the voice of young people with lived experiences.

As a member of KRAN’s senior management team, you will work with service users and the wider team to help shape the overall direction of KRAN, attuned to the evolving needs of young people and sector developments, while deputising for the CEO as necessary.

Role Summary

You will lead KRAN’s strategic direction and delivery of a variety of advocacy and support services, ensuring safe and effective operation through your Advocacy and Support team. The team offers a range of services and interventions to support and empower young refugees and asylum seekers. Services include, case work, mentoring partnerships, volunteer support, wellbeing activities, youth ambassadors and engagement. A central goal is to amplify the voice of young people with lived experiences.

As a member of KRAN’s senior management team, you will work with service users and the wider team to help shape the overall direction of KRAN, attuned to the evolving needs of young people and sector developments, while deputising for the CEO as necessary.

Job Responsibilities:

1) Strategic Direction

Shape the future of KRAN’s advocacy and support services so they stay relevant to the needs of our young people and developments in the sector Maintain and develop networks and partnerships with senior sector stakeholders to ensure our advocacy is robust and dynamic at a strategic level. Undertake systematic analysis using external and internal evidence on advocacy and support, with effective collaboration across KRAN and its wider stakeholders, engaging effectively with the CEO and Board to guide strategic decisions

2) Operational Performance

Maintain the highest standards of delivery of advocacy and support services, attuned to the needs of young people and developments in the sector, across our main and orbital hubs in Kent Support the CEO and Core Team with fundraising and reporting to funders and partners Monitor and evaluate the impact of our work, with our Evidence and Impact Officer, ensuring accurate data collection that is GDPR compliant, with regular reporting to the CEO and Board

3) Safeguarding and Risk Management

Ensure the implementation of safeguarding and risk management policies and procedures in Advocacy and Support services and to review and continually ensure best practice with the Senior Management Team

4) People and Stakeholder Management

Manage the performance of the Advocacy and Support Team for quality and continuity of service, while ensuring effective collaboration with other teams staff and partners as required Identify and build capabilities of team members, sessional staff and volunteers to maintain optimum performance, being inclusive in approach and fair in actions Building effective, positive engagement with external partners, such as liaising with local councils and service delivery organisations and partners, including as a critical friend. 

The deadline for applications is 5pm, Monday 27 May 2024.

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is a growing and cherished part of our community, dedicated to providing a safe haven for donkeys and educating the public on their care and welfare. Our vision extends beyond equine welfare to creating an environment where our team, volunteers, and visitors can feel welcomed and enriched.

Position Summary

We are in search of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) adept at turning strategic visions into operational realities. The COO will oversee daily operations throughout the sanctuary, ensuring excellence in health and safety practices, and fostering high team performance and growth. As a key partner to the CEO, this role demands a leader skilled in operational management and strategy implementation, preferably with experience in the third sector and a deep commitment to animal welfare.

Objectives of the role

1. Strategic implementation and operational leadership - working in close partnership with the CEO to integrate strategic objectives into the organisation's day-to-day operations. This will include focusing on enhancing process efficiency, ensuring operational excellence and maintaining budgetary control connected to operational issues.

2. Developing high performing teams – driving team excellence through targeted recruitment, comprehensive onboarding, ongoing professional development, and robust performance management strategies, ensuring team cohesion and high retention rates

3. Ensuring regulatory compliance and safety - maintaining rigorous adherence to all relevant charity and health & safety regulations, proactively ensuring a safe environment for staff, volunteers, visitors and our equines.

4. Fostering a supportive culture - creating a work environment where commitment to our sanctuary's values and alignment with our vision and mission inspire and unite our teams.

5. Acting as a deputy for the CEO - representing the charity and making decisions in the CEO’s absence, ensuring leadership continuity and organisational stability.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

· Evaluating internal operations to identify and implement efficiency improvements

· Developing and implementing policies (in collaboration with the CEO and Trustees) that support the sanctuary's goals and ensure operational alignment.

· Overseeing daily operations across the estate, including visitor facilities, barn and paddock maintenance, and health and safety compliance, ensuring a safe environment for staff, volunteers, visitors and equines.

· Directly overseeing the performance of our teams in Visitor Experience, Volunteering, Estates and Facilities, ensuring these areas not only operate efficiently but also focus on creating exceptional experiences for visitors and volunteers. This includes working closely with HR to foster successful recruitment, professional development, and other HR initiatives to build and sustain high-performing teams.

· Ensuring the sanctuary is ready and welcoming for visitors each day, effectively monitored and managed throughout the day and securely closed at night

· Health and safety leadership - spearheading safety initiatives and training a skilled team in safety protocols, ensuring a secure and safe environment for staff, volunteers, visitors and over 130 donkeys and ponies. The COO will work closely with the Head of Facilities and Estates Supervisor to enforce health and safety policies, address safety issues, as well as ensuring readiness and responsiveness for critical incidents, including fire and medical emergencies.

· Serving as the deputy for the CEO, including leading the sanctuary in the CEO’s absence, making critical decisions, and managing external relationships.

The above role encompasses an understanding that the sanctuary operates seven days a week and requires a willingness to work weekends and evenings as needed to ensure continuous leadership and operational excellence.

Reporting structure

Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will have the following direct reports: Head of Estates, Visitor Experience Manager, and Volunteer Manager.

Required skills and Experience

· A strong ethical commitment to animal welfare, demonstrated through previous work or personal advocacy, with the desire to make a positive impact in the community and beyond.

· A track record of managing operations effectively, demonstrating the ability to oversee day-to-day activities

· Proven experience in translating strategy into actionable plans

· Proven effectiveness in managing diverse teams and working with volunteers, highlighting the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of contributors towards common goals.

· Experience in budgeting, data analysis and using performance metrics to guide decisions.

· Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and the agility to respond to unforeseen challenges, particularly in animal welfare contexts.

· A collaborative approach to working with key stakeholders, including the CEO, to ensure alignment with the organisation's goals.

Desirable:

· Experience within a non-profit organisation and familiarity with the regulatory environment specific to the charity sector, including health & safety standards and compliance. 

Why Join Us

By joining the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary as COO, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of donkey welfare, leveraging your expertise to make a lasting difference. You’ll lead a dedicated team, drive operational excellence, and contribute to a cause that’s both meaningful and rewarding.

VSO seeks an experienced Business Pursuit Lead to advance our mission through strategic engagement with European Government Agencies, with a special focus on the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NL MFA), the European Union (EU), and their key implementing partners in priority countries. In this crucial role, you will lead VSO’s efforts to secure and expand program funding from European government donors, positioning VSO as a partner of choice, resulting in the negotiation and acquisition of significant grant awards. 

VSO is more than just a workplace. It’s a chance to be part of a global community dedicated to ending poverty and building a fairer, more sustainable world. We offer the platform to make a difference, support for professional growth, and the opportunity to work with a passionate team of like-minded individuals.