Chief executive business manager jobs

Earth Trust is looking for a Finance Director to help shape the next stage of our development as a place-based environmental charity with growing ambition, increasing complexity and a powerful mission.

Based at Wittenham Clumps in Oxfordshire, Earth Trust cares for farmland, woodland, meadows, wetlands and community reserves, connecting people with nature and demonstrating how people and the natural world can thrive together. Our work brings together public engagement, learning, nature-friendly farming, partnerships and commercial activity in support of our charitable purpose.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. Alongside our established charitable work, we are delivering Gateway to Nature — a major programme to improve access, enhance the visitor experience and support growth in sustainable earned income. We need a Finance Director who can ensure this ambition is underpinned by clear, robust and commercially sound financial thinking.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Chief Executive, senior colleagues and Trustees to shape organisational direction, strengthen financial planning and ensure resources are aligned with impact. You will provide strategic financial insight, constructive challenge and practical support across the organisation.

You will lead budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, statutory reporting, audit, financial governance, risk, reserves and controls. You will also support business cases, financial models, capital project oversight, trading activity and commercial decision-making.

We are looking for a qualified accountant with significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally gained in a charity or similarly complex organisation. You will bring strong technical finance skills, sound judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to communicate clearly with non-finance colleagues. Just as importantly, you will be collaborative, values-led and motivated by the opportunity to use finance as an enabler of environmental and social impact.

This role will suit someone who combines strategic leadership with a practical, hands-on approach, and who enjoys helping colleagues build financial confidence, accountability and discipline.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter explaining why you are suitable and what attracts you to the role to by Sunday 21st June.

Fundraising Manager 

Location: Home-based, with regular travel across the Thames Valley region 

Salary: c.£38,000 per annum (pro rata if part-time) 

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer 

This role is offered on a full-time basis (37 hours per week), although flexible and part-time working arrangements will be considered for the right candidate.

Purpose: 

Ways Into Work is seeking a proactive and relationship-focused fundraiser to lead and develop income generation across the charity. 

As the charity’s sole fundraising professional, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering a sustainable fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on developing and growing corporate partnerships and business support across the Thames Valley region. 

Alongside corporate fundraising, you will identify and secure support from trusts and foundations, community organisations and individual supporters where appropriate. 

Key Responsibilities:

Corporate Partnerships & Business Development 

- Lead on developing and growing corporate partnerships and sponsorship opportunities. 

- Identify, research and approach prospective corporate supporters. 

- Build and steward long-term relationships with corporate partners. 

- Develop relationships with community groups to encourage fundraising support. 

Trusts & Foundations:

- Research and identify funding opportunities. 

- Write compelling funding applications and reports. 

- Work with colleagues to gather project information to support applications. 

Fundraising Strategy & Income Development:

- Develop and implement a fundraising plan. 

- Diversify income streams. 

- Monitor performance and report to leadership. 

Communications & Supporter Engagement: 

- Support fundraising campaigns and communications. 

- Share impact stories and case studies. 

- Represent the charity at events. 

Fundraising Operations:

- Maintain accurate donor records. 

- Ensure timely acknowledgement of supporters. 

- Support fundraising systems and processes. 

Governance and Compliance:

- Ensure all fundraising activity is ethical and compliant. 

Person Specification:

Essential Skills & Experience 

- Experience in fundraising or partnerships. 

- Strong relationship-building ability. 

- Excellent communication skills. 

- Strong organisational skills. 

- Experience working to targets. 

- Confidence networking externally. 

- Good IT skills and record keeping. 

- Commitment to the mission of Ways Into Work. 

- Full UK driving licence. 

Desirable 

- Experience in corporate partnerships. 

- Experience writing trust applications. 

- Knowledge of CRM systems. 

- Experience in a small charity environment. 

(We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications)

Ways into Work are committed to safeguarding all clients and staff. We adhere to all local and national policies aimed at promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Offer of employment is subject to a successful Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS).

Job Title:  Chief Executive Officer

Location:  Basingstoke area

Salary:  £45,000 - £54, 000 p.a. dependent on experience and skills

Hours:  Full time - 37.5 hours per week

Holiday allocation:  33 days per annum inclusive of Bank Holidays

The Role

Citizens Advice Basingstoke is seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through a period of increasing demand and change.

This is an opportunity to make a significant impact in the local community, ensuring people continue to receive high-quality advice on issues including debt, housing, employment, and the cost of living.

We are looking for a values-led and strategic leader who can:

• provide clear organisational direction and leadership to staff and volunteers

• ensure financial sustainability, including income generation and diversification

• build effective partnerships with funders and stakeholders

• work closely with the Trustee Board to ensure strong governance

The role will involve leading the charity through key challenges including funding pressures, local government reorganisation and evolving service delivery needs.

Applications

At Citizens Advice, we recognise the positive value of diversity, promoting equity and celebrating inclusion. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

Close of business on Tuesday 26 May 2026

Thank you for your interest in Citizens Advice Basingstoke.

Role purpose

The Head of Finance is a key member of the Charity’s senior management team, working closely with the chief executive, directors, and trustees. The head of finance will lead the day-to-day financial operations of the Charity, including budgeting, reporting, audit, payroll, and pensions. Managing the finance manager and management accountant, the Head of Finance will ensure the effective running of the finance department and smooth day-to-day processes. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will be a key advisor on strategic financial decisions, balancing meticulous operational control with strategic planning.

As the Head of Finance, you will:

• Proactively contribute to the development and delivery of the Charity’s strategy through developing long-term financial planning to underpin our objectives.
• Act as senior finance business partner to the senior leadership team, supporting strategic and operational decision-making.
• Lead on the annual audit and production of statutory accounts, ensuring effective management of the audit process.
• Support the rest of the Charity team to become financially informed and comfortable understanding financial performance, control, and accountability.

Main responsibilities

Financial controls, reporting, and operational finance

• Lead the finance function of the Charity, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial management and reporting.
• Ensure that appropriately robust internal financial and operational controls are in place.
• Ensure that our unrestricted and restricted funds and accounting records are maintained in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements and best practice.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly management accounts and other reports are produced by the finance team and distributed to members of the senior management team, encouraging ownership of departmental budgets.
• Manage and oversee accounts receivable and payable, ensuring strong cash management.
• Ensure all banking facilities, financial systems, and internal processes function to a high standard and enable the Charity to carry out its transactional and operational financial functions.
• Lead financial risk identification and mitigation, working closely with the chief executive and leadership team, and reporting to the board of trustees.

Financial administration and governance

• Manage the production of statutory accounts in line with the Charity SORP and lead the annual external audit process.
• Oversee our tax affairs, including PAYE, national insurance, corporation tax, VAT, and gift aid.
• Responsible for our payroll and pensions functions.
• Maintain and continuously improve financial policies, procedures, and controls, working closely with the fundraising and operations teams to ensure organisational efficiency.
• Identify and escalate financial risks to the chief executive and board
• Line manage and support the management accountant and finance manager, ensuring professional development and high-quality output.

Person specification

Knowledge and experience

We are looking for candidates with demonstrable strategic financial leadership spanning organisational planning, budgeting, risk, and reporting. You will have:

• You must be a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, OR CIMA)
• Excellent knowledge of charity financial management, SORP, and audit is essential.
• Experience of effective budget setting and implementing controls and processes to manage and monitoring budgets
• Firm understanding of risk management
• Experience of improving policies and processes in comparable organisations
• Success in delivering increased cost effectiveness
• Evidence of building financial impact and performance metrics and reporting
• Understanding of the requirements of legislation, Charity Commission and professional body guidance on a being a well-run and financially accountable Charity
• Considerable experience of management and development of staff

Skills, abilities, and behaviours

• A strategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger picture and make decisions in line with the charity’s needs as part of a team
• Strong change management skills with experience of managing teams through change
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interpret and communicate financial information to a non-specialist audience
• Strong organisational development skills, able to identify and act on opportunities to drive performance in business
• Experience of the charity or not-for-profit environment (this could be gained as a trustee) preferably with some understanding of charity funding and investment management
• Collaborative working style with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Resilient with a flexible, creative and solutions-focused approach to problem-solving

Chief Executive Officer

British Liver Trust (transitioning to Liver UK)
Location: Hybrid (UK based, with monthly travel to Winchester)
Salary: circa £90,000, dependent on experience

Lead the next chapter for liver health in the UK

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and financially stable health charity at a pivotal moment of transformation.

Following a successful merger, the organisation is preparing to launch as Liver UK, bringing together services, information and advocacy across all ages. With a clear, trustee-approved strategy for 2026–2032 already in place, the next Chief Executive will focus on delivery, growth and national influence.

A strong platform and a planned transition

This role comes at a natural and positive point within a planned leadership transition.

Our current Chief Executive has provided long-standing, successful leadership and is excited to deliver the final phase of the rebrand before handing over. The incoming CEO will inherit a well-led organisation with strong governance, a clear strategic direction, and real momentum.

About the role

As Chief Executive, you will lead delivery of an established strategy, ensuring the organisation continues to grow its reach, impact and income.

You will work closely with an engaged and supportive Board of Trustees to maintain high standards of governance, regulatory compliance and risk management, while strengthening the charity’s voice in national policy and public affairs.

This is a role that balances external influence with internal leadership, ensuring both impact and organisational resilience.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver a trustee-approved long-term strategy, refining priorities as needed
• Ensure robust governance, legal and regulatory compliance
• Lead policy, public affairs and national influencing activity
• Maintain financial sustainability and drive income growth
• Lead and develop a high-performing Senior Management Team
• Oversee delivery of high-quality services and information

About you

You are a credible and values-driven leader with senior experience in the charity, health or related sectors.

You will bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience at Director or CEO level
• Strong understanding of governance, finance and regulatory compliance
• Experience influencing policy and working with senior stakeholders
• A track record of delivering organisational growth and impact
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• You will be confident working with a Board of Trustees, able to build strong relationships, provide clear advice, and operate effectively in a governance-led environment.

You will be motivated by improving health outcomes and confident leading an organisation with both national influence and strong operational delivery.

Why join us?

• A clear, trustee-approved strategy ready for delivery
• Strong governance, financial stability and organisational foundations
• A positive and well-managed leadership transition
• The opportunity to shape a newly unified, UK-wide charity
• A chance to make a meaningful difference in an under-recognised area of health
• A strong, engaged and motivated Board

A competitive salary will be offered, reflecting the experience, skills and leadership qualities of the successful candidate.

We’re looking for a senior leader to join our Senior Management Team and take overall responsibility for the organisation’s operational core.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a high-impact organisation as a key member of the Senior Management Team, working in close partnership with the Chief Executive to drive organisational excellence, sustainability, and transformation.

As Executive Director, Operations, you will sit at the heart of the organisation leading critical  services and ensuring everything we do is underpinned by strong governance, robust finances, effective systems and an engaged, high-performing workforce. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, enabling delivery, and ensuring we remain fit for the future.

This role requires a strategic leader who thrives on complexity, brings clarity to challenge, and is motivated by delivering meaningful impact.

What you’ll do

• Lead core corporate functions including Finance, HR, IT, Governance and Facilities 
• Contribute to organisational strategy and decision-making as a member of the SMT 
• Ensure strong financial oversight, planning and risk management 
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and services 
• Support and develop high-performing teams and a positive organisational culture 

What you’ll need

• Significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation
• Expertise in one or more corporate service areas, with the ability to lead across a broad portfolio 
• Strong financial understanding and confidence overseeing organisational performance 
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to influence at senior level 
• Sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to manage complexity and competing priorities 

You’ll join a collaborative and purpose-led leadership team, with the opportunity to shape how the organisation operates and grows. This is a role with real influence, where your leadership will directly enable delivery, improvement and long-term success. Please find out more from the candidate pack. 

Why join us

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and medical specialties
• Hybrid working – up to 60% remote
• Modern working environment with home‑working equipment provided
• Generous annual leave, plus the option to buy up to 5 extra days
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave (maternity, paternity and adoption) for those with 2+ years continuous service 
• Excellent pension scheme
• Sabbaticals (5+ years’ service) and secondment opportunities
• Interest‑free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Long service recognition awards

Claudia Jones organisation (CJO) Is looking to appoint a highly skilled Executive Director with experience of working in the Voluntary/Community sector to support the development of the organisation. This is a key appointment funded for 1year.

CJO is one of the few small Black lead charities in London, enhancing the quality of life for African Caribbean Women and Families. Founded in 1982 at the request of Caribbean women, CJO delivers family-centred services for women with children 0-16yrs, Gender- based violence support, connections for older people, health and wellbeing activities, counselling and therapeutic interventions to inspire and empower African Caribbean heritage women and families.

Reporting to the board of directors/trustees, the Executive Director will oversee the strategic and operational efficiencies of our programmes and staff. This experienced leader will not only understand the working of the voluntary/community sector but also have experience in developing and implementing a successful fundraising plan. Experience of hiring and managing staff is essential and establishing relationships with local community groups is a plus. Most importantly, the Executive Director should be highly effective in a Leadership role that requires clear communication skills and decisiveness. It is important that the post holder embraces our community -based broader philosophy of investment in our community.

Note: Considering the nature of work and focus of the Claudia Jones Organisation, the organisation considers the candidate’s race and gender, to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Paragraph 1, Schedule 9, of the Equality Act 2010. Black and ‘Minority Ethnic’ Women only need apply (Schedule 9, Part 1, 158 and 159 Equality Act 2010). We are an Equal Opportunities employer

Objectives of this role

•  Support the development and cultivation of an active and engaged Board of trustees, standing and advisory committees
•  Work closely with the Board/Trustees and committees to assess and address issues affecting the organisation
• Identify, engage leverage and cultivate community resources, influence and connections to further the initiatives and mission of the organisation
•  Oversee daily operations of the organisation, providing executive direction for programmes, strategies and efficiencies, compliance and quality assurance
• Identify and address staffing requirements for efficient operations, and maintain a strong work culture that attracts and retains people while driving the organisation’s mission
• Increase awareness of the organisation by being the main spoke person of the charity for external communication, both verbally and written
• Develop capital and operating budgets for assigned programmes, planning for short and long-term program needs
• Comply with all national and local regulations

Responsibilities

•  Create business plans to achieve goals and objectives and presenting to the board/trustees for approval
• Meet annual fundraising goals in partnership with colleagues/staff team to obtain financial support from grant giving organisations, foundations, statutory organisations, cooperations and other funding sources
• Work with Staff and Board/trustees on other annual community initiatives, programmes and all external communications, including website, newsletters, promotional materials including the media
• Serve as the face of the organisation and participate in external events to increase visibility, credibility and market brand, and develop strategic partnership to further increase community awareness and expand programmes
• Build and lead an effective team that’s dedicated to fulfilling the organisation’s mission through highly successful programmes, community engagement and fundraising
• Manage staff members, volunteers and clients whose experience, cultures and languages reflect the community served by the organisation

Required Skills and Qualification

• Five or more years of experience in senior management preferably with a Charity
• Strong experience in public relations, marketing and fundraising
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles for voluntary/community sector
• Proven success working with a board of directors/trustees
• Innovative approach to business planning
• Dynamic and charismatic team player who enjoys being the public face of the organisation

Preferred Skills and qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in business, human resources or finance
• Experience in managing budgets
• Exceptional verbal, written and visual communication skills
• Experience in community engagement and volunteer development
• Experience in working in a cross functional and complex reporting environment

JOB SPECIFICATION

Essential

• At least 5 years relevant experience of managing a charitable organisation.
• Demonstrable senior leadership and strategic management
• Demonstrable passion for, or commitment to, the work of CJO
• Good understanding of the charity sector’s regulatory frameworks and legislation.
• Experience of building positive working relationships and managing teams/performance.
• Good judgement and able to act decisively
•  Collaborative, open and able to constructively challenge and inspire
• In-depth knowledge of managing family support and VAWG/GBV services that includes children and young people 
• Experience of working in and managing organisational change and development
• Experience of working with consultants and contractors
• Demonstrable experience of working in the sector and understanding of the challenges of the African Heritage women and family
• Demonstrable experience of successful fundraising from a range of sources including trust and foundations and maintaining relationships.
• Substantial experience of budget management and financial accountability at £150K and above.
• Experience of managing a varied and demanding workload
•  A credible and inspiring communicator and negotiator

DESIRABLE

• Experience of gaining quality marks for services.
• Experience of using case management systems.
• A good understanding of GDPR.

APPLICATION GUIDANCE

•  Following the points above will assist you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and assist the panel in ensuring an accurate assessment of your application.
•  Respond to each person specification point in order when completing your supporting statement
• Provide practical examples of how you meet the criteria where possible. Examples can be from paid / voluntary roles / your life experience. 

 HOW TO APPLY

Candidates are asked to submit:

• a CV of no more than 2 sides of A4, font size 12
• a Supporting Statement of no more than 3 sides of A4, font size 12
• Our completed Equality & Diversity Form

Closing Date & Time: 29th May 2026

Interview Date: Interviews are expected to take place in person On 08th June, 2026

If you have not received a response to your application within 21 days of the closing date you can assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Should you be successful, two satisfactory References from previous employers are required and an Enhanced DBS check.

CJO is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

All candidates must have the right to live and work in the UK.

We will only be able to contact shortlisted candidates.

English Heritage are seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead the charity, which cares for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England. We care for the bridges and bronzes, gardens and gargoyles, stone circles and secret bunkers and everything in between. We are the only charity in the world which looks after a National Collection from our own earned income.

Our mission focuses on creating inspiring visitor experiences, preserving historic sites and collections for future generations and connecting people to places.

We have a world-class portfolio of heritage assets, diversified funding and a successful operating model and are supported by our hardworking employees, the generosity of our volunteers, a loyal membership of 1.2 million people, as well as donors and supporters.

The Board of Trustees, chaired by Tony Hales CBE, is seeking candidates for the role of Chief Executive Officer to join English Heritage and lead the organisation into its next chapter. 

You will work with the Board and senior leadership team to ensure English Heritage delivers on its charitable objectives, including conservation, public benefit and financial security.

You will bring a strong track record of leading large, complex organisations operating across multiple sites and engaging diverse stakeholders. You will be able to demonstrate how you develop incisive strategies and then translate them into successful delivery. A collaborative team player, you lead with integrity and inclusivity, balancing the sensitivity required for managing conservation sites with the drive needed to attract income. An understanding of the value volunteers bring would be advantageous.

If you think you have the vision, skills and experience to take on such a fantastic opportunity, we’d love to hear from you. Please select the Apply button shown to be taken to our website, where you can submit your application.

We are looking for an experienced strategically minded and solution focused Operations Manager to join us here at the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR). 

Do you want to be part of a dedicated Workforce Development team, supporting doctors who deliver imaging and cancer care services? If you have a desire to work in a people profession which strives to have a positive impact on the lives of doctors and ultimately patients; this may be the opportunity for you.

In this role the Workforce Development & Training Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing all our workforce operations including the successful delivery of high quality training in the UK, managing applications from global members to join the UK workforce via the Portfolio Pathway, reporting back on progress against objectives and ensuring an equitable balance of work between team members to deliver high quality outcomes.

As we seek to evolve our pathways to the UK workforce, the Workforce Development & Training Operations Manager will work closely with the Workforce Initiatives Manager to plan for ongoing support for new developments, ensuring the team is appropriately trained and resourced to deliver the intended outcomes as they integrate into business as usual. 

What you’ll do: 

• Ensure ongoing delivery of high-quality support for specialty training across both specialties.
• Lead, motivate, performance manage and develop the team.
• Oversee the successful processing of Portfolio Pathway applications within established GMC timescales. 
• Manage the closure of the Medical Training Initiative (MTI), and implementation of any MTI successor scheme
• Ensure a timely response to customer enquiries, working with direct reports to deliver an effective and knowledgeable telephone service.

What you’ll need: 

• Experiencing of developing and managing a high performing operational team.
• Experience managing people, capable of inspiring and motivating. 
• Experience managing and setting budgets.
• Strong communication skills.
• Customer focussed. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a progressive and forward-thinking team and organisation. At the forefront of the health agenda, our members diagnose and treat cancer, heart disease, stroke and more, whilst leading on innovations including AI, skills mix and community diagnostic hubs. If you are interested in finding out more about the Workforce Development & Training Operations Manager role and the RCR please have a read of the candidate pack. 

Why join us: 

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and medical specialties
• Hybrid working – up to 60% remote
• Modern working environment with home‑working equipment provided
• Generous annual leave, plus the option to buy up to 5 extra days
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave (maternity, paternity and adoption) for those with 2+ years continuous service 
• Excellent pension scheme
• Sabbaticals (5+ years’ service) and secondment opportunities
• Interest‑free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Long service recognition awards 

We are looking for an experienced, motivated and values‑driven Fundraising and Partnerships Officer to grow our income from trusts, foundations, corporates and individuals. 

Working closely with the CEO, you will play a key role in enabling WSF’s strategic goals by securing sustainable funding, building strong external relationships, and demonstrating the impact of our work. This is a pivotal role for someone who combines strong fundraising expertise with a passion for community development.

The Sentencing Academy, established in 2019, has made significant strides in advocating for effective sentencing practices and enhancing the understanding of sentencing among professionals and the public. We are now looking for a visionary leader to join us as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This pivotal role will oversee the strategic direction of the charity, strengthening future sustainability and marking a new chapter in its mission to promote evidenced-based approaches to sentencing to help reduce re-offending, provide justice to victims and improve public confidence.

About the Role

This key position offers the chance to shape and develop the future of the Sentencing Academy and its commitment to enhancing sentencing practices and research in England and Wales. It is a leadership opportunity that involves executing a strategic plan that supports the charity's longevity. It is a role that not only focuses on organisational growth and influence but also emphasises the importance of operational compliance, financial health, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners. The budget for 2026/27 is fully funded but there is a need to significantly widen the organisation’s funding base to ensure its sustainability beyond the current financial year.

About You

We are seeking a passionate, and experienced leader with a proven track record in the non-profit sector to join our team as CEO. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an interest in sentencing and the wider criminal justice system. Your background will include strategic planning, governance, and financial management, with a strong ability to secure funding through grants and partnerships.

You will inspire and lead a diverse team, with expertise to build and maintain strong relationships, and represent our organisation in public forums and the media. As a forward-thinking leader you will demonstrate strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

What We Offer

The post is offered on a 0.5 to 0.8 FTE basis (18.75 to 30 hours per week) on a permanent basis. An attractive package is offered alongside flexible hybrid working arrangements. The Sentencing Academy is currently a remote organisation although attendance at regular meetings in London will be essential. The salary for this post is £70,000 pro rata.

Transport for All has a strong reputation for leading the debate and advocating for change to improve the journeys made by disabled people. This role presents an opportunity for a strong leader with the commitment, enthusiasm and expertise to build on our success.

Our Chief Executive will be responsible for continuing to delivering the remainder of our 5-year strategy, whilst horizon-scanning to work with the team and wider DPO community to engage in the opportunities and changes ahead. We’re a small team and this is a wide-ranging role which includes:

• Representing the voice of the 16 million+ people in the disabled community by influencing policy and infrastructure decision-makers through our campaigns.

• Overseeing a highly regarded policy and public affairs function with associated communications and stakeholder engagement, maintaining our high profile and reputation with national and local governments.

• Ensuring the charity’s funding is robust and sustainable, looking at how we can diversify our income and direct it towards what matters through continuing to deliver our strategy and planning for our future.

• Overall responsibility for our successful training, research and consultancy business, building partnerships and further growth. This includes the National Accessible Transport Survey.

• Championing our award-winning support services for disabled people.

• Leading our expert teams through a period of growth and consolidation, embedding a strong organisational culture and matching our structure and systems to our upcoming challenges and increasing size.

You will report to and be supported by a well-functioning and committed Board of Trustees who are professionals with experience of working in the charity and transport sectors, as well as finance, legal and government backgrounds.

What does it take to lead the national voice for special schools at a time of real change?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

National – home-based, with regular travel across England and Wales, particularly London

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We bring together independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, special academies, maintained special schools and multi-academy trusts with specialist provision.

We exist to inform, support and represent our members, helping specialist schools improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and secure the place of specialist provision within the wider education system. NASS is known for being accessible, responsive and personal, combining national influence with practical support that members value as timely, human and trustworthy.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. In February this year, the Department for Education published a major white paper on SEND reform which will require NASS to both influence national policy on behalf of our members and children and young people, as well as support them to navigate the changes. Our new CEO will need to review our strategy while building on our strong platform and momentum to further deepen our influence and strengthen our internal capacity.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead NASS through a period of policy and structural change, ensuring the organisation remains clear on purpose, responsive to members and influential in the SEND landscape.
• Governance & Finance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strong governance, prudent financial stewardship, robust risk management and clear strategic oversight.
• Operational Leadership: Provide confident leadership to a small, remote team, strengthening collaboration, accountability, resilience and a positive, high-trust culture.
• Income Generation: Oversee budgeting, planning and reporting while developing thoughtful opportunities to diversify income through membership, partnerships, events and related activity.
• Community & Partnerships: Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, parliament, regulators, sector bodies and member schools, ensuring NASS remains relevant and well connected.
• Member Services: Protect and enhance the practical offer to members, from briefings and special interest groups to conferences, webinars, training and peer-to-peer learning.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a credible public ambassador for NASS, helping to modernise communications and broaden the organisation’s voice beyond a founder-shaped model.
• Future Growth: Shape a distributed leadership profile and support a more varied, accessible and engaging approach to membership, advocacy and communications.
• A seasoned senior leader with experience in a charity, membership body, education or public sector setting, and a clear track record of leading through change.
• A strong strategic thinker, able to absorb complex information quickly and translate it into clear, practical direction.
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent NASS with members, staff, trustees, MPs, peers, media and national partners.
• A politically astute relationship-builder, comfortable navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment.
• Experienced in governance, with a sound understanding of working with boards or trustees and supporting effective decision-making.
• Numerate and commercially minded, with experience of budgets, financial planning, income generation or partnership development.
• Credible, approachable and resilient, with the emotional intelligence to lead well in a high-profile, remote and sometimes uncertain context.
• Direct SEND experience would be a significant advantage, alongside understanding of specialist education or similarly complex stakeholder environments.

Why NASS?

• This is a chance to lead a respected, member-led organisation with a strong national reputation and a clear public purpose.
• You will help shape the future of specialist education at a time when SEND reform is high on the agenda.
• NASS has a loyal, experienced and collegiate remote staff team, supported by an active Board of Trustees.
• The organisation offers a genuinely influential platform, with strong connections across the sector and with government.

Application

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 8th June 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Kaleidoscope Health and Care is looking for a chief executive to lead our consultancy business into its next decade.

Hello, we're Kaleidoscope. We are a consultancy of a different kind. We bring people together to create change that works, and over the past decade, we've helped hundreds of organisations do harder things than they thought possible. Our founder is moving on this summer and we’re looking for the person to lead our next chapter - someone who understands that how you build matters as much as what you build. We're employee-owned, and committed to being the kind of organisation we help others become. That's not a tagline. It shapes how we work every day.

A bit about the role

This is not a caretaker role. Over the past decade we’ve built something truly special: a kind, commercially serious, employee-owned consultancy that does exceptional work in health and care. 

This role combines strategic leadership of the organisation with hands-on responsibility for its commercial sustainability, culture, and external relationships. You'll work alongside a talented, committed team, in a self-managing organisation to build our consultancy business aligned to our purpose and values as an organisation.

The salary is £95,882 to £106,010. Our preference is for full-time, but we will consider part-time at 30+ hours / week.

A bit about you

You'll know health, care and the public sector. Not just as a sector to work in, but one you care about. You'll be comfortable with the commercial realities of running a consultancy - P&L, resource allocation, business development. And you'll have the kind of presence and credibility that makes clients want to work with you and colleagues want to follow you.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented in senior health and care leadership.

The application deadline is 8am on Friday, 12 June 2026.

Get in touch with us…

If you need any reasonable adjustments for the application process or have any specific questions.

There's a full candidate pack available, and an Ask Me Anything session at midday (12.00pm BST) on Thursday 21 May, open to anyone considering applying.