Chief executive jobs

Age UK Islington is changing the way we age, with a mission to help people to achieve a 'good life'. We do this by providing tailored support to people in the borough of Islington. As an independent local charity, we work at the heart of the community to ensure those people over 60, those under 60 with long term health needs and family carers are given proactive and bespoke support, dependent on their circumstances. 

Age UK Islington is in a position of strength, both financially and in terms of its role within the local community. We are financially stable, technology-driven and produce data that provides key insights into our population. We are pleased to have strong relationships with the local borough and ICB, resulting in mutually beneficial contracts that support residents to address their problems before they become a crisis. 

However with upcoming funding challenges for our NHS and local authority partners, we are looking ahead to maximise the strategic opportunities open to us that enable us to continue to deliver our high-quality and much needed services.

Age UK Islington 

Chief Executive Officer  

Islington, London/Hybrid working: with office working at least three days per week.

Circa £75,000 per annum  

We are looking for a CEO to lead our team of 40 staff and 75 volunteers and continue the development of Age UK Islington to reach a new level of impact. Working with the Board, the CEO will strategically review the current landscape and new opportunities to best support our clients.

Our new CEO will: 

• Develop a multi-year vision for the charity, and a strategy to deliver that vision. 

• Maximise Age UK Islington’s impact by reviewing new business opportunities, developing our services and products and maximising our reach and impact. 

• Lead the organisation externally with key stakeholders, including local government, the NHS and donors. 

• Lead and inspire our dedicated and passionate staff and volunteers. 

In order to continue to provide proactive, supportive services we seek an individual with sound strategic experience and a creative approach, who brings:  

• A proven track record of achieving innovation and maximising opportunities, ideally within the health and social care sector. 

• Solid experience of building strong relationships with a breadth of stakeholders, including trustees, staff, funders and partners. 

• Experience of developing income. 

• Experience of leading, managing and inspiring teams in a collaborative working environment. 

• A passion for helping people achieve a 'good life' in the best way for them. 

Age UK Islington is committed to achieve greater diversity in its executive team and welcome applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability. 

For further information, to access the full appointment brief and to apply to this role, please visit the Prospectus website. 

To arrange a discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Erica Ritchie at Prospectus.

Recruitment Timetable  

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 4th March 2026 

Interviews with Prospectus:  10th-13th March 2026 

Engagement meeting with AUKI’s internal stakeholders and Panel Interviews: 20th March 2026 

· SPACE was founded in 2014 by parents of children with additional needs in response to the lack of appropriate play resources and support locally.

·        Our centre includes a large fully accessible play frame and soft play area, interactive sensory room, a versatile activity room and a changing space.

· Our services include family play sessions, parent / carer support and training, sibling group, lending library, counselling, after school activity clubs and birthday parties.

· Our mission is to relieve isolation experienced by children with additional needs and their families by providing fully accessible support and facilities. Our centre, members, volunteers and colleagues provide the momentum that helps us affect change.

We’re now looking for our new Chief Executive Officer who will help lead us on our continued journey…

About You:

· Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children with additional needs and their families?

· Can you combine strategic leadership with a practical hands‑on approach?

· Do you have significant experience within a charity, public sector, or values driven organisation?

· Do you have a strong understanding of charity governance, assurance and risk?

· Are you a strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into clear plans and measurable outcomes

· Do you have strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to bring people with you through change

· Can you demonstrate a clear commitment to SPACE’s values, ethos, and social purpose

If you think you’ve got what we are looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Building Inclusive Assistance (BIA) to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

BIA is a newly established and soon-to-be registered mental health charity created to commemorate Sabihah’s mental health journey. Our purpose is to provide a safe, discreet, and culturally sensitive space for young Muslim females to openly discuss and receive support for their mental health.

We exist to address a critical gap in services by offering first-line mental health intervention for Muslim females aged 18–25, while educating families and communities to challenge stigma and promote understanding. Initially focused on the North West of England, BIA has strong ambitions to grow its reach and impact nationally.

We are seeking an inspirational and visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead BIA at a pivotal stage of its development. As BIA’s first CEO, you will work closely with the founding Trustees to turn a powerful vision into a sustainable, high-impact charity.

As Chief Executive, you will:

· Develop and implement BIA’s long-term strategy, ensuring alignment with its mission, values, and growth ambitions.

· Establish BIA as a credible, trusted, and impactful mental health charity.

· Recruit, lead, and inspire a team of staff and volunteers.

· Have a demonstrable commitment to the charity’s Islamic ethos and values.

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum

Location: Manchester / North West (Hybrid – 3 days office, 2 days home)

Contract: Full-time

How to apply:

If you would like to receive more information about the position and how to apply, please send a CV in confidence to Nick Shanks via the apply button.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 27th February 2026.

BIA is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. However, this CEO post is restricted to women applicants due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Chief Executive - Help & Care
Location: Home-based within easy reach of Dorset (regular travel across the region)
Salary: circa £85,000 per annum
Contract: permanent, either full-time basis (37 hours per week) or part-time (30 hours per week). We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements for part-time hours, including how these are worked across the working week.

Are you an innovative leader who will put communities and social justice at the heart of transforming how health and social care is delivered in Dorset and the south of England?

Help & Care has been supporting communities across Dorset and the south coast since 1985. We deliver person-centred services that promote dignity, independence and connection - from dementia coordination and health coaching to our award-winning Roots gardening programme and social prescribing partnerships. Working with over 25 partners across health, housing and the voluntary sector, we co-produce services that make a real difference to older people, those with long-term conditions, carers and people at risk of isolation.

As our new Chief Executive, you will collaborate with a dedicated Board and a strong, highly motivated team focusing on the following key areas of responsibility:

• Strategic leadership: Define an ambitious, values-led strategy and deliver it, securing long-term impact alongside sustainable financial growth.
• Values leadership: Place Help & Care’s values - social justice, innovation, personal and collaborative - at the heart of decision-making and model them through visible leadership.
• Growth & income diversification: Lead business development to diversify income streams, winning commissioned contracts and developing social-enterprise opportunities to reduce reliance on public commissioning.
• Partnerships & advocacy: Strengthen and sustain senior-level relationships across the NHS, local authorities, commissioners and the voluntary sector; represent Help & Care across systems, media and stakeholder networks.
• Service quality & impact: Embed rigorous monitoring and evaluation so outcome evidence drives commissioning decisions, improves financial performance and enhances the organisation’s reputation.

• People leadership: Inspire, retain and develop a high-performing, compassionate leadership team and workforce, focused on talent development, wellbeing and accountability.
• Governance & financial stewardship: Provide the Board with timely, high-quality reporting, oversee financial recovery or sustainability plans as required, and ensure robust risk, compliance and governance arrangements.

Who you are:

• An experienced CEO or senior director from complex, multi-service health, social care or community organisations, with experience of developing and delivering multi-agency contracts.
• Proven track record of securing commissioned contracts, leading tendering and contract oversight, and developing income diversification, including social-enterprise opportunities.
• Comfortable driving strategic transformation and financial sustainability, with demonstrable expertise in strategic financial management.
• A values-led, collaborative and visible leader with high emotional intelligence and resilience, committed to social justice, person-centred practice and co-production; an effective public representative and mentor.

Why Help & Care?

• Lead a highly respected regional provider with an outstanding track record of co-production and innovation.
• Shape an organisation poised for growth and greater regional influence.
• Hybrid, home-based working, regular travel across Dorset, and the chance to safeguard vital services for local communities.

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 23rd February 2026. Interviews and assessments on 3rd, 4th and 5th March.

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.

Lead a movement tackling issues that matter more than ever

GoodGym is seeking an ambitious, inclusive and growth-minded leader who cares about connection, community and creating positive urban futures to achieve the potential of GoodGym over the coming years.

GoodGym is a community of people who combine their exercise with helping their communities. We run, walk, and cycle to help community projects and older people. Our goal is to create healthier, happier and better connected communities.

GoodGym is a unique proposition globally, it is recognised by the mainstream media, in the charity industry, and the running world as a pioneering innovation. It has won awards from multiple prime ministers, it has been named as one of most important innovations in running in the last 50 years by Runners World and won the University of Cambridge Social Innovation prize.

GoodGym is an active community across the UK. We have 26,000 members in 65+ urban areas of England and Wales.

Direct reports4

TeamBusiness operations

Hours5 days (37.5 hours) per week with flexible arrangements

LocationHolborn, London with some hybrid working

Report to Board of Trustees

Salary £65-70k

Application Closing Date 12 noon, 27th of February 2026

Why join us?

GoodGym is a growing, high-impact organisation, and a great place to work. We're launching new programmes (including new work in Scotland and a youth focus in 2026), improving our sector-leading volunteering platform, and benefiting from a major media partnership with Sky (TV ad this Spring). Backed by multi-year funding, strong leadership and governance, and recent parliamentary endorsement, we are a forward-thinking, respected brand tackling critical issues from loneliness to urban sustainability. Join our committed, friendly team at a time of maximum relevance and opportunity.

Why what we do matters

In a world in which screen time is growing, real life connection is declining, communities are fracturing and mental health issues are rising, GoodGym provides an important antidote. Independent evaluation shows that:

• GoodGym improves connection and belonging to an “extraordinary” extent
• GoodGym provides essential support to older people and reduces loneliness
• GoodGym increases wellbeing to a significant extent
• GoodGym contributes thousands of hours to projects making our cities greener

The potential is even greater, cities around the world have requested that we start there and the goal is to make our activity ubiquitous. Doing so would transform urban life and make cities greener, happier and healthier.

Representing the cities in which we operate

GoodGym aims to bring people together across demographic divides, in order to do this we seek to be representative of the communities in which we operate.

We see diversity as a strength and are committed to having a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of race, sex, gender identity, disability, age, nationality, religious or philosophical belief, sexual orientation, educational attainment, family status, trade union activity or any other factor.

What we’re looking for

GoodGym is in a strong position - long term funders, a strong team and ambitious plans for the future. Now is the right time for our founder to hand on the baton to a new CEO.

Our new CEO will have:
- scaled a new initiative, created a big change in their community or created an organisation, project or movement from scratch.
- generated significant income
- the ability to communicate the importance of our work to lots of different people

In addition, the person we are looking for:

• Has the ability to spot opportunities and make things happen
• Has a deep belief that positive change is possible
• Combines ambition with thoughtful reflection, listening and diplomacy
• Has a passion for our mission of creating happier and more connected communities
• Is driven by a desire to bring people together, not by ego and loves helping others to succeed
• Is a proactive collaborator and build connection easily with all sorts of people

For the full list of responsibilities and skills, please review our job pack.

Process:

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on the 27th of February.

Planned interview dates:
First round: 6th of March
Second round: 12th of March
These dates will be confirmed with you when you submit your application.
- During the process you’ll meet a range of staff and Trustees and have the opportunity to learn more about the organisation.
- If you require any adjustments or adaptations at any stage of the process please let us know in your email.

How to apply:

Send a CV and supporting statement each of no more than two pages. In your supporting statement please why you think this role is the right move for you and how your experience matches our person specification. In particular, please outline clear evidence for your ability to initiate change at scale, your ability to generate income, and your ability to communicate ideas and create partnerships.

For more information on the role and the organisation see our job pack linked to this joblisting on our company website. 

Send your application to jobs@goodgym. org no later than 12 noon on the 27th of February.

If you would like to speak about the role with our Chair or CEO before applying, please email: getinvolved@goodgym. org

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join our organisation as Chief Executive Officer to play a pivotal role in delivering the strategic aims of the organisation and making a lasting impact on the community we support.
 
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £55,000 - £57,000 dependent on experience
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location hybrid: Nottingham City office base (Dryden Enterprise Centre) and community-based across the City, with flexible home working options.
 
Are you a dynamic and experienced leader passionate about strengthening the voluntary and community sector? Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead our dedicated team and drive our mission forward.
 
Established in 1875, our fundamental aim is to enhance the quality of life for people in Nottingham by bolstering the voluntary and community sector.
 
NCVS provides crucial support in three key areas:
• Volunteering: We strive to improve the quality and diversity of volunteering opportunities throughout the city.
• Voluntary Sector Development: We strengthen the capacity of the voluntary sector through promoting best practices, offering funding advice, and providing essential training.
• Voices: We champion the voluntary sector on critical issues, ensuring its access to and influence upon key decision-makers.
 
About the role
 
As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for NCVS, working closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver the organisation’s vision, ensure long-term sustainability and maximise our impact across the city.
 
You will lead a committed team, oversee the development of our programmes and services, and act as NCVS’ principal ambassador – building strong relationships with partners, funders and networks locally, regionally and nationally. A key part of the role will be securing income, championing the VCSE sector, and ensuring NCVS continues to respond effectively to the changing needs of communities and organisations in Nottingham.
 
This is a broad, influential role suited to a leader who is equally comfortable setting strategy, representing the organisation at senior levels, and rolling up their sleeves when needed.
 
What you’ll be responsible for
 
• Providing clear strategic leadership and direction for NCVS, translating vision into delivery
• Ensuring the organisation’s long-term financial stability through income generation, grants and partnerships
• Leading and developing the senior team, fostering a collaborative, values-led culture
• Working with Trustees to maintain strong governance, performance management and accountability
• Representing NCVS externally and strengthening our profile with funders, partners and decision-makers
• Championing the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector through advocacy, collaboration and engagement
• Overseeing budgets, resources and organisational infrastructure to support effective delivery
 
What we’re looking for
 
You will be an experienced senior leader, ideally from the voluntary or community sector, with a strong understanding of how local infrastructure organisations support communities and volunteering in Nottingham/Nottinghamshire.
 
You’ll bring a track record of developing strategy, securing funding and building effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll be confident influencing at senior levels, while remaining approachable, hands-on and values driven.
 
You’ll also bring:
• Strong financial and organisational management capability
• Experience leading, coaching and motivating teams
• Insight into the policy, funding and partnership landscape affecting the VCSE sector
• A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset with the confidence to lead change
• Flexibility to work across Nottingham and occasionally outside standard office hours. The Chief Executive Officer is expected to attend in-person meetings in and around Nottingham 1 to 3 days a week, on average.
 
Why join NCVS?
 
This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected, long-established organisation at the heart of Nottingham’s voluntary and community sector. You’ll have the chance to shape strategy, influence decision-making, and make a tangible difference to communities across the city.
 
Application Process: Closing date: 8am Monday 16th February. Interviews will be held 11th and 12th March.
 
By clicking on the link to apply for this role you will be able to read the job description and person specification in full and view our CEO recruitment video.
 
Thank you for considering NCVS as your next professional home and we look forward to receiving your application.
 
You may also have experience in the following: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Executive, Chief Executive – Charity / Non-Profit, Charity Chief Executive, Non-Executive Director / Chief Executive, Director of a Charity / Voluntary Organisation, Managing Director – Charity / Third Sector, Executive Director – Non-Profit, Voluntary Sector Chief Executive, VCSE Chief Executive, Third Sector Chief Executive, Director of Voluntary Services, Head of Charity / Head of Non-Profit, Social Impact Chief Executive, Community Services Chief Executive, etc
 
REF-226 014

We are seeking an outstanding and empathetic leader to become the Chief Executive Officer of East Sussex Community Voice (ESCV), working with our directors, staff, and volunteers to further develop our organisation and make a real difference for people across East Sussex.

As an ambitious Community Interest Company (CIC), we seek someone with strong leadership qualities who can ensure ESCV continues to be an effective and independent agent of local change, whilst diversifying and evolving our business.

Since 2013, ESCV has enabled people in East Sussex to have their voices heard in the design, commissioning, and delivery of services by putting communities at the centre of everything we do. Our work includes delivering an award-winning Healthwatch, leading large-scale public engagement and community development projects, and hosting the East Sussex Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector Alliance.

With imminent changes to Healthwatch and national legislation, we are entering a period of transformation. We are looking for an experienced and inspiring leader who can guide our team through this change, someone who empowers others, builds confidence, and sustains a positive, collaborative culture.

You will be a strategic thinker and relationship builder at a senior level, with a track record of delivering strategies, operational plans, and projects that achieve tangible outcomes. You will also bring excellent interpersonal skills, experience in leading high-performing teams, and the ability to manage staff effectively.

In addition, you will have experience managing and developing high-level relationships with key decision makers and demonstrate extensive knowledge of public engagement, the health and social care landscape, company governance, business development and income generation, and financial control.

If you share our passion for empowering communities and want to lead a dedicated team making a real difference across East Sussex, we would be delighted to receive your application.

“East Sussex Community Voice is an Equal Opportunities and Diversity employer and welcomes candidates from all sections of the community.

How to apply:

For further details about this exciting opportunity and an application pack please visit our website and download the Job Description/Person Specification for this post and follow the instructions posted.

Applications require a CV and a personal statement (maximum of 500 words) and only applications with both will be reviewed.

Please upload these via the ESCV job application link provided for the post you are applying for.

If you require an application in another format, please do get in contact

You don’t have to know about Down syndrome. You can learn about Down syndrome, but we need you to know how to nurture the heart of an organisation and its people.

Please see our video on our website for further details from our Chair, James Davis (go to 'meet the team', and 'current vacancies'.

Freelance/self-employed contract for 3 – 4 days per week

Lead the 17-year-old charity into a brighter future

The role demands quality skills and experience in management, governance, building teams and communities, fundraising and finance – in person and online.

Can you simultaneously be creative, a problem solver, ideas person, developmental, positive leader, supporter, confidante, prudent and adventurous?

We are very keen to hear from you. Please send your CV and a 5 min video explaining who you are, why you suit the role and why you want to join us as CEO by Saturday 28 February 2026.

Are you an influential leader looking for a new challenge? Would you like the opportunity to take a leading charity through the next exciting phase of its remarkable journey?

Harrogate Neighbours exists to support and improve the lives of elderly and vulnerable people across the region, transforming lives and empowering the community on a daily basis! With over 50 years of experience, they provide a vast range of services ranging from residential care (at their homes in Starbeck and Boroughbridge) to meals on wheels in the community to The charity’s values focus on compassion, accountability, respect and excellence, and the incredible staff team deliver an uncompromised standard of care to all.

We have a career defining opportunity for a new CEO to lead this organisation, and community, and in doing so inspire and transform lives across the region!

The Role

The CEO will be accountable to the talented and committed Board of Trustees and be responsible for the overall strategic management, leadership, and development of Harrogate Neighbours. Duties will include:

• Ensuring the development and implementation of integrated strategies across care, housing, operations, finance, marketing and communications, human resources and workforce, information management and technology, estates and performance monitoring, management and reporting.
• Providing overall leadership for Harrogate Neighbours in line with the vision, mission and values agreed by the Board of Trustees.
• Providing strategic leadership for fundraising and income diversification, ensuring the organisation has a sustainable and mixed portfolio of income.
• Developing and maintaining positive collaborative partnership arrangements with commissioners, local authorities, local communities, MPs, the voluntary sector, communities and other key partners and stakeholders.
• Overseeing the financial processes for the organisation and leading delivery of the agreed budgets.

The Person

We are looking for a visionary leader - a creative, charismatic and influential individual who is passionate about the values, ethos and mission of the charity! The skills and experience we are looking for include:

• A demonstrable track record of working in a senior strategic leadership role
• Evidence of working with senior leaders and board members to ensure strong and effective financial management
• Strong networking and influencing skills with an ability to build excellent relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong and clear communication skills with an ability to lead internally, and also deliver messages to a variety of audiences externally.

This is a truly wonderful opportunity to lead a fantastic charity where you will directly influence the landscape for the communities across the Harrogate region, for the future. As CEO of Harrogate Neighbours, you will be leading a financially stable organisation with a strong board and talented staff team. The charity also promotes a supportive culture, has a generous pension scheme, offers a variety of wellbeing initiatives, 6.6 weeks annual leave and a range of additional benefits (including Blue Light Card and paid for massages!).

If you believe that you could be the right person to lead this charity through the next phase of its exciting journey then get in touch for more information, or apply here before Friday 27th February.

First stage interviews have been scheduled for Friday 20th March, and second stage interviews will be on 25th, 26th and 27th March 2026.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format, such as audio or video upload, please contact either Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this.

Please also be aware that Charity Horizons use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition and pregnancy.

Seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic, dedicated yet compassionate leader to drive the charity forward with a fresh strategy, new ideas and a bold vision. As CEO you will provide visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, ensuring we fulfil our mission and grow sustainably. You will act as a key ambassador, building partnerships and maintaining our reputation for excellence ensuring we move forward with impact sharing the strength and passion that we have continued to experience for almost 70 years.

Key Responsibilities (see breakdown within attached job specification)

• Strategic leadership
• Operational Management
• External Engagement
• Governance and Board Relations
• Team Leadership
   

What we do
IA offers peer-to-peer support to those with, or about to have, either an ileostomy or an internal pouch. We also help fund research into bowel disease and other conditions leading to the removal of the colon, as well as providing relevant information to interested parties using a range of channels.

Our strapline, “Because we know, we care”, sums up our whole ethos. Individuals can join either their local IA member organisation, or the IA national charity, and in either case, gain access to a range of services and support, including our flagship quarterly Journal, local and national meetings and information events, and other services such as our One2One peer support and Support Through Therapy services.

What you offer

Essential
• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally as a CEO or Director in the charity or social enterprise sector
• Demonstrable experience of strategic planning and implementation
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage effectively with stakeholders, professionals and volunteers both internally and publicly
• Work empathetically with vulnerable adults employing working knowledge of safeguarding
• Financial management and budget oversight
• Demonstrable experience of implementing and monitoring services based on financial benefit and social benefit
• Track record of income generation and fundraising
• Demonstrable experience of operating within a governance and regulatory framework
• Experience of developing, managing and supporting high performing teams with a strong growth mindset
• Builds effective relationships with a strong network instilling confidence and trust
• Experience of leading a team delivering effectively against objectives

Skills and Qualities
• Visionary and values-led leadership
• Ethical decision-maker
• Strong, confident and decisive performing well under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Resilience, adaptability, empathy and emotional intelligence
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

What we offer
Contract: Part time 60% FTE – flexible over 3-5 days, permanent role.
Location: Remote (with regular travel to National Office (Rochford, Essex) and other UK locations, as required)
Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 equivalent FT (pro-rata 60%), commensurate with experience plus benefits

Please see further information about us, what you will offer and who we are looking for within the attached role profile.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)

Location: Mostly at the Saïd Foundation office in central London, with some scope for remote working.   Occasional international travel to the Levant region where deemed safe.

Responsible to: The Chairman and Board of Trustees.

Line management: Scholarships Programme Manager, Financial Controller, Finance and Programme Administrator.

Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 pro rata.

Job type: Part-time (three days a week), permanent. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an experienced organisational manager, who will mentor our small and highly motivated team and bring proven expertise around financial and people management and governance as well as of building relationships with different stakeholders and providing strong accountability to charity trustees.   You will have an understanding of the Levant region of the Middle East, a commitment to bridge building and respect across cultures and a conviction that education can change lives for the better, create enlightened and effective leadership and benefit wider society.

Our outgoing CEO originally came to the UK as a Saïd Foundation Scholar to study at Oxford University and has worked for the Foundation for over six years.  He is leaving to return to Syria.  We are looking for an experienced manager to carry on his work in leading our team, maintaining close relationships with our Trustees, partners and students and ensuring that the Foundation’s programmes are run to the highest standards. 

ABOUT THE SAÏD FOUNDATION

The Saïd Foundation was established as a non-sectarian and non-political charity in 1982 by Wafic and Rosemary Saïd to bring positive and lasting change to the lives of children, young people and the wider community with a focus on the Levant region of the Middle East and on the UK, and on education as a powerful tool to make change.  It is governed by a Board of Trustees and the Board’s Student, Projects, Audit and Investments Committees.  Khaled Saïd has just become Chair of the Board. 

Since 1984, our longest-standing programme, the Scholarships Programme, has offered opportunities to outstanding individuals with leadership potential to be drivers of positive change within our target countries of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. It brings these change agents to the UK to study for Master’s degrees at exceptional universities and maintains close contact with them during their studies and beyond.  Our amazing community of over 700 alumni have gone on to become outstanding leaders in many fields and to build bridges and respect across cultures. 

The Foundation’s founder, Wafic Saïd, is also the founder of Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, now one of the world’s leading business schools.  The Saïd Business School Foundation (SBSF), also an English charity, was established in 1998 to support the development of the School in its pursuit of excellence. Its Strategic Development Fund  provides grants in support of initiatives that will have strategic value to the development of the School.  SBSF is funded and administered by the Saïd Foundation. 

The Foundation’s humanitarian work has responded to the shifting needs of the region over immensely challenging times.  Since 2011, it has focused on supporting Syrian refugee communities in Lebanon and Jordan through grants to major international non-governmental organisations.  Most recently, it has provided support for Gazan children orphaned by the destruction of their homeland.  Before the conflict in Syria began, the Foundation ran a capacity-building programme across the country for those working to support Syria’s disabled children. It helped to set up a sister organisation in Syria, the Saïd Foundation for Development, which will take forward future work in Syria and is now considering how to support the needs of a post-Assad Syria.

In recent years, the Foundation has also worked to promote better health outcomes for people everywhere by making grants to innovative and impactful projects at world-leading medical research institutions based in the UK and known to the Saïd family. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job purpose:

To lead a small, motivated team in the best-practice implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Foundation’s programmes and grants and to build strong relationships with the Foundation’s Trustees, partners and scholars.

Responsibilities:

1. Programme and grant management

a) To oversee the management of the scholarships programme, ensuring the selection of outstanding students from the Levant region and the Foundation’s duty of care to them while they are in the UK.

b) To oversee the Foundation’s grant-making programmes, ensuring that grants agreed by the Trustees are informed by rigorous due diligence and are monitored effectively.

c) To provide guidance as necessary to the Board and staff of the Saïd Foundation for Development in Syria on governance and project management matters.

d) To oversee the evaluation of the scholarships programme periodically, and grant-funded projects as necessary, to ensure they achieve their intended objectives and apply learning to their improvement.

2. Organisation and staff management

a) To devise and implement annual plans for implementation of the Foundation’s work, define the level and timing of human and other resources required to deliver the plans and develop key performance indicators to report progress against plans to the Board.

b) To foster a supportive work culture, managing staff in line with best human resource practice and ensuring high levels of motivation and strong performance.

c) To recruit staff, when necessary.

d) To oversee the effective operation of all office systems, including IT and the scholarships platform and database, and introduce improvements (for example, in the use of AI).

e) To ensure that health and safety aspects are taken into account appropriately when the Foundation’s staff, students and Trustees are travelling in connection with the Foundation’s activities.

3. Governance and Trustees

a) To meet regularly with the Chairman to ensure he is fully informed of developments and to support planning for Board and Committee deliberations.

b) To engage Trustees actively, drawing on their expertise to enhance the work of the Foundation, and report to them regularly on the Foundation’s work.

c) With the help of other staff, to make recommendations to the Foundation’s Committees on their focus areas and ensure high quality papers for Board and Committee meetings and timely follow up of action points.

d) To remain up to date with developments in charity governance and regulation to ensure that the Foundation follows best practice and is compliant with regulations.

e) To identify key risks to the Foundation’s funding, operation and reputation, ensuring that controls are in place for their mitigation and their inclusion in the risk register.

4. Financial, accounting and investment matters (with the Financial Controller)

a) To ensure that accurate annual budgets for the Foundation’s programmes, staff, administration and property management costs are approved by the Trustees and that cash flow projections support decision-making on the timely funding of the Foundation.

b) To ensure that monthly management accounts and annual statutory accounts provide all necessary information for accountability and management purposes.

c) To oversee rigorous internal controls for the Foundation’s payments and receipts.

d) To support the Investment Committee in ensuring the effective management and secure custody of the Foundation’s financial and property assets and monitoring of the performance of these investments.

5. Saïd Business School Foundation (SBSF)

a) To ensure that all Strategic Development Fund (and other) grants meet the objectives agreed with the School and monitor the impact of the grants through the School’s reporting.

b) To oversee high-quality reporting to SBSF’s Board of Directors and its Committees including on the overall development and performance of the School.

c) To monitor the continuing fulfilment of undertakings made to SBSF by Oxford University so that any departure from these undertakings can be assessed by the Board.

d) To ensure that all SBSF’s accounting and other regulatory requirements are met.

6. Representing the Foundation

a) To represent the Foundation externally at events and meetings and ensure that its own events provide a warm, welcoming and inspiring experience for invitees.

b) To build enduring relationships of trust with existing and new partners.

c) To ensure that the Foundation’s engagement with its students and alumni creates a strong sense of belonging to the Saïd Foundation “family”. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

a) Strong relationship building skills with a wide range of people (such as Trustees, partners and students).

b) Experience of managing, motivating and mentoring a team to achieve their potential.

c) Excellent and engaging communications and presentation skills, in person and in writing.

d) Strong experience of the UK charity sector and charity regulation and governance.

e) Proven experience in budget setting, financial planning, and financial management.

f) Excellent organisation and management skills, with the ability to manage a number of tasks at the same time.

g) An understanding, and personal experience, of the Levant region of the Middle East.

h) An existing and unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Desirable

i) Experience of recruiting exceptional students and of supporting their needs as overseas students.

j) Experience of developing, implementing and delivering educational and/or humanitarian programmes.

k) Experience in grant making, including due diligence, agreement management, monitoring and evaluation.

Attributes

a) A commitment to bridge building and respect across cultures.

b) A conviction that education can change lives for the better, create enlightened and effective leadership and benefit wider society.

c) An adaptable approach including the flexibility to undertake a wide range of tasks.

d) A “can do” attitude, enthusiasm, resilience and energy.

e) Integrity, humility and discretion.

OTHER BENEFITS

- Employer’s pension contribution of 5% of salary.

- 25 days’ holiday in addition to bank holidays.

- Private health insurance.

HOW TO APPLY AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

To apply, please email a CV outlining your relevant experience, including how it meets the requirements of the job description, along with a cover letter of no more than two pages explaining your interest in the role and addressing the criteria set out in the person specification. Please refer to the attached application brief for more information.

Deadline for applications: Monday 9 March 2026 at 10:00 UK time.

Interviews: First interviews on 19 and 20 March; second interviews on 23 and 25 March. First interviews will be in person in central London or, if necessary, by video call depending on candidates’ ability to travel. Second interviews will be in person in central London. 

We are happy to offer informal, pre-application conversations about the role. 

Who we are –

Home-Start Portsmouth is a local family support charity based in Portsmouth, providing outreach services, free Stay & Play groups and working within the Portsmouth Family hubs as part of the Best Start in Life offer in the city. Portsmouth is one of the most deprived cities in the country, and many of the families we support are living with many adversities.

We are a volunteer led service providing parents and carers with the support and guidance they need to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children and their family. We empower families to thrive by providing child-centered family support and in 2025 we supported 1000 unique families across our 12 projects with the support from our 110 volunteers.

Our impact is measured and significant for the families we support and as a result, children will experience improved wellbeing and development. Our focus is to build a compassionate community of support for families, parents and children – because childhood can’t wait.

Our next chapter -

We are at a pivotal moment in the journey of Home-Start Portsmouth. After 25 years of exceptional service, our current CEO is stepping down, marking the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the charity. Over the past few years, we have grown to more than three times our original size, expanding our reach, services, and impact across the community.

Rising levels of need, increasing pressure on family services, and evolving external factors mean that demand for our support is growing. To meet these challenges, we are committed not only to sustaining our growth, but to strengthening it in a purposeful, strategic way by exploring new delivery models, new funding streams, and new partnerships that will secure the future of the organisation.

The new CEO will shape and inspire this next phase of development, whilst embodying the values and ethos of the charity.  They will drive our future sustainability, develop strong external partnerships, and increase our influence locally ensuring that the charity remains resilient, relevant, and impactful.

Why this role matters -

Changing children’s futures is at the heart of everything we do. Families today are facing unprecedented pressures. Home-Start Portsmouth exists to stand alongside these families by providing practical, emotional, and relational support at the earliest possible stage, helping parents build confidence, resilience, and stability so children can thrive.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a transforming charity with extraordinary potential. The CEO will play a defining role in shaping the next era of Home-Start Portsmouth, ensuring that our mission is not only protected, but reinforced. The role directly influences the lives of children and families where the decisions made, the culture shaped, and the partnerships built by the CEO will determine how many families we can reach, how well we can support them, and how lasting that change will be. This is leadership with purpose where strategy, compassion, and impact come together to create lasting change.

Role Purpose  

To provide inspirational, and strategic leadership to Home-Start Portsmouth (HSP), ensuring the charity delivers on its mission that no parent is unsupported in raising children and giving them the best start in life. The CEO is accountable for organisational performance, culture, sustainability, safeguarding, and impact, working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees. 

Location: Home-Start Portsmouth 

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Hours: 32-37 hours pw (over 4-5 days) 

Salary: £57, 000

Main Responsibilities 

1. Strategic & Executive Leadership 

• Lead the development, delivery and review of HSP’s vision, strategy and long-term business plan in partnership with the Board. 

• Translate strategic priorities into measurable operational plans and outcomes 

• Anticipate changes in policy, funding and the wider operating environment 

• Champion innovation, continuous improvement and effective use of technology 

2. Organisational Leadership & Culture 

• Build, lead and inspire a high-performing Senior Leadership Team 

• Shape a values-led, inclusive and accountable organisational culture 

• Oversee performance management, succession planning and leadership development 

• Act as a visible, approachable leader and role model across the organisation 

3. Service Delivery & Impact 

• Hold overall accountability for safe, high-quality and cost-effective services 

• Ensure services are responsive, evidence-led, and meet the needs of families and children 

• Oversee delivery against contracts, KPIs, budgets and timelines 

• Ensure robust impact measurement and reporting to funders, partners, and trustees 

4. Governance, Safeguarding & Risk 

• Work closely with the Chair and Board to maintain the highest standards of governance 

• Lead a strong safeguarding culture and ensure full regulatory compliance 

• Identify, manage, and escalate organisational risks appropriately 

• Ensure policies, controls, and assurance frameworks are robust and current 

5. Financial Leadership & Sustainability 

• Secure and diversify income through bids, partnerships, and fundraising 

• Set and manage budgets, ensuring strong financial control and value for money 

• Provide clear, timely financial and performance reporting to the Board 

• Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of HSP 

6. External Relations & Influence 

• Act as the public face and lead spokesperson for HSP 

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders, commissioners, partners, and supporters 

• Lead key partnerships and commissioning relationships 

• Strengthen HSP’s reputation, profile, and influence locally and nationally 

7. Authority & Accountability 

• Full executive accountability for organisational performance and delivery 

• Authority to make operational decisions within agreed strategy, budgets, and policies 

• Responsibility to escalate significant risks, safeguarding, HR, and governance matters to the Board 

The post holder may be required to undertake any other duties that fall within the nature of the role and responsibilities of the post as detailed above. 

Person Specification 

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience leading organisations at CEO or senior level; able to translate vision into measurable plans and respond to change. 

• Strong understanding of charity governance and safeguarding 

• Experience of financial management and income generation 

• Knowledge of services for children and families (Desirable) 

Abilities and Skills 

• Strategic leadership and sound judgement 

• Ability to lead, motivate and develop senior teams 

• Build and run a motivated and effective team 

• Manage performance, direct reports, set objectives, monitor, feedback, appraise 

• Network across sites, manage communications and standards 

• Coach and develop others 

• Excellent communication and influencing skills 

• Strong stakeholder and partnership management skills 

Attitude 

• Leads with integrity, transparency, and authenticity 

• Values-led and committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding 

•  Inspires trust, confidence, and high performance in others 

• Resilient and adaptable, able to lead calmly through change and uncertainty 

• Approachable, visible, and engaged with staff, volunteers, and partners 

• Courageous in decision-making and willing to challenge constructively 

• Balanced and fair, applying consistent judgement while remaining flexible 

• Passion to help families and children

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment 

Home-Start Portsmouth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and any other checks relevant to the role. 

We are seeking a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the charity; sustaining and growing our work to enhance and protect the river environment so that people and wildlife can thrive.

About you

The successful candidate will have proven senior leadership skills and strong experience in the environmental conservation sector. They will be able to demonstrate experience and achievement across the core elements of a CEO role: strategic organisational planning, business development, operational delivery, people management and development, communication and management of resources. 

If this sounds like a good fit for you, please consider joining us to lead our work in Rethinking Eden’s Rivers for Good.

About us

Eden Rivers Trust (ERT)  is the Cumbrian conservation charity standing up for Eden’s rivers, enhancing and protecting the river environment so that people and wildlife can thrive. Since 1996, we have created and protected havens for wildlife, ensured that our precious fresh water is clean and safe for everyone, and spread the word about healthy, natural rivers far and wide.

Through the combination of our team’s expertise in working with nature and natural processes, the passion of our volunteers,  and our partnership work, together we are finding better ways to help Eden’s rivers thrive – for wildlife, for people, and for generations to come.

About the role

This role represents an exciting opportunity to build on Eden Rivers Trust’s success and take the Trust forward at a time when rivers and water are high in the public consciousness and firmly on the Government’s agenda. Change is expected across the water sector, and Eden Rivers Trust wants to be part of delivering that change – working positively and practically from the ground up.  

We have opportunities to make a significant impact in tackling many environmental issues around water in the Eden and Cumbria;  promoting the concept of integrated catchment management through delivering our strategic plan and the Eden Catchment Plan, both of which contribute to the Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy,  the Government’s Environment Improvement Plan and Plan for Water. 

We will do this working with a multitude of partners, including our sister Rivers Trusts in Cumbria and across the North West. 

For more information and details of how to apply, please read the Recruitment pack  

Deadline for applications: Midnight, Sunday, 15 March 2026
First interviews for this post will take place either week beginning Monday, 23 March or 30 March 2026 and will be a mixture of online and in-person interviews. 

Following significant expansion over the last 5 years, this new role recognises the need for a cultural shift and realignment on operational efficiency and cultural cohesion. We have a turnover over £5m and employ 100 staff.

We are the largest environmental charity in the North East and punch above our weight in the

influence we exert. Come and help us carve out a sustainable and exciting future for people and

nature. The Deputy CE is a pivotal leadership role, supporting the Chief Executive in delivering the Trust’s strategic objectives and ensuring operational excellence across the

organisation. You will provide strategic oversight, manage governance & compliance, lead

cross-organisational initiatives and deputise for the CEO. You will head up the

business support teams and be responsible for transforming the culture ‘from good to great’.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and values-driven leader to help shape the future

of nature conservation in the North East.

The contract is for 35 hours a week. Salary is from £58,608 per annum and 5% pension contribution.

The deadline for applications is 9.00 on 20 February 2026. An application form/ job pack is on our website. Note CV’s will not be accepted.