Chief executive officer jobs in east midlands

We’re Hiring: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £75,000 – £80,000 + pension
Location: Northamptonshire (flexible, with min. 3 days on-site)
Closing date: 5pm, Friday 3rd October 2025

Age UK Northamptonshire is looking for a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead us into our next chapter.

We are the leading local charity supporting older people across the county—providing advice, companionship, and essential services to 18,000+ people every year.

As our long-serving CEO retires, we need an inspiring, strategic leader who can:
✅ Champion older people as a trusted advocate and spokesperson
✅ Lead a dedicated team of 140+ staff and 260+ volunteers
✅ Strengthen partnerships and income streams to ensure sustainability
✅ Build on our proud history while driving innovation and growth

About You

You’ll bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience in a complex organisation
• Strong financial and strategic planning skills
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities
• Integrity, energy, and resilience to lead by example

Knowledge of the voluntary sector, health, social care, or issues affecting older people is highly desirable.

Interviews take place in October. If you have any questions then please use the above email. 

�� Be the voice for older people in Northamptonshire. Lead us into the future.

Location: Hybrid – Warwick/Leamington Spa office (min. 3 days/week), remote up to 2 days/week

Salary: £74,000 – £78,000 (depending on experience)

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Reporting to: Chair of Board of Trustees

About SOS – Silence of Suicide

Founded in 2015 by Michael and Yvette Mansfield, SOS Silence of Suicide exists to break the silence around mental health and suicide. Initially a peer-support group, SOS is now a growing charity offering multi-channel support services via a national helpline, mobile hubs, and in-person outreach. With around 45 staff and volunteers, SOS is poised for further expansion and impact and is seeking a strategic and compassionate CEO to lead us through the next exciting phase of development.

The Role

The Chief Executive Officer will lead SOS’s strategic direction, operations, partnerships and fundraising. This includes shaping long-term sustainability, developing our team and enhancing our voice in national conversations centered around suicide prevention and mental health.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead and manage the Senior Leadership Teams

· Deliver and grow SOS’s core services – helpline, hubs and outreach – ensuring high-quality, accessible support.

· Develop and implement a sustainable income generation strategy in collaboration with fundraising staff.

· Ensure sound financial management, working with bookkeepers, auditors and the Board to meet compliance needs.

· Support trustees with good governance and maintain full legal and regulatory compliance, including safeguarding.

· Represent SOS to external stakeholders including NHS, government, press and funders.

· Oversee impact reporting, evaluation and quality improvement across all service areas.

· Champion SOS’s mission, values and voice on suicide prevention, stigma reduction and mental health awareness.

About You

We are seeking a strategic leader who is hands-on, collaborative and emotionally intelligent. The ideal candidate will bring the following:

· Proven experience in charity leadership and team management, ideally in a growth phase.

· Strong understanding of mental health or suicide prevention – lived or professional experience welcomed.

· Track record in strategic planning, income generation and stakeholder engagement.

· Experience of developing services, managing volunteers, and fostering inclusive culture.

· Sound knowledge of charity governance, safeguarding, finance and HR best practice.

· Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

· Comfortable with hybrid working, frequent travel and engaging with emotionally complex topics.

SOS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and lived experiences. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS check.

Timetable for interviews

Shortlisted candidates will be notified w/c 29th Sept with formal Interviews to be held 6th/7th October 2025 in the Warwickshire area. 

Addendum: Person Specification

Communication & Interpersonal

· Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships across staff, volunteers, partners and service users. (Essential)

· Strong verbal and written communication skills. (Essential)

· Diplomatic, professional and emotionally intelligent. (Essential)

· Able to work both independently and collaboratively; confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. (Essential)

Fundraising & Partnerships

· Proven track record in fundraising strategy, including grant applications, donor engagement and community fundraising. (Essential)

· Provide strategic oversight of the charity’s communications—ensuring the website, social media and printed materials are used effectively and creatively. (Essential)

· Develop a mental health training and awareness service that advances SOS’s mission. (Essential)

Leadership & Management

· Proven experience delivering programmes and activities within the charity sector. (Essential)

· Proven ability to lead and line manage staff within a dispersed team and varied working patterns. (Essential)

· Experience of managing volunteers and supporting their ongoing development. (Essential)

· Ability to work under pressure and respond flexibly in a fast-paced environment. (Essential)

· Proactive and highly organised, with strong time management skills. (Essential)

· Strong attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise, delegate effectively and meet deadlines. (Essential)

Mental Health & Values

· Strong understanding of mental health and suicide prevention, ideally with lived experience. (Essential)

· Commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion internally and externally. (Essential)

· Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding, with experience in policies and processes to protect vulnerable adults. (Essential)

· Clear commitment to the aims and mission of SOS Silence of Suicide. (Essential)

· Empathetic listener with the ability to engage non-judgementally. (Desirable)

Strategy & Governance

· Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic plans, preferably in a charity context. (Essential)

· Experience of designing and building effective organisational structures to support growth, including operating in a ‘start-up’ environment. (Essential)

· Sound knowledge of charity governance and compliance, including engagement with trustee boards. (Essential)

· Ability to develop and implement new organisational processes and frameworks. (Desirable)

Technical Skills & Other

· Proficient in Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, including Teams, Word, Outlook and Excel. (Essential)

· Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field. (Essential)

· Willingness to work outside of standard hours, including evenings and weekends when required. (Essential)

· Living within one hour of the Warwickshire office, with access to a vehicle for business use. (Desirable)

CEO

We are looking for an experienced leader to join the charity in this part-time role.

Position: CEO

Location: Milton Keynes

Hours: Part-time, 3 days/22.5 hours per week

Salary: £65,000 pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 17 September 2025

The Role

The current CEO, Denise Stygal-Watson, has done a fantastic job since joining the charity over four years ago and will be handing over an organisation at an exciting time in its development. We have a strong senior management team in place, enjoy robust processes, solid reporting, accountability and financial rigour and, while there are inevitably challenges, there is everything to play for going forward.

Great work has already been done but the charity needs to continue to build its network, develop partnerships with local companies, as well as grow its donor income, including legacies, to build on its base of earned income from its retail revenue. Ambitious for our growth and commercially minded, our new CEO will have the opportunity to make a significant impact and to focus externally, to be the ambassador for Age UK Milton Keynes, to raise its profile and promote the opportunities available to the people and organisations who can benefit from partnering with us.

Main responsibilities include:

• Strategic leadership and vision
• To provide clear and forward-thinking leadership to ensure Age UK Milton Keynes remains resilient, relevant and impactful in a changing environment
• Financial leadership and fundraising
• To grow income from all sources, encouraging new avenues of income generation through services and growth.
• To be responsible for the effective, strong leadership and management of the staff, volunteers, the organisation and its resources.
• Governance and compliance
• Service development and delivery
• To actively promote, explore and develop ways of working with organisations and statutory agencies within Milton Keynes

If you feel you are the right person to join our board, we would be delighted to hear from you!

About You

We are looking for someone with a proven track record of leadership and management across a range of responsibilities at senior level – ideally gained in the corporate sector.

You will also have:

• Substantial experience of business planning development and delivery
• Financial acumen – experience of financial management and control, including budget oversight and cost control
• Knowledge, experience and understanding of strategic planning and service development planning; including facilitation, implementation and review/evaluation and organisational change
• Track record in driving and supporting fundraising growth, developing networks and working with funding partners
• Demonstration of influencing and developing relationship with key stakeholders and senior opinion leaders including local authority or similar
• Track record as a leader of people, creating positive affirming environments for successful teams and an inclusive organisation

The Organisation

Age UK Milton Keynes was established in June 1978 as Age Concern and became Age UK Milton Keynes when Age Concern and Help the Aged were merged in 2011. Age UK Milton Keynes is a local independent charity working to improve the quality of life for all older people living in Milton Keynes.

At Age UK Milton Keynes we are committed to encouraging equity, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee/volunteer to feel respected and able to give their best. In the search for our new CEO we would be particularly pleased to receive applications from people who come from groups that are often underrepresented, knowing that our work only benefits from a truly diverse staff team.

You may have experience in other areas such as COO, CEO, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, Deputy CEO, Deputy COO.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

The Trustees of The Pixel Fund are excited to appoint the Fund’s first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to oversee the next stage of its growth and development following further generous bequests by the Trust’s settlors, and with planned increases in the level of future grant-making.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a dynamic individual who has the skills, experience and aptitude to work with the Trustees to refine and support delivery of The Pixel Fund’s overall vision and strategy, and to be the public face of the charity.The successful applicant will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the charity, currently carried out by a part-time administrator, which position is to be discontinued following the CEO appointment.

We are looking for an individual with experience of working in a leadership role with a board of Trustees, ideally with hands-on experience in grant-making and grant management, including managing a portfolio of live grant-holders.Strong financial and budgetary management skills are also desirable, in particular to reduce the Charity’s reliance on the Voluntary Treasurer.

The Trustees wish to appoint an individual who has a demonstrable understanding of, and commitment to, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Children and Young People.The role will include upholding the charity’s vision, values and strategic focus, including championing equality, diversity and inclusion across our work.

The appointment is currently offered on a part-time basis of 3 days per week, with the potential to be extended in future.Candidates should note that The Pixel Fund does not have a permanent base and almost all activity is conducted online (including grant management). 

Hours and place of work are flexible, but as all Trustees are based in the South-East of England, that location is desirable. The successful applicant will be required to attend all Trustee meetings (around 7 a year), which are generally held in the evening (usually online, but occasionally in person) and some travel will be necessary to visit grant holders and other stakeholders.

ABOUT THE PIXEL FUND

The Pixel Fund (Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. 1191052) is a small charity that makes grants to support improvement in the mental health and wellbeing of Children and Young People.Since we were first established in 2011, we have distributed more than £1.5million to UK registered charities.We have a preference for supporting projects, but do also fund core costs.The work of the Trust, including all grant-making, is currently overseen by three experienced Trustees, together with a Voluntary Treasurer and a part-time Administrator.

Our work to support the mental health and wellbeing of Children and Young People is more important than ever.As our name suggests, we are a small facet of the wider funding picture, but we aim to punch above our weight in the support we give.We focus on funding small and medium-sized charities, where our grants will have most impact. 

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Chief Officer – Finance and Resources with a social enterprise charity, on a full-time, permanent basis. As Chief Officer – Finance and Resources, you will be responsible for ensuring financial sustainability, operational efficiency and resilience, and strategic resource planning for the charity.

There is hybrid working in place with this organisation with an average of 1-2 days per week in the office.

As Chief Officer – Finance and Resources, you will:

- Serve as a key member of the charity’s Senior Management Team, contributing to strategy and decision making across the organisation

- Work closely with the Chief Executive and the Board of Trustees to develop and implement a new 3-to-5-year business plan for the charity’s next phase of growth

- Lead the development of the charity’s financial strategy, ensuring sustainability and alignment with charity’s overall goals

- Provide strategic oversight and leadership for finance, IT, governance, property and facilities functions

- Develop and lead a high-performing finance and operations team

The successful applicant will:

- Have significant demonstrable experience in finance within the charity sector, in a similar role

- Hold a professional accountancy qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

- Have an advanced understanding of Microsoft Power Query, BI, and dashboard development and modelling

- Be fully conversant with accounting regulations and an understanding of Charity SORP gained whilst working within a Charity

- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

If this sounds like you and you're keen to hear more, please do get in touch ASAP!

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

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.

Action4Youth is seeking to appoint a talented new Chief Executive Officer to provide leadership, to develop and implement strategic and operational plans while leading on income generation, partnership and business development and being an effective advocate for the charity and its beneficiaries.

The role will commence on 5th January 2026 and is based between the Aylesbury office and The Caldecotte Xperience in Milton Keynes.

Key responsibilities: 

• To support and advise the Chair and Board of Trustees in setting the vision, strategy and business planning of the organization
• To create and sustain effective multi-channel, multi-purpose income generation.
• To lead on organisational change: identifying and responding to internal and external challenges and influencing organisational culture so the organisation is supportive, inclusive and cohesive.
• To deliver an ambitious, aspirational and innovative strategy that has a clear, measurable impact.

The new CEO will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Charity, providing effective leadership and direction for the organisation The successful candidate will instil in the positive culture of the organisation and motivate the team to achieve fantastic results. You will be a problem solver who understands the bigger picture and will be able to demonstrate this through your experiences. You will be able to develop highly effective partnerships, be an active listener, excellent communicator and be an ambassador for the charity. 

Applications from all backgrounds, including charities and private sector, are welcome.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website.

Closing date: 19th September 2025, however please apply early as the closing date may be brought forward.

Chief Executive Officer

We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven leader to guide a national health and professional membership charity through its next phase of growth and impact.

Position: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £400 per day (Freelance, no benefits)
Contract: 12 months freelance contract, with potential extension
Hours: Part-time, 3 days per week (flexible)
Location: Remote, with occasional travel
Closing Date: 19th September 2025

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic leadership, working closely with trustees to shape the charity’s direction, ensure strong governance, and lead fundraising and income generation. You will act as the external face of the organisation, building partnerships across health, education, and policy networks while supporting and inspiring a small but committed team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing visionary leadership and strategic direction
• Driving membership growth and engagement
• Leading fundraising and income generation strategies
• Overseeing financial sustainability, reporting, and compliance
• Managing external communications and strengthening national profile
• Representing the charity nationally and internationally

About You

We are looking for someone with the vision, drive, and experience to take the organisation forward. You will bring:

• Proven leadership in the charity/not-for-profit, health, education, or wider social impact sector
• Experience in fundraising, income generation, and partnership building
• Strong financial and governance oversight skills
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and stakeholder management abilities
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the organisation’s mission
• Flexibility to balance strategic leadership with hands-on delivery in a small-organisation context

While not essential, experience in school and/or public health nursing or wider public health and experience in membership growth or communication management would be a valuable asset.

About the Organisation

A nationally recognised UK health and professional membership charity, established in 2006. They champion excellence in school and public health nursing, influence health and care policy, and support professionals working with children, young people, families, and communities. Though modest in size, the charity is widely respected as an influential voice in reducing health inequalities and shaping policy that improves outcomes for children and young people.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Charity CEO, Director of Strategy, Director of Programmes, Head of Policy and Partnerships, Non-Profit Leader, Director of Operations, Membership Director, or Fundraising and Partnerships Lead. #INDNFP

Apply now to help shape the future of school and public health nursing in the UK.

Chief Executive Officer

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to guide a well-established health support charity through its next stage of growth and transformation.

Position: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Shipley-based, with regular travel across Bradford and Craven District
Salary: £45,000+ depending on experience
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Tuesday 30th September
Interview Date: Bradford, date to be confirmed

About the Role

This is a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of a respected local health charity. The organisation is moving towards a more personalised and outreach-focused model of care, and we are looking for a CEO who can combine empathy with business acumen to drive that change.

Key responsibilities include:

· Leading the development and delivery of the charity’s strategy and vision

· Driving income generation across diverse fundraising streams

· Overseeing financial planning, reporting and governance

· Supporting, developing and motivating staff and volunteers

· Building strong external partnerships and raising the organisation’s profile

· Ensuring compliance with safeguarding, data protection and charity regulations

· Acting as the charity’s public face and spokesperson

About You

We are looking for a confident and credible leader with:

· Experience of successfully leading and growing a charity or similar organisation

· A strong track record in strategic planning, governance and financial management

· Expertise in fundraising across trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships and community giving

· The ability to inspire teams, build partnerships and represent the organisation externally

· Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach

· A genuine empathy with the challenges faced by people living with or affected by serious illness

A degree-level management qualification or equivalent experience is desirable. Use of a car and flexibility to travel within the region will be important for the role.

About the Organisation

For over 35 years, this Yorkshire-based charity has provided vital practical and emotional support to people living with or affected by serious illness and their families. Rooted in the community, the charity is now evolving to ensure its services remain accessible, relevant and impactful. This is a chance to join at a transformative moment and help shape its future direction.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Charity Director, Managing Director, Operations Director, Head of Services, Fundraising Director, Chief Operating Officer, Programme Director, Senior Charity Leader

How to Apply
To apply, please send a CV and a statement (no longer than 2 pages) outlining why you are the right person for this role.

Safeguarding Statement

This charity is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all individuals who participate in its programmes and of all staff and volunteers. Successful candidates will be required to carry out a disclosure and barring check.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity Statement

The organisation is an equal opportunities employer, values diversity and is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment.

Data Protection Statement

For information about how your data is used as part of the recruitment process, please contact us.

Are you passionate about peace education and ready to lead a national movement for change?
Peacemakers is entering a transformative phase, evolving from a regional project into a national independent charity. We’re seeking a strategic, inclusive, and visionary CEO to guide us through this exciting transition and shape our future.

You’ll be an advocate, strategist, builder, and influencer—bringing a strong leadership skillset, deep commitment to peace and justice, and the ability to inspire and connect across diverse communities.

About Peacemakers

Rooted in Quaker values, Peacemakers works with schools and communities to build peace through education. As we expand nationally, we need a leader who can amplify our impact while keeping our values at the heart of everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic development and operational delivery
• Drive sustainable growth through fundraising, partnerships, and governance
• Champion equity, inclusion, and diversity
• Inspire our team, board, and collaborators
• Represent Peacemakers across local and national platforms

What You’ll Bring

• Proven leadership experience (charity/social impact sector preferred)
• Strategic vision and change management skills
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities
• Experience in fundraising, governance, and organisational development
• A commitment to peacebuilding, justice, and inclusion

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Experience in education, peace studies, restorative justice, or social and emotional learning is a plus—but not essential.

Why Now?

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected organisation at a moment of transformation. You’ll help shape a national movement for peace and make a lasting impact.

To Apply:
Visit Peacemakers website for the Candidate Pack and apply via the application form.
Deadline: Monday 22nd September, 9am
Interviews: Weeks of 6th & 20th October (in person, Birmingham)

Peacemakers is committed to diversity and inclusion. We especially welcome applications from those underrepresented in charity leadership.

About Good Food Oxfordshire

Good Food Oxfordshire (GFO) is a dynamic and impactful organisation dedicated to fostering a sustainable and healthy food system across Oxfordshire. We bring together a diverse network of individuals, community groups, and organisations to drive positive change in how food is produced, distributed, and consumed.  Our vision is that everyone in Oxfordshire can enjoy the healthy and sustainable food they need every day.

We’re entering an exciting new chapter and we’re looking for a passionate Chief Executive Officer to lead us forward.

The Opportunity: Chief Executive Officer

This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of Oxfordshire’s sustainable food movement. As CEO, you’ll be responsible for shaping and delivering GFO’s strategic direction, strengthening our partnerships, raising funds and ensuring our work continues to drive meaningful change. You’ll lead a passionate team, represent GFO at the highest levels, and oversee the delivery of our flagship projects and campaigns.

This could be a full-time or part-time role; we believe in flexibility and welcome conversations about alternative working arrangements. The successful applicant will ideally be based within Oxfordshire and able to work from our Oxford office at least two days a week.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll balance strategic vision with operational oversight, stakeholder engagement, fund raising and team development.

Salary: In the region of £50,000 per annum, depending on experience (FTE)

This role could be full-time or part-time at 0.6 FTE for the right candidate. A 0.6 FTE role would have a salary of £30,000 per annum. We value work-life balance and are open to flexible arrangements.

What You’ll Be Doing

Leadership & Team Management
You’ll lead a small, passionate team with empathy and clarity, building on a culture that values collaboration, wellbeing, and purpose. Your role will be to guide, empower and support staff, ensuring they have the tools, confidence, and direction to thrive.

Strategic Direction & Governance
Working closely with the Board of Directors, you’ll shape and deliver GFO’s long-term strategy. You’ll ensure our vision remains bold and relevant, while adapting to new opportunities and challenges. You will also work closely with our Board, helping them stay engaged and informed.

Income Generation & Profile Raising
You’ll lead on fundraising and income generation. Whether securing grants, developing new revenue streams, or cultivating strategic partnerships, you’ll ensure GFO remains financially resilient. You’ll also be our main public voice, raising our profile across Oxfordshire and nationally, and advocating for a fairer food system.

Financial Management & Resource Planning
You’ll oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to ensure GFO’s financial sustainability, balancing ambition with responsibility. This includes working with the team to make informed decisions about staffing, project delivery, and operational priorities. .

Programme Oversight
While you won’t be managing projects day-to-day, you’ll provide strategic oversight of our key initiatives—including OxFarmtoFork and our journey toward Sustainable Food Places Gold accreditation. You’ll ensure our programmes are well-resourced, aligned with our mission, and delivering meaningful impact across the county.

Community Wealth Building & Social Enterprise Support
You’ll champion inclusive economic models that empower communities and strengthen the local food system. Supporting social enterprises and community-led initiatives will be central to your work, helping build a food economy that’s fair, resilient, and locally rooted.

Stakeholder Engagement
You’ll nurture relationships with a wide range of stakeholders from senior contacts in local councils and national networks, to grassroots food groups and community partners. Your ability to listen, connect, and advocate will be key to building trust and driving collective action across sectors.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven leadership experience, ideally in the non-profit, food, sustainability or community development sectors
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate vision into action
• High integrity, professional and reliable, building trust with a huge range of stakeholders
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets
• A track record of successful fundraising and income generation
• Passion for food justice, sustainability, and community empowerment
• Experience working with Boards and governance structures
• Understanding of local government and policy environments

If you don’t tick every box but bring energy, integrity, and a collaborative mindset, we’d love to hear from you. We especially welcome applicants with diverse lived experiences.

Benefits of Working at Good Food Oxfordshire

Our commitment to your well-being, growth, and a thriving work environment is reflected in these benefits:

Flexible & Inclusive Work Policies

• Flexible hours (core hours between 9am and 3pm) and hybrid working
• Acas-aligned parental, menopausal, and EDI policies

Unique & Mission-Aligned Perks

• Annual celebration, team socials, and Food Summits
• Free tickets to Oxford Real Farming Conference and other key events

Investing in Your Growth

• Training and development budget
• Quarterly reviews with the Board to support your leadership journey

Competitive Compensation & Support

• Competitive salary with annual reviews
• Travel and tech budget to support your work

A Collaborative & Supportive Hub

• Team office and co-working space at Makespace
• Cycle to work scheme, bike storage, and access to Share Oxford’s Library of Things

Everyday Comforts & Community

• 8% pension scheme (5% from GFO, 3% from employee)
• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays
• Weekly BYO team lunch and free tea and coffee at Makespace

Apply Now

Join us in shaping the future of food in Oxfordshire. Send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. Applications close on Monday 28 September 2025, midday. 

Your primary responsibilities will include supporting the Board of Trustees in setting, and then delivering the charity's strategic direction, overseeing its operational and financial management, and ensuring long-term sustainability.  You will work closely with our dedicated team to achieve our mission and goals, while working alongside the Board of Trustees to uphold robust governance and compliance standards.

We are looking for a CEO who is able to inspire a team, support a positive work culture with shared values.  We also need that person to understand the demands of running a small organisation and the importance of partnership working.  No day is the same and flexibility and adaptability are essential!

For instructions on requesting an application pack please visit our website. 

Closing date Wednesday 17th September 2025.

This is a new role at Befriending Networks, as we seek someone who is up for the challenge of fundraising to support the continuation of our work in supporting the network of befriending organisations and ensuring that meaningful social connection is available to all.

The role will work closely with the CEO to deliver a fundraising strategy, which will focus on trusts, grant-givers, and corporate collaborations across the UK.  

You will be a skilled communicator, and you will be influential in how you present our work. You will be a self-starter and someone who takes pride in producing high-quality work. You will be courageous and curious as you work to position Befriending Networks as an investable charity. 

The key focus of this role

1. Generate income from small grants from trusts and foundations for specific projects and activities over the short to medium term.  

2. Assist the CEO in the preparation of strategic grant applications for work across the UK, with an initial focus on England, Scotland and Wales to deliver key priorities of our Strategic Plan over the longer term.

3. Development of potential corporate partnerships and collaborations. 

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a fantastic membership body to recruit their new Executive Assistant to the CEO.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a pivotal role at the heart of a respected international membership body, working directly with the Chief Executive, the President, and the Board of Trustees. The current postholder will be retiring in 2026, and as such, the successful candidate will benefit from a substantial handover period, ensuring a smooth transition and excellent preparation for success.

The Executive Assistant will be the key point of coordination for the CEO’s office, providing high-level executive and secretarial support across a wide range of responsibilities. This includes managing correspondence and reports on behalf of the CEO and President, ensuring they are fully briefed ahead of meetings and events, and maintaining seamless communication with the Board of Trustees. The role also involves supporting Board processes, facilitating inductions and development, and coordinating high-profile events such as the Annual General Meeting and the Presidential Address. As the trusted aide to both the CEO and President, you will be relied upon to act with initiative and judgement, occasionally making decisions and delegating on their behalf. The role also carries responsibility for coordinating leadership meetings, managing projects, and maintaining accurate and accessible records that capture both current business and the institution’s history.

The successful candidate will bring proven experience as an Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant at senior level, ideally within a charity, membership, or professional body. You will be highly organised and proactive, comfortable juggling multiple priorities, and confident in building relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, alongside the ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and the wider Microsoft 365 suite is expected, and you will be adept at drafting reports, formal minutes, and correspondence to a high standard. Above all, this role calls for someone who can balance meticulous attention to detail with the ability to see the bigger picture. You will be solutions-focused, resilient under pressure, and motivated by continuous improvement.

To apply, please submit your up-to-date CV  by the 9th of September 2025 at 23:59.

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As a leading charity recruitment specialist 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.

ABOUT US

The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats. 

Join our Online Information Session! We are hosting an Online Information Session with the CEO and existing Director of Brand and Communications (Supporter Mobilisation) to give candidates an opportunity to learn more about the role and to ask any questions.

The session will last no longer than 45 minutes and will be held at 15:30 on Monday 1st September. 

THE ROLE 

We are looking for an experienced, visionary leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Executive Director of Supporter Mobilisation. This is a newly refocused position, shaped with the future in mind, and designed to deepen the public’s relationship with trees and woods.  We are fighting for the health of people and the planet with every tree. 

You will be at the helm of our strategy to engage millions-inspiring action, growing income, and strengthening our brand. Leading a talented and passionate team, you’ll develop bold, integrated campaigns that move hearts and minds. You’ll oversee communications, digital and community fundraising, membership,  and our high-profile campaigns and Trees for All programme that builds public awareness and inspires a mass movement of support for our cause. 

Working closely with the CEO and fellow Executive Directors, you’ll also play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the Trust and ensuring alignment across our work, people, and values.  Helping the Trust protect and restore woodlands that have stood for centuries - the crown jewels of the natural world in the UK - and create the woods of the future, means this role will leave a legacy which will last for generations.  It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, engage and inspire others, and literally change the nature of the UK landscape for the better. 

THE CANDIDATE 

We are looking for a senior leader with a track record in large-scale communications, supporter engagement and mobilisation, or fundraising. You’ll have a strong understanding of how to use inspiring stories, quality data, and digital innovation to move people to action-and how to build momentum around a mission. 

You’ll bring strategic insight and a collaborative spirit, with the gravitas to influence at the highest levels and the heart to connect with people from all walks of life - helping us to bring trees and woods to all. 

Just as important as your skills is your alignment with our cause. You’ll be values-led - passionate about our cause and excited by the potential of this pivotal role to shape lasting change. 

Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees. 

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer: 

• Enhanced Employer Pension 

• Life Assurance 

• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options 

• Generous Annual Leave (25 days + bank holidays) 

• Annual leave buy and sell 

• Enhanced Parental Pay 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Woodland Trust embraces diversity and inclusion. We want our team to reflect the UK's diverse community. We support people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who are under-represented. 

Application Advice: Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. Your enthusiasm for the environment and our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count-are what matter most.

To maintain fairness and reduce bias during shortlisting, we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from hiring managers, please help us to maintain your anonymity by removing personal details from your CV prior to submission. 

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact on our planet. 

1st Stage Interviews will be held via Teams on Wednesday 8 October 2025.
2nd Stage Interviews will be held in-person at our Grantham Office on Tuesday 14 October 2025 

Details of both events will be shared with shortlisted candidates prior to each stage.