Chief executive officer jobs in Exeter, devon

Chief Executive, Cavernoma Alliance UK
Home-based within the UK
28 hours (including some evening and occasional weekend work)
Actual salary: £35,840 to £38,079
Equivalent full-time salary: £48,000 to £51,000

Cavernoma Alliance UK is a well-established UK charity supporting people affected by cavernoma, a rare condition involving clusters of abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord.

Founded in 2005 by people with lived experience of cavernoma, we provide peer support, trusted information, awareness raising and research advocacy for the cavernoma community. We also work closely with leading neurologists, neurosurgeons and researchers across the UK to help improve clinical care, information and research for people affected.

We are now looking for a new Chief Executive to lead and be an ambassador for the work of CAUK. This is a meaningful and varied role in a small charity where your contribution will be visible. It would suit someone looking for a senior charity role with real purpose, flexibility and a close connection to the community they support.

You will be joining an organisation with a supportive Board of Trustees, a staff team that cares deeply about the community we serve, highly committed volunteers, and strong clinical and research partnerships.

We are in the second year of our five-year strategy, ‘Together For a Cure - 2025 to 2030’, and are making good progress across our priorities. The current Chief Executive is leaving after three and a half years in post to take up a new opportunity, and the charity is in a positive and stable position.

A major focus for the role over the coming years will be supporting delivery of a five-year UK-wide clinical trial starting in August 2026. This study could potentially identify the first medication treatment for cavernoma.

Alongside this, the role will focus on maintaining sustainable income, supporting high quality peer-led services through our Head of Volunteering and Member Services and volunteer team, and continuing to grow CAUK’s reach and awareness, particularly online.

We would particularly welcome applications from people with previous charity management experience, whether within a small charity or in a more senior role within a larger organisation. We are also open to applicants who can demonstrate a strong understanding of the charity sector through trustee, professional or voluntary experience.

This is a home-based role with flexibility, although there will be occasional travel across the UK, typically every 1 to 2 months, including meetings in London.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying, we would be happy to arrange this with the current Chief Executive and/or Chair of Trustees.

Key dates

Applications open: 27 May 2026
Closing date: 9am, 22 June 2026

Stage 1 interviews will be held virtually during the last week of June.
Stage 2 interviews will be held in person shortly afterwards.

How to apply

To apply, please read our Recruitment Pack carefully and then complete our online application form using the link below. You will also need to email your CV to us using the contact details provided in the Recruitment Pack.

Please note that applications submitted without both a completed application form and CV will not be considered.

We are unable to accept enquiries or applications from recruitment agencies.

Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) is seeking an exceptional new Chief Executive Officer to lead the next chapter of our journey, supporting the agricultural and horticultural community across Lincolnshire.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a charity with real heart, strong community roots, and a clear purpose: ensuring no one in Lincolnshire’s rural community faces difficulty alone.

For over 25 years, LRSN has been a trusted lifeline, providing confidential, compassionate support to individuals and families facing crisis, isolation, and change. We are a listening organisation at our core, rooted in empathy, trust, and a deep understanding of rural life.

We are now looking for a professional, strategic CEO, who can build on this strong foundation; someone who will inspire people, strengthen partnerships, and lead with clarity and conviction in a changing world.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a pivotal leadership position, responsible for shaping the strategic direction, sustainability, and impact of LRSN. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will lead a committed team of staff and volunteers, working collaboratively to ensure our services continue to reach those who need them most.

YOU WILL

• Provide clear, values-driven strategic leadership to grow LRSN’s reach and impact.

• Champion a positive, inclusive culture that empowers staff and volunteers.

• Strengthen income streams and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

• Act as a compelling ambassador for LRSN, building partnerships across sectors.

• Ensure strong governance, compliance, and effective organisational performance.

• Use insight and data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.

WHY JOIN LRSN?

At LRSN, everything we do is guided by our values: we listen, we care, we serve others, we value people, we reach out, and we strive for excellence.

You will be joining an organisation with:

• A strong reputation and trusted presence across Lincolnshire.

• A dedicated and skilled volunteer network at its heart.

• A clear mission: that no one in our rural community should face difficulty alone.

• The opportunity to shape the future of a vital charity.

ABOUT YOU

You’ll bring senior leadership experience, strong charity and fundraising insight, financial confidence, and the ability to motivate people around a shared mission. A genuine connection to rural life and the farming community will help you thrive in this role.

Whether you are already operating at CEO/Head of Charity level or ready to step into your first top leadership role, you will be driven by purpose and passionate about making a difference.

WHAT WE OFFER

SALARY: Competitive Salary to be discussed on application

HOLIDAYS: 28 days plus public holidays

HOME-BASED WORK: with the requirement to travel for events and meetings

PENSION SCHEME: Contributory Pension Scheme - further details on application

For more information, a recruitment pack is available which will be sent on application.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your current CV and a supporting letter of application addressed to our Chair of Trustees, Matthew Phillips, outlining your reasons for applying, motivation and what you would bring to the role.

Closing date: 30th June 2026

Interviews will take place in two stages: First interviews 6th July and second 24th July 2026.

LRSN is committed to equality of opportunity. All applications will be treated in confidence.

Portland Press Limited – the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Biochemical Society – is seeking a Non-Executive Director to join its Board.

The current Board is a dynamic forum comprising a mix of Biochemical Society Trustees and specialist Non-Executive Directors.

This is a pivotal time for the organisation as it capitalises on links between Portland Press and the Society and continues to navigate open science and changes across the wider academic publishing landscape. Publishing is key to the research dissemination goals of the Group and vital to the financial viability of the Society.

We are looking for individuals who are excited about contributing to the Group’s endeavours over the coming three-year period. The successful candidates will have:
• Demonstrable recent experience in evolving scholarly publishing and content services to meet the changing needs of researchers across the globe.
• Deep knowledge of making business-model changes and sculpting/structuring new commercial offerings.
• Awareness of research-funder policy shifts, with ideas about how to navigate these changes.

In addition you should meet the eligibility requirements for company directors, be able to commit the time necessary to fulfil the duties of the role, and understand the associated legal responsibilities.

This role offers a remuneration package of £7,500 per annum and will require the quarterly review of reporting in line with attendance at four board meetings per year.

It is intended that interviews will take place by the end of June 2026. The role will commence from January 2027 onwards, with a preceding period of shadowing (from September 2026).

Closing date for applications is Friday 12th June 2026.

To apply follow the link and upload a CV and Cover letter addressed to Prof. Nigel Hooper via the button below. It is important that you DO NOT include your Personal Information i.e. name and contact details in your CV or Cover Letter.

The Society reserves the right to close the vacancy prior to the stated closing date in the event that a high volume of applications are received.

The Society is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We offer a range of family-friendly, inclusive employment policies to support staff from different backgrounds.

The Society takes the security of your data seriously. It has internal policies and controls in place to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused or disclosed, and is not accessed except by our employees in the proper performance of their duties.

Please note that due to limited resources it is not possible for the Society to acknowledge receipt of applications. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Salary: £94,851 plus benefits (Our pay philosophy ensures consistency across locations and salaries. The starting salary for this opportunity plus benefits depends on location of the candidate).

The role:

We are delighted to be recruiting for a visionary, mission-driven leader to join Mary’s Meals International (MMI) as Executive Director. In this new role, you will be reporting to our Board of Trustees, through our Board Chair, and working in collaboration with our President & Founder of Mary’s Meals. As Executive Director, you will provide inspirational strategic and operational leadership of MMI, ensuring delivery of its key responsibilities within the global strategic plan. 

Leading with humility, clarity and courage, you will champion faithful adherence to the vision, mission and values of Mary’s Meals, as we strive to grow our global movement and reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.

As Executive Director, you will:

• Lead MMI in delivering its objectives across the three strategic pillars: Feed, Grow and Strengthen. 
• Oversee the coordination and implementation of global strategy. 
• Provide inspirational leadership to MMI and the MMI Executive Leadership Team.
• Strengthen organisational systems, governance and development. 
• Foster strong collaboration across the global network. 
• Work closely with the Board, President and Founder and MMI teams to support sustainable growth across Affiliate organisations. 

About you:

You are an inspiring, effective and authentic leader with significant experience at executive or CEO level, in a complex organisation, ideally with an international footprint. Experience in an international non-profit, charity or social impact organisation would be advantageous, though not essential. Strong preference will be given to candidates with a deep understanding of our work gained through prior engagement with our mission. 

You will also bring: 

• Proven ability to inspire and lead senior teams, while cultivating a strong organisational culture. 
• Demonstrated success in developing and delivering strategy to drive growth, innovation and organisational strengthening. 
• Highly developed communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences.
• Proven experience of leading transformational change, while maintaining stability and mission focus. 
• A deep personal commitment to the vision, mission and values of Mary’s Meals. 

About us:

We are a global movement supported by people from all walks of life, united by one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. As an organisation, named after Mary the mother of Jesus and shaped by Christian values, we feel that the way we do things is as important as the result and we welcome all who wish to play their part in our important work. We continue to change the lives of over 3 million children who today will receive Mary’s Meals.

We are a values-driven organisation - we believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, we are fully committed to a culture of safeguarding, we are committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement.

We believe in the innate goodness and dignity of every person. In line with this, Mary’s Meals is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. All applicants will be considered fairly and on merit, without discrimination of any kind.  

We are happy for you to work remotely and flexibly, in a way that best supports your work-life balance. We have an office in Glasgow for those who would like to work from here occasionally or on a regular basis. Some travel to Glasgow, other locations across the UK and to countries where Mary’s Meals operates will be required.

Our Benefits:

• 34 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time working patterns) including bank holidays, increasing by 1 day each completed calendar year, to a maximum of 39 days (+ option to buy another week)
• Flexible working
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance
• Pension

Additional Information:

Salary advertised is for UK based candidates, our salary philosophy ensures consistency across locations where Mary’s Meals operates, please visit our website for more information about salaries in other locations.

To apply:

If you are inspired to join our movement and our vision, mission and values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you. Please click Apply and include your CV and a succinct covering letter, of no more than one A4 page, highlighting your motivations, suitability and outlining your participation in our mission.

Closing date for applications is Monday 22nd June 2026

At United for Global Mental Health, we are working towards a world where mental health support is accessible to everyone, everywhere – free from stigma and without restriction.

We are a small but highly influential organisation of around 20 passionate, diverse and expert individuals, and have a culture of creating the space and opportunities for them to lead their areas of expertise. Our strength lies in collaboration, internally and externally, and in our ability to turn insight into action. Kindness is our unofficial ethos.

The CEO is responsible for the overall leadership, management and performance of UnitedGMH. Reporting to the boards of UnitedGMH and the American Friends of United for Global Mental Health (AFUGMH), the CEO will set strategic direction, oversee delivery, and act as the organisation’s primary ambassador.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead in conjunction with the organisation’s senior staff the refinement and delivery of our global organisational strategy 2027-2030.
• Guide the organisation through periods of change, including strategy refresh and transformation.
• Draw on sector insight to ensure UnitedGMH remains at the forefront of global mental health advocacy.

Governance & Board Relationship

• Work closely with the boards of UnitedGMH and AFUGMH to ensure effective governance and decision-making.
• Oversee the preparation and sign-off of board papers; present regularly to the boards. 
• Identify, recommend and support the recruitment of new members of both boards. 
• Advise the boards on significant strategic decisions, including potential partnerships and organisational change.

Organisational Leadership

• Lead, support and inspire a high-performing and global team of approximately 20 staff.
• Where needed, oversee and support the delivery of multiple projects and programmes aligned with strategic priorities, in conjunction with the project leads.
• Foster a collaborative, kind, inclusive and values-driven culture that walks the talk on mental health.

External Engagement & Influence

• Represent the organisation with external partners, funders, policymakers and the wider sector. 
• Build and manage relationships with key donors.
• Strengthen and expand strategic partnerships globally.
• Champion the organisation’s mission and influence key stakeholders in different regions across the world.
• Act as the organisation’s global spokesperson and support staff in building their profile as spokespeople for the organisation.

Finance & Organisational Planning

• Identify and agree organisational objectives, develop strategic and operational plans, and lead their implementation with a high level of autonomy, while reporting to the boards. 
• Oversee organisational planning, budgeting, prioritisation and resource allocation to ensure delivery against strategic goals. 
• Ensure the organisation has sufficient and sustainable funding to deliver against agreed budgets and strategic priorities. 
• Maintain strong financial oversight and accountability, ensuring the organisation operates within budget and delivers across all agreed objectives. 
• Monitor organisational performance against agreed deliverables, evaluating outcomes and adjusting plans where necessary to mitigate risk or adverse consequences. 
• Ensure robust financial management, operational planning, and effective use of organisational resources across multiple programmes and projects. 
• Bring together and oversee complex, cross-organisational initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered effectively and on time. 
• Delegate effectively through senior leadership and management structures, maintaining a medium- and long-term strategic focus. 

Fundraising & External Income Generation

• Lead and support organisational fundraising strategy to secure sustainable and diversified income streams. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, donors, strategic partners and philanthropic stakeholders. 
• Successfully secure and oversee fundraising contributions to meet a target set annually with the boards. 
• Work with the boards and senior leadership team to identify new funding opportunities and strengthen long-term financial sustainability. 
• Ensure fundraising activities align with the organisation’s mission, values and strategic priorities. 
• Represent the organisation externally to enhance visibility, influence and support for UnitedGMH’s work globally. 

Risk, Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure strong organisational governance, compliance and risk management. 
• Proactively identify and escalate policy breaches or serious incidents. 
• Oversee finance, HR and operations functions in accordance with UK employment policies, and UK and US charity regulations.
• Act as the primary point of accountability to the boards and relevant regulatory bodies (including the Charity Commission and US authorities). 
• Take responsibility for organisational risks, decisions and outcomes.

Our Dream CEO

As a team, we came together to discuss what qualities we are hoping for in a new CEO and leader. We’d love applications from candidates who see themselves in the team’s descriptions below.

Our dream CEO…

• shows kindness towards all partners regardless of seniority, institution or country.

• continues to uphold and protect the organisational transparency the team values.

• is a heart- and mind-led fundraiser – treating donors like people and not merely a source of income.

• provides space for team members to lead in their areas, but also supports / acts as a sounding board when needed.

• knows how to strategically place mental health in uncommon spaces.

• is happy to be approached by, and communicate with, team members from all seniority levels across the team.

• is someone who understands what it is to manage a remote organisation, and is interested in making UnitedGMH the best workplace it can be.

• is someone who can think a few steps ahead, identify trends, and interpret these for what this means for the organisation.

• has a solid understanding of, and proven experience in, managing the ´backbone´ functions of an organisation (budgeting, risk management, governance etc).

• has an understanding of UN systems, global health and international development.

• appreciates and champions the value that lived experience and people from the global majority bring to the mental health advocacy space.

Please download and review the Job Pack for full details of the role. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to recruit team members in the following countries/regions: Afghanistan, Belarus, Central African Republic, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine (specifically the occupied regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhya), Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.

For non-UK candidates: Please note that you would be hired via Deel as an Employer of Record.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit your cover letter, outlining how you meet the responsibilities and candidate profile, and a CV, via the Charity Job site. Please note, we can only accept applications via Charity Job.

Interviews:

Interviews will take place remotely. There will be 2 interview rounds, and candidates shortlisted for the second interview will be invited to meet members of our wider team.

Chief Executive Officer (Part-time, 3 days/week)

Veterans With Dogs (VWD) is seeking an experienced, values-driven and credible Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our charity into its next chapter. This rare and exciting opportunity offers the chance to guide a small, high-impact team at a pivotal stage in the charity’s growth.

Location: Flexible / UK-based, with regular travel to Exeter, training sites, and key meetings as required. We are flexible in how this is structured, and relocation is not required.
Salary: £45,000–£55,000 pro-rata (equivalent to £27,000 - £33,000 for 3 days/week) + 3% pension contribution
Contract: Permanent

Hours: 21 hours / 3 days per week

Holiday: 28 days per annum (FTE), plus bank holidays
Reports to: Chair of Trustees
Direct reports: 3

About Veterans With Dogs

Veterans With Dogs is a UK charity that transforms the lives of Armed Forces veterans living with mental health challenges. Through the provision of highly trained assistance dogs and trauma-informed support, we help restore purpose, independence, and dignity to those who have served.

Founded in 2012, our work addresses a vital gap for veterans living with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and complex trauma. Through our award-winning PALS™ (Partner Animal Life Skills) programme, we support veterans to rebuild their lives, with the constant support of a trusted companion by their side.

Following a period of governance transition and renewal, we are entering a new and exciting phase. We are strengthening leadership, systems, and strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and greater reach, while maintaining the quality, care, and integrity that sit at the heart of our work.

We recognise that this is a senior leadership role within a small organisation and are committed to flexibility in how the role is delivered. We are open to conversations around working patterns and location to ensure we attract the strongest possible candidate.

We are also open to shaping aspects of the role around the strengths and location of the successful candidate.

We would particularly welcome candidates who can bring fresh perspective, while respecting and building on the strong foundations already in place.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of a respected and growing charity at a pivotal moment, with genuine scope to influence strategy, culture, and long-term impact.

The Role

The CEO will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and cultural leadership for Veterans With Dogs. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will oversee the delivery of the charity’s mission, ensure operational excellence, develop our long-term strategy, and foster a values-led and high-performing team.

This is a hands-on, multi-dimensional leadership role, ideal for a calm, pragmatic, and inspiring individual with experience of organisational stabilisation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth. You will build strong relationships with the team and stakeholders, maintaining a visible and engaged leadership presence both in person and remotely.

This is a genuinely part-time role with a focused and manageable scope, supported by an engaged Board of Trustees and a committed team. The role is designed to be sustainable within the allocated hours.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the development and delivery of an interim plan and longer-term organisational strategy
• Translate strategic goals into clear operational priorities and plans
• Foster a compassionate, inclusive, and mission-aligned organisational culture
• Act as a credible and inspiring ambassador for Veterans With Dogs with stakeholders, funders, partners, and the public
• Guide the charity through stabilisation and values-led, sustainable growth

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant charity law, regulation, and best practice
• Work in partnership with the Board of Trustees, supporting effective governance and reporting
• Implement and embed improvements in HR, finance, safeguarding, IT, and operational systems
• Lead on organisational risk management, ensuring policies and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed

Operations & Programme Delivery

• Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery
• Ensure safeguarding standards are upheld for both veterans and dogs
• Drive continuous improvement in programme quality, delivery, and impact measurement
• Ensure operational systems and data processes are robust, compliant, and fit for purpose

People & Culture

• Lead, support, and nurture a small, dedicated staff team and wider network of volunteers
• Promote staff wellbeing, clear communication, and professional development
• Work with trustees to assess future staffing needs and build leadership capacity

Finance & Sustainability

• Work with trustees and advisors to ensure sound financial management and reporting
• Contribute to financial planning, budgeting, and development of a sustainable reserves policy
• Help diversify income streams, supporting fundraising efforts, corporate partnerships, and individual giving

Fundraising & External Relations

Build and maintain relationships with funders, donors, corporate partners, and sector allies

• Collaborate with the fundraising trustee to develop new funding opportunities
• Represent the charity externally with credibility, transparency, and professionalism
• Strengthen partnerships with ADUK, ADI, Cobseo, and other key membership bodies

Person Specification

Essential

• Senior leadership experience within a charity, social enterprise, or values-led organisation
• Strong knowledge of charity governance, regulation, and trustee relationships
• Experience leading teams through organisational change or stabilisation
• Financial literacy with experience of budgeting, reporting, and planning
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across diverse stakeholders
• A calm, values-based, and ethical leadership approach

Desirable

• Experience in health, mental health, veterans’ services, or trauma-informed work
• Experience working with boards during periods of strategic or leadership transition
• Fundraising and/or income generation experience
• Understanding of safeguarding best practice (for people and/or animals)
• Lived experience of the military or charity sectors (not essential)

Our Commitment

Veterans With Dogs is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strive to create a supportive, respectful, and empowering workplace. We recognise the value of lived experience and are committed to continuous learning as an organisation.

How to Apply

Please apply via Charity Jobs.

If you would like a confidential conversation before applying, we would be happy to speak with you.

Closing date to apply: 5pm on Monday 15 June 2026

• First interviews (online): week commencing 22 June 2026
• Second interviews (in our Exeter office): TBC

Previous applicants need not reapply, thank you.

Veterans With Dogs is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1161554).

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

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

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

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

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

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

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

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

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

Why NASS?

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

Application

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

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

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