Chief executive officer jobs in Leicester

About Mondo Foundation

Mondo Foundation partners with grassroots leaders in Nepal, North East India and East Africa to deliver community‑led education and livelihoods programmes. We work through established Country Teams who know their communities best and we have been funding these projects since 2004.

We are small, lean, and values‑driven. Our current UK operation includes a part‑time Bid Writer, Volunteer Coordinator and Marketer. We have an active Trustee Board who provide support and governance – but the CEO owns and delivers the strategy. 

The role

We are looking for a CEO who will own the strategy, lead the team, and drive growth – not just manage programmes. You will be responsible for:

• Strategy delivery – owning the 3‑year plan, setting direction, and adapting as opportunities arise
• Country Team relationships – weekly check‑ins with Country Managers, identifying needs for current and new projects, and opportunistically exploring new countries
• Financial management – managing the budget, processing payments (UK and FX), and overseeing Xero
• Marketing strategy – utilising social media and website to drive increased followership to the Foundation to drive new donor and volunteer growth
• Bids and fundraising strategy – owning the bid pipeline, working with the Bid Writer, and driving income raised to meet agreed financial year budget
• Volunteer strategy – owning and driving the volunteer programme (recruitment, placement, impact)
• Line management – leading the part‑time UK team (Bid Writer, Volunteer Coordinator, Marketer

What we are looking for

Essential:

• Experience leading a small charity or non‑profit (or a senior role with full P&L responsibility)
• Experience managing remote international teams
• Financial management skills – you are comfortable with Xero, budgeting, and payment processing
• Ability to own and deliver strategy
• Excellent cross‑cultural communication and relationship‑building
• Willingness to travel internationally (expenses paid)
• Legal right to work in the UK

Desirable:

• Lived or professional experience in East Africa or South Asia
• Experience with bid writing and volunteer programme management
• Knowledge of KOBO or similar impact tools

What we offer

• Flexible, home‑based working with a small, committed team and supportive Trustee Board
• Periodic international travel to our projects and programmes
• 30 days annual leave (pro rata) + pension
• The chance to shape the next chapter of a 20+ year old charity

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.

Why we’re needed

Across the UK, over 4 million children are currently living in poverty, driving increasing demand for essential items and support for families with young children. In 2024 alone, baby banks supported over 219,000 families, a 35% increase on the previous year.

And demand is outpacing supply. Many baby banks are being forced to turn families away.

Baby banks are community-led organisations that provide essential items such as clothing, nappies and equipment to families with young children experiencing poverty or crisis. They operate in diverse ways and often offer support and signposting in addition to the material goods, reflecting the needs of their local communities. Baby banks have grown rapidly over the past decade in response to rising levels of need. However, this growth has largely been organic and fragmented.

BBA exists to support, unite and advocate for baby banks: strengthening collective impact, unlocking national opportunities, and helping a fast-growing and diverse movement operate with greater voice, reach and resilience.

The Baby Bank Alliance (BBA) was co-founded by Purposeful Ventures, Save the Children UK, Little Village and the Bristol Baby Bank Network. Since its founding, BBA has built strong national partnerships, secured significant funding and goods for baby banks, and raised the profile of the sector through national media and corporate partnerships (including with organisations such as IKEA).

Currently incubated by Purposeful Ventures and Save the Children UK, BBA is now moving into its next phase: in Summer 2027 we will become an independent organisation and are on the journey to build the national recognition, scale and sustainability to meet growing need.

BBA continues to work closely with its co-founders and incubating partners, who are expected to remain important collaborators as the organisation transitions to independence.

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-impact organisation at a pivotal moment.

BBA’s achievements to date:

• A national member network of 256+ baby banks
• Current income of ~£1m, with clear ambition to grow significantly
• Grants of >£650k in unrestricted funding to members, with more to follow in Summer 2026
• Distribution of significant gift-in-kind: 13 electric vans; 326 laptops; >£400k worth of toiletries; hundreds of pieces of equipment like prams and high chairs; thousands of toys, nappies, and books
• National media coverage, including features in the Independent, a leading segment on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, plus coverage on BBC News, BBC Breakfast, the One Show, ITV Calendar News, Radio 5 Live, Times Radio and local BBC radio stations
• Confirmed and in-principle support commitments from key partners, including support expected through the current strategy period, providing a strong platform for growth

We are looking for a CEO who can:

• Secure major income and strategic partnerships
• Build BBA’s profile and credibility as the national voice of baby banks
• Lead the successful transition to independence and long-term sustainability
• Keep baby banks and the families they support at the heart of BBA’s work

Job Description

Initially, this role will be employed by Purposeful Ventures. Once BBA becomes independent, the CEO and other members of the BBA team will transfer to direct BBA employment under TUPE. Your terms and conditions of employment will remain unchanged.

What success looks like:

• Income growth: 50% increase in income by 2028, enabling increased funding to member baby banks and investment in BBA’s own capability and resilience.
• Public awareness: increased awareness of baby banks, driving stronger partnerships, broader public support and greater ability to unlock income and influence.
• Independence: a successful transition to an independent organisation in Summer 2027, retaining strong relationships with co-founders and incubating partners.

• Organisational leadership: a small but highly effective central team, operating in line with BBA’s principles and with the needs of baby banks at the heart of decision-making.

Purpose of the Role

The Chief Executive Officer will lead the Baby Bank Alliance through its transition to independence and into its next phase of growth.

This is a unique opportunity to shape a growing national organisation — building long-term sustainability, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring BBA can continue to support baby banks across the UK.

The role is externally focused, with a strong emphasis on growing income, building partnerships and raising BBA’s profile, alongside leading a small, committed team. Working closely with the co-founders and incubating partners, drawing on their expertise and networks, will remain crucial in the transition to independence and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Income Growth

• Lead an ambitious approach to income growth, increasing and diversifying funding to support BBA’s long-term sustainability
• Build and secure high-value, multi-year partnerships across corporate, philanthropic and trust audiences
• Develop and manage a strong pipeline of opportunities, ensuring consistent progress from relationship-building to secured funding
• Oversee national funding and goods partnerships that unlock resources for baby banks at scale

Strategic Leadership & Independence

• Lead BBA’s transition from incubation to independence, shaping its future model, governance and direction
• Refine and deliver the organisation’s strategy, turning priorities into clear and achievable plans
• Ensure BBA has a clear and confident position within the child poverty and voluntary sector landscape

External Profile & Sector Leadership

• Build BBA’s reputation as the trusted national voice of baby banks
• Develop strong relationships with funders, partners, government and sector organisations
• Represent BBA externally, helping to grow awareness of baby banks and the role they play in supporting families

Governance & Board Partnership

• Work closely with the Chair and Board to ensure strong governance and accountability
• Support the Board’s development as BBA becomes independent
• Provide clear and useful insight to support good decision-making

Organisational Leadership & Delivery

• Provide clear, values-led leadership, creating a supportive and collaborative culture
• Work closely with the Exec Lead to ensure continuity and strong delivery during the transition period
• Put in place the systems, structures and ways of working needed for a growing organisation

Safeguarding, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

• Ensure safeguarding is appropriately embedded in BBA’s work, with clear oversight and proportionate approaches
• Champion equity, diversity and inclusion in how BBA works internally and supports baby banks across the UK

Financial Stewardship

• Hold overall responsibility for BBA’s financial sustainability
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation
• Ensure funds are used effectively to deliver the greatest possible impact

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Senior leadership experience (CEO, Director or equivalent) within a charity or social impact organisation
• A strong track record of securing funding and building partnerships
• Experience of working with Boards and leading organisational growth or change
• Experience in child poverty, family support, community-based services, membership or network organisations, or closely related fields

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Strong strategic thinking with a practical, delivery-focused approach
• Confident and credible communicator, able to represent BBA externally
• Strong relationship builder, comfortable working across different stakeholders
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in leading budgeting, forecasting and strategic decision making
• Comfortable working in a developing organisation and able to bring structure, clarity and pace
• Collaborative, values-led leadership style
• Motivated by the impact of baby banks and the families they support

Desirable

• Experience of organisational spin-out or transition to independence
• Experience within a membership or network organisation
• Experience working in or alongside baby banks

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.

Release Counselling and Therapy for Women is entering an exciting new chapter. 

Founded in Brighton and Hove in 2013, Release has grown from a small local charity into a financially robust organisation with a growing national reach. Under the leadership of our outgoing CEO, the charity has been transformed—moving from a challenging financial position to one with strong reserves, clear sustainability, and ambitious plans for growth. 

We now provide affordable 1:1 online counselling to women across the UK, alongside specialist group programmes supporting maternal mental health and key life transitions. One-to-one counselling is a core offer and a vital income stream, enabling us to extend our reach while staying true to our values. 

This period has also seen Release grow to working with over 20 dedicated volunteer counsellors, strengthening our capacity and community impact. 

As our CEO steps down, Release is ready for its next phase—building on strong foundations, amplifying our national impact, and remaining firmly rooted in our purpose: being a charity that supports women’s mental health, run by women, for women.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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