Chief executive officer jobs in Leicester, england
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Rainforest Trust UK
Rainforest Trust UK (RTUK) (Charity No. 1169111) is a high-impact conservation charity dedicated to protecting the world’s most threatened tropical forests.
This is a pivotal moment for global conservation and for our organisation. As one of the most effective rainforest conservation charities globally, Rainforest Trust has helped protect over 60 million acres of tropical rainforest across more than 67 countries, delivering permanent protection for some of the world’s most threatened ecosystems.
Rainforest Trust UK is one of the charity’s fastest-growing affiliates, now generating £2m+ annually and supporting a global organisation with $55m+ in revenue with significant ambition for further growth and impact.
The role
We are seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the next phase of our strategic plan driving growth in income, strengthening the organisational capability, and positioning the UK as a leading philanthropic engine within the global organisation.
The CEO will provide overall leadership of Rainforest Trust UK, with a primary focus on fundraising, external engagement, and partnering.
This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring both strategic clarity and operational execution. The CEO will lead a small team, work closely with the Board of Trustees, while partnering with the global CEO and senior leadership based in the USA.
Key responsibilities
Strategy and organisational leadership
- Lead the delivery of the 2026–2030 strategy, aligning UK priorities with global objectives
- Translate strategy into clear plans, targets, and performance metrics
- Drive organisational focus on outcomes, impact, and growth
Fundraising and external leadership
- Act as a senior ambassador for the organisation in the UK and internationally
- Build Rainforest Trust UK’s visibility and influence within philanthropic networks
- Personally cultivate and manage a portfolio of high-value donor relationships
Financial Stewardship
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and performance including annual audit
- Ensure strong financial controls and effective use of resources
- Support the growth of sustainable income to maximise conservation impact
Governance and Board engagement
- Ensure compliance with UK charity regulation and best practice
- Provide clear, rigorous reporting on performance, risk, and finances
- Work in close partnership with the Board to support effective governance and decision-making
Global partnerships and collaboration
- Build strong, effective relationships with global Rainforest Trust leadership
- Align UK fundraising with global conservation priorities
- Act as a key interface between UK donors and global programmes
Leadership and culture
- Lead and develop a small, high-performing team
- Create a culture of accountability, clarity, and delivery
- Ensure effective organisational structure and use of resources
Purpose & Alignment
- Deep commitment to environmental conservation and climate impact
- Motivated by the opportunity to deliver measurable, lasting global outcomes
- Alignment with Rainforest Trust’s values of effectiveness, integrity, and partnership
Why Join Rainforest Trust UK
This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation where:
- Impact is clear, measurable, and permanent
- There is significant opportunity to scale income and influence
- You can play a direct role in protecting some of the world’s most critical ecosystems
At a time when the protection of tropical forests is more urgent than ever, this role offers the chance to combine purpose with performance delivering meaningful impact at global scale.
Candidate profile
We are seeking a credible, externally focused leader with:
- A strong track record in fundraising, particularly major donors and high-value relationships
- The ability to operate with credibility, influence, and judgement at senior levels
- Experience leading organisations or teams through growth and change
- Experience working with Boards and an understanding of UK charity governance
Above all, candidates will bring a clear alignment to the mission and is motivated by the opportunity to deliver measurable, lasting conservation impact at global scale.
Rainforest Trust UK is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating a fair and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know.
Please submit a CV and a brief covering statement outlining your interest through Charity Job by 19th July.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
Rainforest Trust saves endangered wildlife and protects our planet by creating rainforest reserves for the benefit of species, people and the planet.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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.
Registered Charity
1 - 5
To have a cure for cavernoma that people living in the UK can access.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
LRSN provides a lifeline to members of the agricultural and horticultural community and allied industries across Lincolnshire.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.