Chief executive officer jobs in London

Z2K has a clear 2025–2030 strategy and a strong reputation for principled, evidence‑led campaigning rooted in frontline experience. The external environment is volatile: rising poverty, political contestation around welfare and housing, and tightening funding conditions.

After a long‑standing Chief Executive stepped down in late 2025, the organisation has been led by an Interim Chief Executive. The permanent appointment is therefore a moment of consolidation and renewal. The next Chief Executive will provide long‑term stability, sharpen strategic focus and define the organisation’s next phase.

Z2K faces structural pressures common to many charities of this scale: rising costs, reliance on grant funding, growing demand and increasing scrutiny. The Chief Executive must do two things at once:

• Increase measurable impact of our advice services and advocacy work on inadequate incomes and high costs.

• Build a financially resilient, well‑run organisation capable of sustaining that impact.

This is not a figurehead role. It requires leadership with grip, political judgement and commercial realism.

This is not just recruitment – it's a revolution.

Sikh Women's Aid stands at a pivotal moment. With unprecedented support from major funders including Comic Relief, Lloyds Bank Foundation, National Lottery, Smallwood Trust, The Circle, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, and various other funders and generous donations from corporates and the community, we are scaling our impact to reach thousands more women who need our support.

Our groundbreaking Gender, Power & Abuse Report 2024 revealed the shocking truth: 61.48% of Sikh Panjabi women have experienced domestic abuse, yet 58.13% never report it. The silence ends now. We are seeking a transformational Chief Executive who will:

• Lead service delivery transformation for survivors

• Challenge harmful practices rooted in culture

• Build movements for change in communities

• Influence policy at local, regional and national levels

• Create sustainable growth from £250K to £1M+

Why Lead Us Now?

Purpose: Your leadership will literally save lives Impact: Be the architect of systemic change in the Sikh community

Growth: Lead a rapidly expanding organisation with major multi-year funding secured Innovation:

Shape pioneering approaches to culturally-specific services Legacy:

Build: an institution that will protect generations of women

Genuine Occupational Requirement: This position is restricted to Sikh Panjabi women only under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. This is essential to provide culturally specific services to women who have experienced gender-based violence and require support from those who share their cultural and faith background.

Please note that candidates who applied during our previous recruitment round are not eligible to apply again. 

We value the time and effort every candidate invests in applying and look forward to hearing from individuals who share our passion for supporting women and girls affected by domestic abuse and harmful practices.   

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Contract/ Hours: 35hrs per week

Salary: £55,000

Leave entitlement: 25 days

About The People Hive

The People Hive is an ambitious local charity creating real opportunities for adults with a learning disability across Richmond and the surrounding areas. From our vibrant community hub in Twickenham, we deliver creative, social and developmental activities that help people connect, grow and thrive.

We also run a public gallery that showcases local artists, generates vital income and provides paid work experience for our clients. Our impact was recognised when we were shortlisted for the Richmond Community Heroes Awards 2025, and we are now exploring exciting opportunities for future growth and expansion.

The Role

This is a great opportunity to lead a respected, values-led charity at a pivotal moment in its journey. As Chief Executive Officer, you will set the strategic direction of The People Hive, lead a passionate team of staff and volunteers, and act as the public face of the organisation.

Working closely with the Board of Trustees and key partners, you will help shape the charity’s future, strengthen its sustainability and ensure it continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities.

How to Apply

We recognise that talented people may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every listed requirement. If this role inspires you and you believe you could be a strong fit, we encourage you to apply. Your skills, experience and perspective may be exactly what we’re looking for.

Applications close on Friday February 27th 2026.

Chief Executive Officer - ECT Charity

Location: London (Greenford / Ealing) with regular travel to Dorset and partner sites; minimum three days per week in office
Salary: circa £80,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full-time

Are you ready to consolidate financial stability, rebuild income and lead the next phase of sustainable growth at the sector leading community transport organisation that delivers tangible impact across London and Dorset?

About ECT Charity

ECT Charity is a leading specialist community transport organisation enabling mobility and social inclusion across London and Dorset. We deliver essential door-to-door transport and influence sector policy with partners such as TfL and the GLA, including through the use of our pioneering CT Social Value Toolkit. Facing reduced statutory income, operations changes, lease negotiations and contract retendering, we need to stabilise cashflow and protect services. Significant opportunities include leveraging our network and resources to develop our training and consultancy, build strategic partnerships to generate earned income, and using Dorset as a demonstrator site to pilot sustainable, mission-aligned commercial models.

Role priorities (first 12–18 months)

• Deliver a sustainable financial model and restore reserves.

• Redesign operations for the new scale.

• Leverage our networks and resources to develop commercial opportunities (partnerships, training, consultancy).

• Rebuild business development capability and secure partnership income.

Who you are

• Senior leader with experience of multi-site operations or similar scale.

• Strong partnership, commercialisation and Board reporting skills.

• Proven track record of strong financial management, contract negotiation and estate management.

• Commitment to inclusive leadership; willing to be office-based (min three days/week) and travel; driving licence preferred.

• Desirable: Experience in community transport, social enterprise or productisation/licensing.

Why ECT?

• Lead a sector-recognised charity with a strong social value toolkit and immediate partnership routes.

• Combine financial rigour with mission-aligned commercial innovation.

• Shape ECT’s stabilisation and long-term sustainability.

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 the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence. We advise reading the full brief first.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 23rd March 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.

Chief Executive

We are now seeking an exceptional new leader to guide City Year UK into its next phase.

Position: Chief Executive

Location: London, with regular travel to Birmingham, Manchester and other UK locations as required

Hours: Full-time

Salary: £80-90k dependent on experience

Duration: Permanent

Closing Date: 10.00am on Monday 23th March 2026.

Interviews: March 2026.

Who we are

For over 15 years, City Year UK has stood alongside children and young people across the UK, helping them to discover their potential and believe in what they can achieve. As a leading youth and education charity, we inspire and empower young people to dedicate a year of service, volunteering with us to support children in schools, reduce youth unemployment, and strengthen communities.

Our City Year mentors work in schools serving children who are often furthest from opportunity. They provide consistent and caring support that helps pupils feel valued, motivated, and capable of success. By building trusted relationships, boosting confidence, and encouraging a love of learning, our mentors make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of the children they serve.

The Role

We are now seeking an exceptional new leader to guide City Year UK into its next phase. This is an important moment for the organisation and an opportunity to shape the future of a movement that is changing lives. Building on strong foundations, the next Chief Executive will lead the organisation as we strengthen and expand our programmes, deepen our impact, and play a leading role in the development of a UK Year of Service that supports children and young people across the country.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. With the full support of the Board, the next Chief Executive will lead City Year UK into a focused next phase, securing financial resilience, strengthening delivery, and ensuring sustainable long term impact.

Main responsibilities include:

• Fundraising and Development
• Strategy and Leadership
• Governance
• External Engagement
• Programme Delivery
• Finance and People

About You

We are looking for an inspiring leader who is passionate about unlocking the potential of young people, championing educational equality, and driving lasting change. You’ll bring a strong track record of strategic leadership and fundraising in the charity sector, along with the vision and energy to lead City Year UK into an ambitious new chapter. Skilled at building powerful partnerships, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and championing an inclusive, purpose-driven culture, you’ll also be a dynamic fundraiser, ready to support the growth and diversification of our income so we can expand our impact even further.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

• A proven track record of senior leadership and management at a Chief Executive or Director level, likely in the charity or mission-driven sector
• Experience leading a complex organisation, with strong financial oversight, including managing a budget of comparable scale
• Demonstrated success in securing £1.5m+ a year of funding aligned with programme delivery; strong understanding of the connection between mission and sustainability
• Excellent leadership, management and team-building skills with a collaborative working style
• Strong political and organisational awareness, with the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder environments
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and experience working with senior stakeholders across sectors
• Outstanding communication skills—written, verbal, listening, and presenting

Please apply by uploading your CV and a supporting statement responding to the two questions set out in the Recruitment Pack. Your statement should clearly demonstrate your relevant experience, leadership capability and track record in relation to this role. Due to the high volume of CVs received, we can only respond back to the successful candidates.

Employee Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days per annum, rising to 28 days, plus 3 Christmas Grace days
• A matched pension scheme with 4% standard employer contributions and matched up to 5%.
• An organisational culture that values its employees and places particular emphasis on fairness and transparency.
• Sector-leading training, with qualifications up to master's degree level funded under the apprenticeship levy.
• 2 Volunteering days per year - pursue a project you’re passionate about
• 2 Wellbeing days per year
• A comprehensive wellbeing service designed to support the overall wellness of employees
• Interest-free travel season ticket loans, bike loans under the “Cycle to Work Scheme” and loans to assist employees with welfare or financial hardship
• Enhanced sick pay for up to 6 weeks

Other areas of experience may include CEO, COO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive, Director, Managing Director, HR, Finance, Operations.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

Citizen Advice in West Susssex (North, South, East) or “CAWS” is entering an important phase of growth and transformation, and we are seeking an inspiring Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation with clarity, ambition and compassion. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a trusted regional charity that delivers life‑changing advice and support to communities facing complex and evolving challenges.

As CEO, you will guide a £2.5 million organisation through a shifting social, economic and policy landscape, ensuring CAWS remains resilient, innovative and deeply connected to the people it serves. You will champion our values, strengthen our strategic direction and ensure our services continue to empower individuals and influence positive systemic change.

This role calls for a leader who can build strong partnerships, nurture a positive and inclusive culture, and drive organisational excellence. If you are motivated by social impact and ready to lead a forward‑looking charity with purpose and integrity, CAWS offers a meaningful and rewarding platform to make a lasting difference.

Who We Are 
With 40,000 people supported each year, 70 paid staff, 240 volunteers and a circa £2.5m portfolio, we are a local charity delivering advice and influencing positive social change across our communities. You can find out more about who we are here

The Role
As CEO, you’ll work closely with our Board of Trustees to shape our strategic direction, strengthen partnerships, drive innovation and digital development, and ensure we remain inclusive, accessible, and financially sustainable in a rapidly changing landscape.

You’ll lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who are passionate about empowering people and challenging inequality.

About You
We’re seeking a forward‑thinking leader with a strong track record in complex organisations, a commitment to our mission and values, and the imagination to explore new ways of meeting local need. Whether you come from the advice sector, wider charity world, or another relevant field, if you have the vision and drive to steer CAWS into the future, we’d love to hear from you. 

With six advice centres, the successful applicant will be able to chose which centre to be based at, but travelling between all centres will be necessary.

Open live question time:
If you would like to know more about this role or ask any specific questions, we are holding two open forum online meetings. Each will run for 30 minutes. These will be held on Thu 19 Feb at 10.30am, and on Tue 24 Feb at 6pm. If you would like to attend, kindly email usand we will send you the link.

More about this role:
Please read the full job description and persona specification for more information about the role.
You will see the link to our specialist CEO pack and you can watch our video on our website.

Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) is an international non-governmental organisation which works to amplify the voices of rural women globally.  We are looking for an Executive Director for our small Central Office team which works with member organisations and individuals in the UK and around the world to ensure that rural women are represented, recognised for their critical importance in society, and have a platform to influence policy makers.  We combine advocacy and small-scale, women-led development projects designed by the local women who will implement them for the benefit of their communities.

This an exciting time to join ACWW in the lead up to our centenary and planning for the 32nd Triennial World Conference in 2029.  We are looking to appoint an Executive Director as our current Executive Director will be retiring this summer.

The successful candidate will be reporting to the Board of Trustees and working with colleagues and trustees to foster relationships, partnerships and collaborations with individuals, funders and networks in line with the Association’s objectives, priorities and values. You will have an important contribution to make in all aspects of the Association.

We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion.  We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

This role is offered as full-time.  If you have successful charity sector experience, ability to build and maintain positive relationships and are looking to work for a charity focused on championing women’s empowerment and advocating for change, we’d like to hear from you. Please see application pack for further details and to apply.

We are supporting a strategic grant making charity operating at the intersection of physical activity, youth empowerment, and systemic change. The organisation exists to empower women and girls, particularly those from backgrounds facing the greatest inequalities, to get active and stay active for life. Through targeted funding, co designed programmes, and bold advocacy, it tackles the physical, emotional and cultural barriers that prevent girls from feeling strong and confident in their bodies.

Its work combines grassroots investment with high level influence, guided by three core strategic priorities: reinventing how sport is offered to girls, amplifying their leadership voices, and sustaining its mission through long term investment.

Chief Executive Officer
Strategic grant making charity
Salary: Up to £70,000
Location: Hybrid, 2 days a week at a London office with regular UK wide project visits.

As the organisation enters its next phase of development, with growing ambition and an evolving funding landscape, we are seeking an inspirational and adaptable Executive Director to lead the organisation forward.

You will lead a small, high performing team and act as a principal bridge across a diverse network of partners and stakeholders. This is a significant charity leadership role, requiring someone who can steward strong governance, grow and diversify income, and build trusted relationships across corporate, community and trustee audiences, ensuring the organisation continues to maximise its impact for the girls it serves.

About you

We are seeking a creative, self motivated and values driven charity leader, who brings the following:

• Senior charity leadership and governance expertise, including experience reporting to and influencing a Board of Trustees and ensuring strong regulatory and financial oversight.

• Grant making and impact leadership experience, with confidence overseeing programme partnerships and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning.

• A proven track record of growing and diversifying income, ideally through corporate partnerships, brand activation, staff or customer fundraising, or within grant making environments.

• Strong stakeholder leadership and commercial confidence, able to operate effectively within a corporate environment, build high level partnerships, and influence senior corporate leaders, trustees, community partners and young people.

• Credibility in youth facing and equity led work, with a deep understanding of the systemic barriers facing women and girls and a demonstrable commitment to advancing inclusion.

The organisation is committed to achieve greater diversity in its executive team and welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability.

How to Apply

For further information, including how to apply, please view the appointment brief by clicking the ‘appointment brief’ button located against the role on the Prospectus website.

Recruitment Timetable

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15th March
PRELIMINARY INTERVIEWS: W/c 16th March
PANEL INTERVIEWS London: Late March or Early April

Lead an organisation that transforms lives through literacy
Executive Director - Adult Literacy Trust
Time Commitment: 3-4 days per week
Location: Primarily home based, with regular meetings across London
Salary: £75,000 FTE (pro rata), plus pension and holiday entitlement

About Adult Literacy Trust
The Adult Literacy Trust (ALT) believes that reading is a right, not a privilege. Today, more than 8 million adults in the UK struggle with functional literacy, limiting their access to education, employment, independence and opportunity. ALT exists to change that.

Founded in 2021, ALT provides personalised, one to one reading support for disadvantaged adults across some of London's most deprived communities. Volunteer Reading Coaches help learners build confidence, unlock opportunities, and rewrite the narrative of their lives. Retention among learners and volunteers is exceptionally high, and demand for the programme continues to grow.

Why This Role Matters
As Executive Director, you will shape a charity with the potential to change many lives.

You will:
- Drive strategic growth by leading an exciting expansion that will see ALT scale its programme across London and beyond.
- Champion the cause nationally, raising ALT's profile and influencing the policy landscape around adult literacy.
- Strengthen organisational foundations to ensure robust governance, financial sustainability, and operational excellence.
- Build powerful partnerships with funders, adult learning providers, policymakers, and community organisations.
- Lead and empower a small, talented team - cultivating a culture of collaboration, commitment and learner centred impact.
- Amplify learner and volunteer voices by ensuring that those directly affected help shape our work.

What Makes This Opportunity Inspiring
- Improving literacy delivers life changing outcomes: employment, wellbeing, independence, confidence and community connection. Every adult who learns to read improves their own life chances and that of their family.
- ALT has a proven model, a solid funding base, excellent evaluation, a committed volunteer base, and a highly engaged Board (including trustees with lived experience).
- ALT is poised to expand rapidly and influence systemic change within the adult learning ecosystem.
- This role combines strategic leadership with hands on delivery. Perfect for someone who thrives in mission driven, entrepreneurial environments.

Ideal Candidate Profile
Skills and Experience
- Strategic leader with experience spanning operations, external affairs, and organisational growth.
- Proven fundraising track record, especially securing multi year grants; experience with major donors beneficial.
- Skilled relationship builder able to represent an organisation with credibility and warmth.
- Experience of financial management, governance, and compliance within a charity setting.
- Understanding of adult learning, literacy or education is desirable, but not essential.

Personal Attributes
- Visionary and adaptable, with strong strategic insight.
- Empathetic, collaborative and grounded in purpose.
- Excellent communicator, comfortable representing ALT publicly.
- Practical, hands on leader with a positive, solutions focused mindset.
- Deeply committed to equity, inclusion and community empowerment.

Recruitment Timeline
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold ALT's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the charity will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Wednesday 4th March 2026 and we will send you a link.

Application Deadline: 5pm Wednesday 18th March 2026
First Interviews: w/c 6th April 2026
Final Interviews: w/c 13th April 2026

How to Apply
Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to ALT on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack in the first instance.

For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

This is a full-time Chief Exec role offering an exciting time to join an organisation making

a huge impact with minimal resources. As the Organisation enters its tenth year,

regrettably the need for this work has never been greater and in addition to enhancing

existing projects, we plan to grow our Dignity Centre locations as well as expand our

outreach and impact in the coming two to five years. As a small charity, the role is

incredibly varied as well as hands-on. While there is no physical back office, meaning

the role is mostly from home/remote, the CEO spends sustained periods of time in our

projects in Nicosia, Cyprus and Bournemouth, UK as well as any new or potential

project sites in the UK and abroad. A typical day could include troubleshooting and

managing maintenance problems at distance for our projects in Nicosia and

Bournemouth, preparing and delivering interviews and presentations to the media or for

donors, calling volunteers to prepare them for collaborating with us and collating

indicator data for impact reports.

Sport England is entering a defining period of change. As we deliver our long term strategy to improve lives and strengthen communities through physical activity, we are reshaping how we work.  We are embedding clearer accountability, greater efficiency, and a culture focused on high performance and purposeful delivery. 

We are now seeking an Executive Director, Investments to provide clarity, ambition and steady leadership through this transformation. 

In this role, you will balance strategic vision with practical delivery, inspiring a modern and diverse workforce to thrive. You will shape how we invest public and National Lottery funds so that everyone, regardless of background can experience the benefits of sport and physical activity. 

Funded through a blend of National Lottery investment and grant in aid from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Sport England relies on strong, strategic stewardship. As Executive Director, Investments, you will lead our entire investment portfolio, setting direction and overseeing the design, delivery and evaluation of funding programmes that increase participation in sport and active recreation. Your leadership will ensure our investments are inclusive, targeted and deliver maximum impact. 

As a key member of our Leadership Team, you will also help shape Sport England’s culture, promoting cross functional collaboration and modelling inclusive, accountable, high performing leadership. 

We are looking for an experienced senior leader from a complex organisation, with a strong track record in strategic planning, resource management, and delivering largescale programmes or investments. You will be confident operating at board level, adept at leading through change, and skilled at building trusted partnerships across sector. 

Experience in the sport, public or charity sectors is welcome but not essential – what matters is your ability to bring strategic clarity to this role.   

If you’re passionate about enabling impactful, inclusive outcomes for communities nationwide and excited by the opportunity to shape and strengthen Sport England from within please register your interest at Odgers.

Sport England is entering a pivotal period of transformation. As we deliver our longterm strategy to improve lives and strengthen communities through physical activity, we are reshaping how we work.  We are embedding clearer accountability, greater efficiency, and a culture defined by high performance and purposeful delivery. 

We are now seeking an Executive Director, Resources to provide strategic direction and operational leadership across several of Sport England’s core corporate functions. 

This is a role for a leader who can blend strategic insight with practical delivery, and who can inspire a modern, diverse workforce to thrive. You will play a vital part in ensuring that everyone in England can access the benefits of sport and physical activity. 

With funding from both the National Lottery and grantinaid from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, our work relies on strong, strategic stewardship. As Executive Director, Resources, you will lead key corporate services such as driving performance, championing continuous improvement, and ensuring that our resources are aligned to deliver maximum value for money and measurable impact. 

As a member of Sport England’s Leadership Team, you will help shape organisational culture, promote cross functional collaboration, and model inclusive, accountable and high performing leadership. 

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of overseeing core corporate functions within a complex organisation. You will be confident operating at board level and skilled at building trusted, cross sector partnerships that support long term organisational success. 

Experience in the sport, public or charity sectors is welcome but not essential – what matters is your ability to bring strategic clarity to this role.   

If you’re passionate about enabling impactful, inclusive outcomes for communities nationwide and excited by the opportunity to shape and strengthen Sport England from within please register your interest at Odgers.

At Croydon Community Energy, we bring community-owned renewable energy to Croydon - developing solar PV on community buildings and reinvesting the benefits locally to cut carbon and support communities.

Want to help turn rooftops into local power?

The role and its impact

This is a part-time CEO role providing hands-on leadership so CCE can deliver projects well, support volunteers, and build strong partnerships. Working with the Board, you will help move projects from early-stage development through to installation and reporting.

Key details

• Salary: £45,000 FTE pro rata (2 days/week = £18,000 per year)

• Hours: 2 days per week (flexible working pattern by agreement - evenings and weekends may be required)

• Contract: Fixed term for 12 months (with ambition to extend subject to funding)

• Location: Hybrid/home-based with regular presence in Croydon and occasional London travel

• Start date: 1 April 2026 (flexible)

• Reporting to: Chair of the Board (accountable to the Board of Directors)

• Contract basis: Self-employed contractor. You will manage your own tax and National Insurance and invoice CCE monthly.

What you'll be working on

• Deliver CCE's strategy and Board priorities, turning plans into clear actions, timelines and decisions.

• Coordinate the solar project pipeline with the Projects Director and delivery partners (from feasibility to commissioning and post-install monitoring).

• Oversee budgets, cashflow tracking and financial reporting with the Finance Director; keep risks visible and managed.

• Develop and deliver fundraising plans (grants, sponsorship, partnerships and, where relevant, community share offers).

• Enable good governance: board papers and updates, decisions logs, AGMs and member communications where relevant.

• Support and coordinate volunteers, fostering an inclusive, motivated culture and making it easy for people to contribute.

• Build relationships with key local stakeholders and represent CCE externally when needed.

This job is for you if...

• you are motivated by community energy, climate action and community benefit

• you can set direction, organise delivery and bring people with you (in paid or unpaid roles)

• you are confident planning and delivering projects, prioritising well and managing risks

• you can build trust with stakeholders across communities, funders, delivery partners and local government

• you are financially literate and comfortable with budgets and responsible spending decisions

• you can support good governance and work well with a Board or committee

• you communicate clearly, stay organised, and can work independently in a small organisation

It helps if you have...

• renewable energy and/or community solar project development experience

• fundraising, grant management and/or community share offer experience

• experience in co-operatives, social enterprises, charities, or volunteer-led organisations

• knowledge of Croydon and its communities, or experience working in a diverse urban borough

• experience in policy, advocacy or sector collaboration

If you do not meet every point, please still consider applying - we care about potential and values as well as experience.

Equal opportunities and accessibility

CCE is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from groups under-represented in the community energy sector.

If you are disabled (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) and meet the minimum criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. Please tell us what reasonable adjustments would help you take part. Information can be provided in alternative formats on request.

Funding for this role

CCE has been awarded £20,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver this role. The incoming CEO will help secure further funding to increase days worked and extend the role.

How to apply

Apply via CharityJob with:

• Your CV

• A cover letter (max 2 pages) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and why you want the role

• Closing date: Friday 27 February 2026 at 5pm

• Shortlisting: w/c 2 March 2026

• Interviews: w/c 9 March 2026 (online / in person in Croydon)

• Task: Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short task in advance (questions shared ahead of time)

• Second stage (if required): w/c 16 March 2026

Data protection: We handle applicant data confidentially and retain it only as long as necessary.

Lead a movement tackling issues that matter more than ever

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

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

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

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

Direct reports4

TeamBusiness operations

Hours5 days (37.5 hours) per week with flexible arrangements

LocationHolborn, London with some hybrid working

Report to Board of Trustees

Salary £65-70k

Application Closing Date 12 noon, 27th of February 2026

Why join us?

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

Why what we do matters

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

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

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

Representing the cities in which we operate

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

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

What we’re looking for

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

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

In addition, the person we are looking for:

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

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

Process:

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

Planned interview dates:
First round: 6th of March
Second round: 16th of March
These dates will be confirmed with you when you submit your application.
- During the process you’ll meet a range of staff and Trustees and have the opportunity to learn more about the organisation.
- If you require any adjustments or adaptations at any stage of the process please let us know in your email.

How to apply:

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

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

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

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