Chief executive officer jobs in Milton keynes
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Link to Change is an award-winning charity dedicated to protecting children and young people from exploitation, abuse and harm. We work alongside children, families, professionals and communities to create safer futures and stronger outcomes.
Now entering an exciting new phase of growth across Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next chapter.
Link to Change has a strong reputation as a trusted specialist in tackling child sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, online harms and abuse affecting children and young people. Our work has influenced policy and practice, supported thousands of children and families, and amplified the voices of young people with lived experience.
We are ambitious about the future. We want to reach more children, strengthen our influence, grow our services, and continue driving meaningful change within safeguarding systems and communities.
As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to the charity, ensuring we remain financially sustainable, well governed and focused on achieving the greatest possible impact for children and young people. Working closely with our Board of Trustees, staff team and partners, you will lead organisational development, strengthen relationships across sectors, champion safeguarding excellence and help shape the future direction of the organisation.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected, award-winning charity with a passionate team, a strong reputation and a clear sense of purpose.
We are looking for a values-driven leader who can inspire others, build strong partnerships, navigate complexity and lead with confidence and compassion. You will share our commitment to safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and ensuring that the voices of children and young people remain at the heart of everything we do.
If you are passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people and want to lead an organisation that is making a genuine difference every day, we would love to hear from you.
Join Link to Change and help create a future where every child and young person is safe, heard and free from exploitation.
Please ensure to follow the guidance within the application pack on how to apply.
To make an application, please submit:
1. Up to date CV (no more than 3 pages).
2. A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria. Please also state any dates that you would be unavailable for interview if shortlisted.
3. Please advise us of any dates in August and September when you would be unable to attend an interview, if successfully shortlisted.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Everyone deserves a life free from Exploitation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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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.