Chief fundraising officer jobs

ABOUT US 

The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats. 

Join our Online Information Session! We are hosting an Online Information Session with the CEO and interim Director of Fundraising to give candidates an opportunity to learn more about the role and to ask any questions.

The session will last no longer than 45 minutes and will be held at 14:00 on Friday 5 September.
Please register your interest by emailing Charlotte Hines (full details available via our website). 

THE ROLE 

 Due to the retirement of a long-standing executive team member, this newly repurposed Executive Leadership role has a clear focus on our long-term financial sustainability and mission impact. As Executive Director of Fundraising Development, you will lead our strategic partnerships, philanthropy, and major income generation programmes. 

 You’ll be responsible for inspiring significant financial support through trusts, major donors, corporates, legacies, and philanthropic networks. Working closely with the CEO and fellow Executive Directors, you’ll play a key role in shaping and delivering our Strategy to 2030 - ensuring we have the income, influence, and innovation to match our ambition. 

 Protecting and restoring woodlands that have stood for centuries - the crown jewels of the natural world in the UK - and creating the woods of the future, means this role will leave a legacy which will last for generations.  It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, engage with powerful networks, and literally change the nature of the UK landscape for the better. 

THE CANDIDATE 

We’re looking for a proven senior leader with extensive experience in fundraising, income generation or strategic partnerships - ideally within the not-for-profit sector. 

You’ll bring: 

• Strategic fundraising expertise across major giving, trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and philanthropy. 

• Inspiring leadership - able to guide, develop and motivate high-performing teams. 

• Strong external profile - with a track record of building and leveraging influential networks. 

• Collaborative mindset - experienced in working at Executive level, shaping cross-organisational strategy. 

• A personal commitment to nature recovery, equity of access, and environmental impact. 

Most importantly, you’ll be values-led - excited by the potential of this pivotal role to shape lasting change. 

Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees. 

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer: 

• Enhanced Employer Pension 

• Life Assurance 

• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options 

• Generous Annual Leave (25 days + bank holidays) 

• Annual leave buy and sell 

• Enhanced Parental Pay 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Woodland Trust embraces diversity and inclusion. We want our team to reflect the UK's diverse community. We support people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who are under-represented. 

Application Advice: Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. Your enthusiasm for the environment and our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count-are what matter most.

To maintain fairness and reduce bias during shortlisting, we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from hiring managers, please help us to maintain your anonymity by removing personal details from your CV prior to submission. 

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact on our planet. 

1st Interviews will be held via Teams on Friday 3 October 2025 
2nd Stage Interviews will be held in-person at our Grantham Office on Monday 13 October 2025 

Details of both events will be shared with shortlisted candidates prior to each stage. 

We are looking for a successful Individual Giving Manager to join our dynamic Fundraising Team. You will be developing and delivering innovative fundraising strategies to grow our individual donor base, maximise supporter retention, and expand legacy giving.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated fundraiser to play a pivotal role in increasing SANE’s income and building lasting relationships with donors.  This role would also suit a person who is looking to take a step up to a manager’s role to showcase your talents.

This is a new role.

About You
We are looking for a passionate and creative individual giving fundraiser or marketeer to develop and drive forward the programme. You will have a track record of delivering against income targets and KPIs and be experienced in delivering campaigns and activities on time and within budget.

With excellent writing and communication skills, you will be able to build strong relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally. 

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and Manage Individual Giving Campaigns:

Help design and implement engaging individual giving campaigns across multiple channels (direct mail, digital, email, telemarketing, etc.).
Plan, manage, and execute regular giving programs, aiming to grow a sustainable donor base.
Monitor and report on campaign performance, using data to optimise and drive continuous improvement.

Recruitment of New Donors:

In conjunction with your line manager drive the recruitment of new individual donors through online and offline channels, focusing on building long-term relationships.
In conjunction with your line manager develop strategies for donor acquisition via social media, digital marketing, and fundraising events.
Create and manage lead generation initiatives to convert prospects into committed supporters.

Develop and Run Legacy Campaigns:

Design and deliver targeted legacy giving campaigns to raise awareness and increase donations through bequests and regular giving.
Ensure legacy messages are communicated effectively across different touchpoints, including online, print, and events.
Cultivate and steward legacy supporters, ensuring they feel valued and part of SANE’s vision.

Direct Marketing and Social Media:

Work closely with the Digital Marketing Team to create content for direct marketing and social media to encourage donations and engage with potential donors.
Collaborate with the Media and Communications Team to ensure that fundraising messages are compelling, on-brand, and reach the right audience.
Measure and analyse the impact of digital fundraising and social media efforts, making data-driven decisions to improve engagement.

Website and Digital Fundraising:

Work with the Digital Marketing Team to ensure the charity’s online donation platforms are optimised to drive conversions and facilitate a smooth giving experience.
Work with the Digital Marketing Team, Deputy Head of Fundraising and COO to develop strategies to integrate online donation opportunities within the website, social media, and email communications.

Donor Stewardship:

Develop and implement strategies for donor stewardship, ensuring individuals are thanked, informed, and engaged post-donation.
Maintain a regular and consistent program of communications with donors, keeping them updated on the impact of their gifts.
Identify opportunities to upgrade donors to higher giving levels and inspire loyalty.

Collaboration and Reporting:

Work closely with the Services and Media and Communications Teams to gain SANE Services statistics, case studies and up to date on general mental health information, to align individual giving efforts with broader fundraising strategies.
Provide regular reports on campaign progress, income generation, and donor acquisition metrics to the line manager.
Assist with donor relations and events as needed to nurture relationships and engagement.

Join the Brent Centre for Young People, where you’ll craft powerful stories that elevate our mission, spark fundraising, and shape our brand across digital and print channels. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic Communications & Marketing Officer to shape and deliver impactful communications, marketing, and engagement strategies that amplify the charity’s brand, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and advance its mission.

The Brent Centre for Young People 

The Brent Centre for Young People (BCYP) is the leading mental health charity for young people in Northwest London, helping over 800 young people a year with a wide range of issues. We offer specialised treatment in the areas of depression, suicide prevention, self-harm, eating disorders, exam anxiety and more. Our approach is rooted in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. We aim to reach significantly more young people in the years ahead, drawing on our heritage that combines specialist treatment in-house and outreach into communities. The Brent Centre is also an important Research Centre on Adolescent Breakdown and Psychotherapy. 

About the Role 

BCYP is seeking a seasoned Communications and Marketing Officer who will design and implement a strategy to boost BCYP’s brand and support the efforts of clinicians. The candidate will also support the fundraising team through grassroots event management and the adoption of a small portfolio of donors. Some event and project management will be required, in particular supporting the delivery of seminars and training programmes, as well as community events.

The applicant will have excellent communication skills, be able to translate the stakeholders’ (Trustees/clinicians/donors/young people) needs and broadcast them to the community. They must have hands-on skills creating and designing digital, print, and social media and the confidence to put their signature on a strong communications and marketing strategy that will maximize external partnerships. 

This is an excellent opportunity for a confident self-starter to bring their vision and expertise into play to shape the look and feel of BCYP’s image, and to coalesce BCYP’s services to offer a holistic experience for our community.

Applications close once post is filled

The Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager will play a central role in growing high-value income streams and building meaningful relationships with individuals, corporates, and grant-making bodies. Managing a small team and working closely with senior leaders and NHS stakeholders, you will develop and drive forward an ambitious programme of philanthropic fundraising to support the work of Sheffield Hospitals Charity. You will be joining us after the conclusion of the Master Cutler’s Challenge 2025, during which we have developed new relationships with corporates and individuals across the city. In recent months we have appointed a Trusts and Foundations Officer – who you will line-manage – who has a sound pipeline and projects to fundraise for. We also aim to bring in more capacity to this team over the coming 6-12months, to support with corporate and high value individual relationships. In summary, if you have the drive, you will have the opportunity to grow something special from the sound foundations we have laid. 

Fundraising Lead

Salary: 47,000 to 57,000 dependent on experience

Location: York, London, or remote ( North of England base preferred)

About The Role:

Are you passionate about unlocking potential? Can you drive high impact funding for STEM Education and build partnerships that transform lives?

We are looking for a results-oriented and dedicated Fundraising Lead, who will be:

• Seeking out new high value funders who share a passion for ensuring young people, wherever they are, have the access, skills, and knowledge in STEM to thrive.
• Building their own new business pipeline, as well as developing and closing 5, 6 and 7 figure partnerships with major companies.
• Responsible for the entire new business process, from seeking out new potential partners via our networks, or through research, to developing compelling proposals and pitches and closing deals.
• A strong networker and relationship builder, driven by targets and results.
• Capable of working closely with the account management team and other internal stakeholders, and adept at keeping accurate records to enable effective handover and forecasting.

About You:

Candidates will demonstrate our values: Sustainable – Innovative – Proactive

STEM Learning is looking for a candidate with high value fundraising experience, particular in corporate fundraising. Some experience of major donor fundraising would be beneficial as we look to build a philanthropy programme.

Our ideal candidate will show:

• Demonstrable experience of winning 5 and 6 figure partnerships with major blue chip companies.
• A strong understanding of current CSR and sustainability trends and issues and how that relates to charity partnerships.
• A mentality that is target driven and will be able to evidence a track record of hitting and achieving fundraising targets.
• Even if you do not have experience working in education or with young people, you are able to demonstrate a passion for the power of STEM and education to impact young peoples’ lives.

About Us:

STEM Learning’s vision is 'improving lives through STEM education’ by empowering young people with the skills and knowledge to thrive through effective teaching and learning. 

We are proud to be the largest UK resource for supporting STEM teaching and learning through the provision of continuous professional development courses, resources, STEM Ambassador volunteers, online communities, and a wealth of other enhancement and enrichment activities. We do this in partnership with a wide range of organisations and individuals.

This role will pay a key part in generating the funds that will continue to deliver our impact led programmes.

Our York office is situated on the beautiful campus of the University of York with easy travel links into and out of the city.

Our Benefits:

• 30 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Access to a fantastic pension scheme
• A comprehensive employee assistance programme.
• Access to a voluntary staff benefits scheme including cycle to work loan scheme; health cash back plans; free eye tests; discounted vouchers and much more
• Excellent learning and professional development opportunities to enhance career development for all staff, at all levels, and all stages of their career.

Next Steps:

To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining what interested you in the role and why you think you are our ideal candidate.

Closing date:

There is no closing date for this appointment; applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are recommended. Please note the opening date of this position was 12/09/2025. 

STEM Learning strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to employing teams with diverse abilities, skills, and experiences. 

We foster a culture where every employee’s voice is respected and valued. 

Salary                             £31,500 - £33,570 per annum - subject to skills and experience 

Hours of work               37.5 hours a week over five days (we wlcome flexible working requests)

Base                               Hybrid working for the foreseeable future, with attendance in the office

                                        two days a week, including  one day being a Thursday at our central office:

                                       · Pears Building, Pond Street, London, NW3 2PP

                                       Other office days may be worked from our other sites at:

                                      · Barnet Hospital, Wellhouse Lane, Barnet, EN5 3DJ

                                      · Chase Farm Hospital, 127 The Ridgeway, Enfield, EN2 8JL

The role

The trusts fundraising officer will report to the trusts dunfraising manager.

We are seeking an enthusiastic trusts fundraising officer to join our team to help deliver our ambitious plans for growth. This new role involves managing a warm portfolio of trusts and foundations and finding new prospective donors, submitting compelling applications and providing exceptional supporter experience.

You will be proactive and passionate about building strong relationships with charitable funders and have previous experience of securing gifts from trusts and foundations or institutional donors. Additionally, you will have experience of identifying and assessing new prospects and have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong organisational abilities.

The role will offer significant scope for development, giving you the opportunity to grow your relationship-building, communication, and prospect research skills in a supportive, ambitious, and high-performing team.

The team

Our dynamic fundraising department generated £4.5m through donations in 2023/24, and we are now preparing for an ambitious multi-million-pound campaign in support of a ground-breaking cancer centre on the site of the Royal Free Hospital.

We pride ourselves on being a supporter focused and agile function, working at the heart of the charity to deliver impact for patients and staff across our hospitals.

Responsible for attracting and retaining donors, and delivering an outstanding supporter experience, the fundraising department comprises two teams which work closely together to achieve our shared objectives:

• Our philanthropy & campaigns team builds relationships with individual philanthropists, trusts, foundations, corporate organisations and intermediaries, giving or facilitating donations of £10,000 or more to the charity each year. They lead major appeal activity for the charity, currently focused on our forthcoming cancer campaign, and special events to support these activities.

• Our public fundraising team harnesses the support and energy of individuals and groups, helping them to give back in the way that works for them. This includes committed giving, in memory support, gifts in wills, and fundraising events and challenges.

• Our database and supporter care colleagues underpin and support the entire department.

Organisation

The Royal Free Charity stands at the threshold of its most important period of development.

Our vision is for everyone served by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (RFL) to have access to world-leading healthcare, delivered by a thriving workforce, and driven by medical research that has a global impact. We support the 17,000 staff of the RFL and their two million patients across Barnet, Chase Farm, North Mid and Royal Free hospitals and more than 30 NHS services.

Through the services we provide, and the programmes and equipment we fund, we make a profound and immediate difference to patients’ experiences of care.

The recruitment process

To apply for this post please send your:

•  CV (please include your last employer and dates of employment)
• Cover letter addressing how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification,

Please note, that applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered for this role.

Closing date for application: 2 October 2025,12 noon.

Interview date: Monday 13 October 2025 

Please kindly note that we may close the job advert before the closing date if we receive a large volume of applications.

• You must be eligible to work in the UK

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may require during the recruitment process. 

As an equal opportunities’ employer, the Royal Free Charity is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Royal Free Charity and act in line with our values of dedication, innovation, partnership, energy and respect.

Benefits:

Core benefits

· 25 days of paid holiday, plus three-day office closure rest period between Christmas and New Year, and UK bank holidays. This increases to 30 days leave after five completed years of continuous employment (all leave is pro rata for part time employees).

· A contributory pension scheme, where we match your 4% contribution towards your pension. If you choose to increase your payments into your pension scheme, we’ll match your contribution up to 9%.

· A sick pay package that offers one month’s full pay and one month’s half pay in any 12-month period if you’ve been with us for less than two years. This rises to two months’ full pay and two months’ half pay in any 12-month period after two years of continuous employment.

· Occupational maternity pay and paternity pay packages that provide more generous support than statutory pay alone.

· A flexible working policy to support our employees’ work/life balance.

Support for your financial wellbeing

As a member of the Royal Free family, you’ll be entitled to benefit from:

· Expert financial advice from our financial partner, the London Credit Union

· Savings on purchases with the Blue Light Card

· Our Death in Service benefit

Support for your health and wellbeing

· Subsidised gym, pool and classes at our Rec Club in Hampstead

· Secure bicycle parking and shower facilities at our Hampstead site

· Fortnightly guided meditation

· Free massage therapy from our complementary therapy team

· Menopause peer support group

· Employee Assistance Programme offering 24-hour access to free confidential advice and support on work and personal issues.

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for fundraising, communications, and community impact? Vauxhall City Farm is looking for a visionary Head of Fundraising and Engagement to shape and drive the income and engagement strategies that will support our ambitious growth as we reach our 50th anniversary in 2026. As part of the Senior Management Team, you will play a pivotal role in developing our next five-year strategy, while leading fundraising, marketing, and events that bring our mission to life. This is a unique opportunity to lead in a purpose-driven organisation, championing innovation and impact in one of London’s leading city farms. 

We're looking for someone with:

• Proven senior leadership and stakeholder engagement experience

• A strong track record in growing income across fundraising streams

• Deep knowledge of charity fundraising, communications and marketing

• Experience managing teams, budgets, and complex projects

• Excellent strategic thinking and operational delivery skills

• Confidence working with Boards, funders and partners

• A collaborative, values-driven leadership style

• Strong understanding of governance, safeguarding and compliance

We are seeking an experienced fundraiser who can work with us on a part time, freelance basis (Sept/Oct 2025 - January 2026) for a fee of £16Kto produce and undertake the following specialist services:

• Research and produce a bespoke 18-month Fundraising Plan for the Trust, with a particular focus on Museums, collections, community engagement, conservation and organisational resilience. 
• To start the delivery of the plan by undertaking specialist fundraising activities to trusts and foundations and to apply for opportunities that will help generate new incomes for the Trust and boost our ability to delivery our Business plan and Museum Developments. This will include a refreshed donations plan for our sites to come into action before Christmas.
• To advise and produce a business case for a long-term fundraising resource for the Trust.

Lead change. Tackle poverty. Build community.

East Durham Trust is looking for a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead our organisation into the next chapter.

We are the flagship voluntary and community sector organisation for East Durham – one of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities – and we exist to fight poverty, support vulnerable people, and empower local residents to thrive.

In 2025, our work spans:

• Crisis Support Services – providing emergency food and energy support and tackling the root causes of poverty.
• Information, Advice, and Guidance Services – including community-based advice support and the East Durham Debt centre working in collaborative community and VCSE partnerships
• Community Energy Initiatives – including PowerED (Power East Durham), Horden Heat and Energising East Durham, a 5-year programme driving forward local renewable energy solutions and fuel poverty reduction.
• No More Nowt – an Arts Council England funded programme bringing cultural opportunities to local people.
• Volunteering and Social Action Programmes – engaging and supporting a network of volunteers to strengthen local communities. Including a range of community-based services and opportunities.
• Community House – providing managed workspace, community hub facilities, and hosting co-located partner organisations.
• Other targeted projects funded by national, regional, and local funders.

About the role

As CEO, you’ll provide strategic leadership and vision, ensuring the Trust remains financially sustainable, digitally equipped, and impactful in addressing the challenges our communities face.

You will:

• Inspire and lead our staff and volunteers.
• Drive forward income generation and financial stability (we use Xero).
• Oversee effective service delivery, using digital referral systems and our Charity Log CRM to measure and grow impact.
• Represent East Durham Trust with funders, policymakers, partners, and the media.
• Lead innovation and ensure our work remains rooted in the needs of local people.

About you

We’re looking for a leader who combines passion with professionalism. You’ll bring:

• Senior leadership experience in the voluntary, community or social sector.
• A track record in securing funding and leading organisational growth.
• Strong financial management skills, with experience of digital systems.
• Outstanding communication and partnership-building skills.
• A deep commitment to tackling poverty and inequality.

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected community anchor organisation with a national profile and a local heart. You’ll be part of shaping solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, fuel poverty, and social disadvantage – while ensuring local people have a strong voice and real opportunities.

Apply now and help us power change in East Durham.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Chair of Trustees

Closing Date: 6th October 2025

Interviews Week Commencing: 13th October 2025

We are seeking an experienced, results-driven executive to join our organisation as Chief Executive Officer on a part-time basis (2 days per week. Pro-rata salary: £20,000-£24,000). This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned leader looking to make a significant impact whilst maintaining flexibility in their schedule.

Role Overview

As our part-time CEO, you will provide strategic vision and leadership to drive our organisation forward. You will work closely with our management team to develop and implement child-centred volunteering strategy, ensure operational excellence, and foster a culture of innovation, learning, and accountability.

About Us

TimeGivers is a fast-growing West London charity that is redefining how children engage with their communities. TimeGivers creates scalable, school-centred volunteering programmes that embed social action into the lives of children and the fabric of their communities. Every programme is community-led: we partner with local schools, councils, alliances and charities, co-designing volunteering programmes around specific, identified local need. Our events are also child led whereby young people choose the causes they want to support and help to come up with ideas for how they want to help them.

Core Responsibilities

With proven leadership experience in the charity sector, you must bring a passion for our work and an ability to translate strategy into action. You will be leading us from successful start-up to a more established and growing organisation. We therefore seek experience in driving organisational growth and aligning resources to support this, together with expertise in introducing effective monitoring, evaluation, and performance management to ensure we’re delivering against our strategic objectives and can demonstrate impact.

A key aspect of your role will be overseeing the financial health of the organisation ensuring effective budgeting, forecasting and resource management. You will work closely with the Fundraising Manager to develop and implement a sustainable fundraising strategy, identifying and securing diverse income streams (e.g. grants, donations corporate partnerships), as well as working with the Financial Director and the Board to prepare annual accounts and financial reports.

You will be responsible for ensuring the charity operates in accordance with its constitution, policies and legal requirements; maintaining high standards of accountability, safeguarding and risk management across all aspects of the organisation. You will support the Board of Trustees by providing timely and accurate information to ensure effective governance and decision making.

Alongside these skills we are looking for an inspirational and entrepreneurial leader who can galvanise and optimise the performance of our team and dedicated volunteers, ensuring the effective delivery of our programmes. You will be someone who can think strategically but is not afraid to roll their sleeves up and has an energetic, positive and can-do approach. To be successful you will also be adept at managing a range of stakeholders and be credible and inspiring as an ambassador, equipped with excellent communication and influencing skills to promote TimeGivers.

Desirable Experience

 · Proven executive leadership experience, preferably as CEO or in a similar senior role in the charity, public or voluntary sector

· Experience working with child-focused non-profit organisations

· Strong track record in income generation including fundraising, partnerships and securing grants.

· Robust experience in driving and delivering growth and meeting objectives

· Thorough working knowledge of governance and compliance requirements for charities

Personal Attributes and Skills

· Excellent strategic thinking and decision-making abilities

· Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills

· Good financial management skills including budgeting and resource allocation

· Flexible and creative thinker

· Ability to work effectively in a part-time capacity whilst delivering full impact

· Passionate about youth development and community service

This is a unique opportunity to build on our success and act as a catalyst to realise the next stage of our journey.

WCCM seeks to appoint an experienced, creative, and highly motivated Grant and Major Donor Fundraising Manager to lead fundraising and grant management across a global organisation dedicated to the teaching of Christian Meditation. Working to the Executive Director, you will interact with our decentralised finance, marketing and communications staff and volunteers.  Together, you will nurture Major Donor relationships and create and manage appropriate donor stewardship schemes and rationalise our income streams. You’ll ensure grant reporting and management is kept on track whilst developing targeted proposals for new funding from sympathetic donors in the arena of Trusts and foundations.  You will work to support both our teaching and resourcing of meditation and the running of our retreat centre in Bonnevaux, near Poitiers in France. An excellent writer with excellent financial and budgeting skills, you will be adept at pulling together relevant, succinct and compelling information for our donor reports and bids. You’ll work with communications staff to develop impactful donor communications which enhance our accountability and inspire renewed major donations.  You will have a demonstrable track record in winning grants as well as in the stewardship of major donors.  Occasional trips to France. Interest in Christian Meditation/Spirituality an advantage.

Chief Executive Officer

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to guide a well-established health support charity through its next stage of growth and transformation.

Position: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Shipley-based, with regular travel across Bradford and Craven District
Salary: £45,000+ depending on experience
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Tuesday 30th September
Interview Date: Bradford, date to be confirmed

About the Role

This is a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of a respected local health charity. The organisation is moving towards a more personalised and outreach-focused model of care, and we are looking for a CEO who can combine empathy with business acumen to drive that change.

Key responsibilities include:

· Leading the development and delivery of the charity’s strategy and vision

· Driving income generation across diverse fundraising streams

· Overseeing financial planning, reporting and governance

· Supporting, developing and motivating staff and volunteers

· Building strong external partnerships and raising the organisation’s profile

· Ensuring compliance with safeguarding, data protection and charity regulations

· Acting as the charity’s public face and spokesperson

About You

We are looking for a confident and credible leader with:

· Experience of successfully leading and growing a charity or similar organisation

· A strong track record in strategic planning, governance and financial management

· Expertise in fundraising across trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships and community giving

· The ability to inspire teams, build partnerships and represent the organisation externally

· Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach

· A genuine empathy with the challenges faced by people living with or affected by serious illness

A degree-level management qualification or equivalent experience is desirable. Use of a car and flexibility to travel within the region will be important for the role.

About the Organisation

For over 35 years, this Yorkshire-based charity has provided vital practical and emotional support to people living with or affected by serious illness and their families. Rooted in the community, the charity is now evolving to ensure its services remain accessible, relevant and impactful. This is a chance to join at a transformative moment and help shape its future direction.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Charity Director, Managing Director, Operations Director, Head of Services, Fundraising Director, Chief Operating Officer, Programme Director, Senior Charity Leader

How to Apply
To apply, please send a CV and a statement (no longer than 2 pages) outlining why you are the right person for this role.

Safeguarding Statement

This charity is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all individuals who participate in its programmes and of all staff and volunteers. Successful candidates will be required to carry out a disclosure and barring check.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity Statement

The organisation is an equal opportunities employer, values diversity and is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment.

Data Protection Statement

For information about how your data is used as part of the recruitment process, please contact us.

The successful candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to demonstrate a proven ability of writing persuasive and compelling copy to achieve support, as well as proven ability of developing strong relationships with supporters, customers or clients from a charity, consumer or business career.

Location: Preston, Lancashire

Permanent | Full-time - 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £77,744 - £83,546

After a remarkable 26-year journey with Caritas Care, including five years as CEO, our current Chief Executive will retire at the end of 2025.  This creates a rare and exciting opportunity to lead this dynamic, well-established and vibrant organisation.  The Trustees are looking for an exceptional leader to take forward and further develop one of the North West's most respected and impactful charities.

About Caritas Care

For 90 years, Caritas Care has been at the heart of communities across Lancashire, Cumbria and Greater Manchester.  We are a values-driven charity committed to improving lives and creating opportunities for people across the North West.  Our services include adoption and fostering, support for people with disabilities, rehabilitation programs and community projects, all designed to ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive.

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic leadership and operational management, ensuring our services continue to make a meaningful impact.  Reporting to the Board of Trustees, your key responsibilities will include:

- Leading the organisation with passion and integrity, upholding our values in everything we do

- Developing and implementing strategic plans to enhance and expand our services

- Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, commissioners and partner organisations

- Ensuring financial sustainability, overseeing budgets and securing funding opportunities

- Maintaining governance and compliance standards, ensuring all activities meet legal, ethical and regulatory requirements

- Inspiring and supporting our dedicated staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence

About You

We are looking for an experienced and visionary leader who is passionate about making a difference. You will bring:

- Strong leadership and strategic planning skills with experience in a senior management role

- A deep understanding of the charity, social care or public sector, particularly in service delivery and safeguarding

- Excellent financial and operational management skills, ensuring sustainability and growth

- A collaborative approach, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders

- A values-driven mind-set, committed to inclusion, equality and social justice

Why Join Us?

This is more than a leadership role – it is an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference.  You will be joining a charity with deep community roots, a skilled team and a future full of possibility. 

- Lead a well-respected and impactful charity

- Work with a passionate team dedicated to making a difference

- Shape the future of services that change lives

- 30 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

- Incremental salary scale progression

- Flexi-time and flexible working

- Opportunity to maintain a Social Work England registration

- Employee Assistance Programme

- Work based pension 5% employer contribution (LGPS transfer will be considered for the right applicant)

- Birthday leave after 10 years’ service

- Essential car user post with travel paid at 45p per mile

- Onsite free car parking

If you believe you have the skills, experience and passion to lead Caritas Care into its next chapter, we’d love to hear from you.

To find out more about this opportunity and to access the full candidate application information, please visit our vacancies page on our website 

For an informal discussion, please contact Susan Swarbrick, Chief Executive.

Applicants who have previously applied for this position need not reapply.

Closing date for applications:  Wednesday 24 September 2025

Provisional interview dates:  Tuesday 7 & Wednesday 8 October 2025

Early applications are encouraged as we may close the recruitment process ahead of the deadline if a sufficient number of high quality applications are received