Chief of staff jobs

Chief Operating Officer

Salary: Competitive

Location: London, WC2E 9AB

About Our Client

Our client is a registered charity on a mission to become the UK’s leading neurodiversity employment model. They help young adults with learning disabilities and autism gain the skills and experience they need to secure sustainable jobs through their training café in Covent Garden and specialist employment programmes. While they continue to fundraise, their goal is to be as self-sustainable as possible. They achieve this by running their café, delivering events, supplying wholesale coffee, offering DEI workshops, and constantly seeking creative ways to raise awareness of their cause and diversify revenue streams.

Summary of the Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will act as the CEO’s strategic partner and trusted deputy, leading both the charitable programmes (training, neuro-inclusion, and employment support) and the trading operations (café, events, wholesale coffee, and partnerships).

This role combines operational leadership with commercial acumen, ensuring excellent programme delivery while also driving business growth, increasing sales, and shaping a commercial strategy that supports our client’s long-term sustainability. The COO will oversee finance, compliance, people and culture, and organisational development, while also building partnerships and identifying new opportunities for business development and income diversification. By fostering a high-performing, values-led culture and strengthening their internal foundations, the COO enables the CEO to focus on external growth, partnerships, and brand leadership, ensuring the organisation continues to expand its impact while remaining financially resilient.

Ideal Candidate

They are seeking a senior leader who:

• Has experience at Director/COO/Deputy CEO level within a charity, social enterprise, or purpose-driven business.
• Is commercially minded, with proven experience in growing business, driving sales, shaping commercial strategy, securing partnerships, and spotting opportunities for business development.
• Can demonstrate a track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams and senior managers.
• Brings knowledge of charity governance, safeguarding, HR, and regulatory compliance.
• Has significant financial management experience across both charitable and trading activities.
• Can translate strategy into clear operational plans and deliver tangible results.
• Thinks laterally and creatively to diversify revenue streams and amplify impact.
• Understands fundraising models and income diversification, with an entrepreneurial mindset for sustainable growth.
• Is resilient, hard-working, emotionally intelligent, kind and empathetic, courageous, warm, purpose-driven, and a strategic leader.
• Is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, with experience embedding a values-led culture.

Benefits:

• One Friday off a month (in addition to 30 annual leave days)
• Flexible working arrangements (2 days per week working from home)
• Complimentary beverages at the Café
• Free staff lunch
• Organised social events with learners and staff
• DBS enhanced check provided
• Safeguarding vulnerable adults course provided
• Monthly work coach session for six months

Top Responsibilities

As COO, you will:

• Act as the CEO’s deputy, providing leadership continuity and ensuring the effective running of the organisation. 
• Lead and drive the day-to-day operations across both charitable programmes and commercial activities (café, events, wholesale coffee, and workshops), implementing our client’s strategy and ensuring organisational goals are met.
• Oversee all financial management, reserves, compliance, and risk across the organisation.
• Manage senior leaders and foster a positive, inclusive, and values-driven culture.
• Drive organisational growth by strengthening infrastructure, growing the team, diversifying income, and scaling impact.
• Build strong relationships with funders, employers, and stakeholders, while also bringing in potential partners to enhance both impact and sustainability, and ensuring CRM systems support engagement and growth.

Our Client’s Commitment

Our client is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background.

Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the magistracy — and through it, the health of the justice system.

We are seeking an inspiring leader to become the next Chief Executive of the Magistrates’ Association, the only independent voice of magistrates in England and Wales.

The MA is a Royal Charter charity with around 12,000 members. For more than a century we have championed magistrates, supported their development, and spoken truth to power on behalf of the magistracy and the wider justice system.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a small, committed team and a wide network of trustees and volunteers at a moment of real change. After years of decline, magistrate numbers are growing again and their role is expanding. Following a major programme of modernisation, the MA is stronger, more visible, and ready to build on this momentum.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership, working closely with the Board of Trustees

• Be a visible and authoritative advocate with government, judiciary, Parliament and the media

• Oversee the delivery of services and support that matter to members

• Lead the growth of our membership, engaging new magistrates and re-connecting with those who have left

• Ensure strong financial and organisational management of the Association

We are looking for an experienced and credible leader with:

• A track record of strategic leadership and organisational development

• Strong financial and business acumen

• The ability to influence at the highest levels and act as a public spokesperson

• Experience of growing a membership body or comparable organisation

• A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We’re Hiring: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £75,000 – £80,000 + pension
Location: Northamptonshire (flexible, with min. 3 days on-site)
Closing date: 5pm, Friday 3rd October 2025

Age UK Northamptonshire is looking for a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead us into our next chapter.

We are the leading local charity supporting older people across the county—providing advice, companionship, and essential services to 18,000+ people every year.

As our long-serving CEO retires, we need an inspiring, strategic leader who can:
✅ Champion older people as a trusted advocate and spokesperson
✅ Lead a dedicated team of 140+ staff and 260+ volunteers
✅ Strengthen partnerships and income streams to ensure sustainability
✅ Build on our proud history while driving innovation and growth

About You

You’ll bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience in a complex organisation
• Strong financial and strategic planning skills
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities
• Integrity, energy, and resilience to lead by example

Knowledge of the voluntary sector, health, social care, or issues affecting older people is highly desirable.

Interviews take place in October. If you have any questions then please use the above email. 

�� Be the voice for older people in Northamptonshire. Lead us into the future.

Four Greens Community Trust is all about helping people and changing lives in the North of Plymouth. We are looking for an innovative and inspirational CEO to lead the team into even more new and exciting chapters in the story of our growth. You will be part of a dedicated, versatile and hardworking group of staff and volunteers and part of a community which cares for each other.

We are looking for somebody who has exceptional community leadership and communication skills, who has confidence in leading capital projects and working in partnership with health and wellbeing organisations. You will have proven experience in strategic leadership, income generation and organisational development.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all, regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status. 

For more information and an application form, please take a look at our recruitment pack.

Role

Are you a values-led leader with a passion for person-centred social care?

The Action Group is a forward-thinking, rights-based social care organisation who care deeply about the lives of the people we support, their carers, and our staff.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to support people to live full, meaningful lives - on their own terms. As we enter an exciting new chapter, we’re seeking a visionary Chief Executive to lead us with integrity, courage, and compassion.

What You’ll Do

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Lead with purpose, ensuring our values are embedded in every decision
• Champion person-centred approaches and co-production across all services
• Drive strategic growth, financial sustainability, and operational excellence
• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders, funders, regulators, and communities
• Represent the organisation as a bold advocate for progressive social care
• This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of care in Scotland—where your leadership will directly impact lives and communities.

Who You Are

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has senior leadership experience in social care, health, or the third sector
• Is emotionally intelligent, inclusive, and deeply committed to human rights
• Brings strategic insight, financial acumen, and governance expertise
• Communicates with clarity, authenticity, and warmth
• Leads with humility, resilience, and a collaborative spirit

What We Offer

• A values-led culture that prioritises people, relationships, and impact
• A supportive, engaged Board and passionate, talented team
• Contributory pension scheme (employer contribution 5%)
• 29 days annual leave (increases with length of service)
• Paid mileage
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and sick leave
• Access to discounts and mental health support
• Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to wellbeing
• The chance to lead an organisation making a real difference every day

Application notes

Closing Date: 10am on Monday 20th October

To apply or to see our candidate recruitment pack, visit our website. 

We value lived experience, passion, and alignment with our values more than formal qualifications or traditional career paths. So even if you don’t meet every requirement listed, we would welcome your application - you might just be the right person for this role.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, such as alternative formats for application materials or access to assistive technology, just let us know and we’ll do our best to support you.

Chief Executive Officer

We are looking for a visionary and compassionate Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the charity into its next exciting chapter, as Kids for Kids’ celebrates their 25th Birthday.

This is a unique opportunity to succeed our Founder and make a lasting difference for children and families facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Position: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Home based (with occasional travel)
Salary: £65,000 – £75,000 per annum (commensurate with experience)
Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 26th October, the client reserves the right to interview before the closing date so please apply asap.
 

The Role

As CEO, you will provide inspirational leadership, overseeing all aspects of the organisations work in the UK and abroad, ensuring continued impact and growth. You will manage our fundraising programme, finances, and operations, as well as motivate and inspire a small but highly dedicated team and network of volunteers.

You will:

• Lead the organisation’s strategy, safeguarding its mission and values.
• Oversee all fundraising, awareness-raising, and financial management.
• Report regularly to the Board of Trustees, working closely with the founder as she transitions to her role as Chairman of Trustees.
• Be the public face of the charity, representing us at events, with donors, and in the media.
• Manage relationships with our Patrons, celebrities, supporters, and volunteers.
• Oversee major fundraising events including our Candlelit Christmas Concert, Gala Gourmet Dinner Dance, and 25th Birthday celebrations in 2026.

This role is central to ensuring that more children and families in Darfur can access lifesaving and sustainable support, enabling communities to thrive despite unimaginable hardship.

About You

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated leader with a strong track record of management, fundraising, and financial acumen. You will be values-driven and compassionate, with the ability to inspire others and build meaningful relationships at all levels.

You will have:

• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally in the charitable or not-for-profit sector.
• Strategic thinking skills with strong financial and operational management experience.
• Demonstrable success in fundraising and developing new income streams.
• Experience of working with Boards of Trustees and managing governance requirements.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with experience of acting as a public spokesperson.
• The ability to inspire, manage, and grow staff, volunteers, and supporter networks.

Desirable:

• Ability to speak Arabic.

How to Apply

Please apply by providing a CV and cover letter demonstrating your suitability for the role.

About the Organisation

This is the only charity founded specifically to help children in one of the most challenging regions of the world, Darfur, Sudan. For the past 24 years we have been transforming the lives of children through a unique package of integrated projects, working closely with the communities themselves. Since 2001 we have adopted 110 villages, transforming the lives of over half a million people.

There could not be a more exciting time to take the charity forward. You will be responsible for shaping both the projects in Darfur, and all the exciting opportunities to raise awareness and funds in the rest of the world.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Charity Director, CEO, Chief Executive, Chief Executive Officer, Senior Director, Finance Director, Corporate Services Director, Human Resources Director, IT Director, General Manager, Operations Director, Partnerships Director, Managing Director, CFO, Fundraising Director etc.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Operations Director
Oasis Community Partnerships (Youth and Community)

Permanent, full-time post, 40 hours per week, inclusive of breaks 

Starting salary: £51,960 per annum (plus London Weighting for London based staff)

 At an exciting and key stage in our journey we have the opportunity for an Operations Director to join the Oasis Youth and Community national leadership team supporting local Oasis community charities across the country.

With accountability to the CEO the Operations Director will be responsible for three key areas of work:

1. Lead key elements of policy and systems ensuring the Youth and Community function remains safe and compliant, and that local leaders and other key staff are effectively supported (including line management of People Services).
2. Oversee the effective governance oversight for all local charities through a cycle of professional guidance and monitoring.
3. Lead the national framework for monitoring and evaluation across activities.

 ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

Oasis neighbourhoods are local places of activity that provide integrated, high quality and diverse services to benefit the whole person and the whole community. The Oasis ethos stems from our Christian roots and is an expression of our character - it is a declaration of who we are and therefore the lens through which we assess all we do. This is encapsulated by the following five statements:

a passion to include everyone

a desire to treat everyone equally, respecting differences

a commitment to healthy and open relationships

a deep sense of hope that things can change and be transformed

a sense of perseverance to keep going for the long haul

An Oasis neighbourhood is a community movement and the joining together of all the work Oasis does in any one place, which could include foodbanks, debt advice centres, family support and advice services, healthcare, youth work, children’s work, alongside other Oasis activities in that community, including formal education through Oasis Academies.

The Youth and Community function of Oasis is responsible for the wider community work that takes place within Oasis neighbourhoods, working closely with the wider Oasis family to outwork our vision. In relation to governance, Oasis Community Partnerships is the national charity, with each local team operating from their own local Oasis charity.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing national organisation, making a difference to communities on a local level, whilst also influencing the national landscape.  As part of the package, Oasis offers:

• A pension scheme, currently offering 7% employer contribution
• A generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays)

Please contact us to arrange for an informal conversation to find out more about the role. If you are interested in this position, please send your CV and a covering letter (ensuring you refer to the job description and person spec).

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers to application, please let us know.

Completed applications should be returned by 9am on Friday 24th October.

Interviews will take place week beginning Monday 3rd November. (Shorter more informal calls may be arranged the previous week to assist with shortlisting)

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

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

This is a critical and exciting leadership role for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust which will take the Trust forward to the next phase of organisational growth, building on the superb achievements to date of our retiring CEO. 

You’ll need passion and energy to work on some of the most profound challenges of our time. Nature needs its champions, and you’ll need to harness all of your skills, all of your personality, and your network to grow our influence, our impact, and our outcomes. You’ll excel at galvanising others to take action  enabling  us to achieve our aims and ensure bumblebees are thriving and valued by everyone.

This is an incredible opportunity to join a very special organisation with passionate and high-performing teams who are truly dedicated to our vital purpose. 

Please refer to the CEO pack for further information.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer.  This means that whilst seeking employment or during such employment with the Trust, we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all persons regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status. 

At the Trust, we have a clear goal: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. We pride ourselves on reaching for our vision, through the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees. 

Chief Executive — Help & Care
Location: Home-based within easy reach of Dorset (regular travel across the region)
Salary: circa £85,000 per annum
Contract: permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)

Are you ready to lead a values-driven regional charity and social enterprise that helps people to live the lives they choose?

Help & Care has been supporting communities across Dorset and the south coast since 1985. We deliver person-centred services that promote dignity, independence and connection - from dementia coordination and health coaching to our award-winning Roots gardening programme and social prescribing partnerships. Working with over 25 partners across health, housing and the voluntary sector, we co-produce services that make a real difference to older people, those with long-term conditions, carers and people at risk of isolation.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategic leadership: Set and deliver a clear, values-led strategy that secures long-term impact and sustainable growth.
• Values leadership: Put Help & Care’s values - social justice, innovation, personal and collaborative - at the heart of decision-making and model them.
• Growth & income diversification: Lead business development, win new contracts, and develop social-enterprise opportunities to reduce reliance on public commissioning.
• Partnerships & advocacy: Strengthen senior-level relationships with NHS, local authorities and commissioners; represent Help & Care across systems, media and networks.
• Service quality & impact: Embed rigorous monitoring and evaluation so our outcomes drive commissioning, improve margins and strengthen our reputation.
• People leadership: Inspire, retain and develop a high-performing, compassionate leadership team and workforce.
• Governance & financial stewardship: Provide the Board with timely, high-quality reporting, oversee financial recovery plans, and ensure robust risk and compliance frameworks.

Who you are:

• An experienced CEO or senior director from complex, multi-service health & social care or community organisations.
• Proven track record in winning commissioned contracts, tendering and contract management.
• Skilled at building strategic partnerships and influencing at senior system level.
• Comfortable leading transformation and financial sustainability work, with demonstrable budgeting and forecasting skills.
• A values-led, collaborative leader with high emotional intelligence, resilience and a commitment to social justice and co-production.

Why Help & Care?

• Lead a highly respected regional provider with an outstanding track record of co-production and innovation.
• Shape an organisation poised for growth and greater regional influence.
• Hybrid, home-based working, regular travel across Dorset, and the chance to safeguard vital services for local communities.

If you would like to receive an Information Pack for this role with details on how to apply, please send an expression of interest and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile in confidence to our consultant, Jenny Hills via the apply button. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny at the above address with suitable times to speak. 

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 20th October 2025 

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.

About Khulisa
Khulisa (meaning “to nurture” in Zulu) is an award-winning national charity. We work with young people aged 11–25 whose lives have been affected by trauma or adversity. Trauma can profoundly impact a young person’s development — limiting their self-confidence, resilience, and ability to thrive.

For more than 18 years, Khulisa has provided evidence-based programmes that build social and emotional skills, helping young people to overcome barriers and reach their potential. We also train professionals, parents and carers to create trauma-informed environments, ensuring that all young people are cared for by adults who understand and respond to their needs.

The Role
We are seeking an inspiring Chief Executive Officer to lead Khulisa into its next chapter. The CEO will provide strategic leadership, financial and operational oversight, and the vision to grow our impact — building on strong foundations and trusted partnerships.

We are looking for an individual with:

• Proven business development skills and the ability to diversify income.

• Significant experience in stakeholder engagement — including funders, statutory bodies and partners.

• A strong track record of leadership, with a commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development.

• The confidence to act as Khulisa’s primary spokesperson and ambassador, championing our trauma-informed, person-centred approach at every level.

Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a charity with deep, long-standing relationships and a growing national profile. The CEO will play a central role in shaping the future of Khulisa, ensuring we continue to nurture young people and the communities around them.

How to Apply
To apply, please read the last page of the Job Pack. If you have questions before applying you can send these to the email address listed in the Job Pack. Someone will then be in contact with you and arrange a time to speak. 

First-round interviews will start in the first week of November. 

Chief Executive Officer 

Charity (social justice)

London/hybrid 2-3 days in office pw

Full-time role, open to flexible working and job-share 

£97,000 to £104,000 per annum

Our client is the leading organisation for young women on low or no pay. Our purpose is to create an equal world of work and raise young women’s incomes.

We work with and for young women aged 18–30 across England and Wales, campaigning for a fairer financial future while providing practical support to help them thrive. Together, we champion workplace equality, amplifying young women’s voices and creating change through services, research, campaigning and influencing.

The Role

We are seeking a bold, inspiring, values-led Chief Executive Officer to take the charity into its next chapter, building on our strong foundations to grow the organisation’s impact and influence. You will work closely with the Board and senior leadership team to deliver our current strategic plan and shape the next phase of organisational growth.

As CEO, you will be a powerful ambassador for the charity, ensuring that the voices of young women are heard at the highest levels. You will combine strategic vision with operational excellence, balancing high-quality service delivery with campaigning, policy influence and financial sustainability. You will strengthen partnerships with funders, policymakers, partners and the media, while fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture within the organisation.

We are already a high-impact organisation, with a strong strategy in place, a collaborative Board, a talented and committed staff team and a large network of over 10,000 young women supporting our mission, alongside many allies. Thanks to our endowment and growing fundraising track record, we are also in a financially stable position.

The Person

We are looking for a visionary and strategic leader who thrives on building strong relationships and collaboration. To be successful in this role you will need:

• A proven track record of leadership at senior level in the charity or social purpose sector, ideally as a CEO.
• A proven ability to develop and deliver ambitious organisational strategies and achieve transformational impact.
• An ability to balance high-quality service delivery with campaigning and policy influence.
• Credibility, presence and gravitas to represent the organisation externally and enhance its profile and influence.
• A deep commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and the empowerment of young women.
• Experience building high-value partnerships with funders, policymakers and stakeholders at all levels.
• A collaborative and facilitative leaderships style, able to inspire, support and positively challenge staff to achieve excellence.
• Expertise in financial and operational management, including income generation and sustainability planning.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic and ambitious organisation delivering meaningful and lasting change. If you share our vision of a fairer future where every young woman can thrive at work and you are ready to drive impact at the highest level, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

We are working with Prospectus as our recruitment partners.  To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) onto the Prospectus website via the link below. 

Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable. 

If you wish to apply using an alternative format, please contact Prospectus

At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire.

Recruitment timetable

Application deadline 26th October 

Prospectus interviews 10th – 14th November

Senior Leadership Team engagement session and meeting with young women 1st December

First stage panel interviews 4th December

Final stage panel interviews 9th December

Borders Forest Trust (BFT) are recruiting for a new Chief Executive .

BFT is a charity established to restore native woodland habitats to Southern Scotland, an area with the lowest percentage of native woodlands in mainland Scotland. Since 1996, we have been working towards planting trees, restoring peatlands and other natural habitats, enriching the biological diversity of around 31 sq km in the Southern Uplands. They demonstrate large scale ecological restoration in action, and inspire landowners, statutory bodies, local communities and policy makers to embrace this alternative model for land use and conservation.

The charity’s previous Director has led the organisation for five years, and BFT are in a strong position, ready to develop a new organisational strategy and grow. This is a role of great strategic importance to the charity and the role is varied, with a broad remit.  

The Chief Executive role has organisational responsibility for 12 members of staff, some office based but most out and about across the countryside in which BFT works.  

As Chief Executive, you’ll bring proven senior leadership experience and the ability to get the best from staff and volunteers. A natural communicator, you’ll engage confidently with a wide range of people – from volunteers and donors to policymakers and conservation experts. 

You’ll have experience generating significant income in the not-for-profit sector, alongside strengths in strategic planning and programme development. Passionate about conservation, you’ll be an inspiring ambassador for Borders Forest Trust, able to share our impact and build lasting partnerships that help us achieve our vision. 

This role is hybrid based, with candidates being in the Head Office in Jedburgh (Scottish Borders) once or twice weekly, with other time spent out and about across the geography BFT covers. Applications are welcomed from candidates based across Scotland and the North East. Please note, travel costs to the Jedburgh office for office working days will not be reimbursed. 

To find out more, discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require and to progress an application, please download the Candidate Pack and email us to arrange a chat with our Recruitment team. 

Timeframes: 

Role closing: midnight Monday 13th October – please ensure you have allowed time for a screening conversation with the THINK Recruitment team before the closing date 

1st Stage interviews: 22nd or 23rd October 2025 

2nd Stage interviews: 29th October 2025 

Appointment of Chief Executive: The Unicorn Preservation Society (HMS Unicorn)

 Salary: £65,000 + benefits (18-month contract)

Place of Work:HMS Unicorn, South Victoria Dock Road, Dundee DD1 3BP

The Unicorn Preservation Society, known as UPS, is an exceptional charity responsible for a unique and precious 200-year-old heritage asset: HMS Unicorn. The UPS was formed in 1968 to conserve and preserve HMS Unicorn as a Museum and Heritage Asset. The Society operates and maintains HMS Unicorn as a museum and vibrant visitor attraction in Dundee.

We are in one of the most exciting phases in the history of the ship readying it for migration to a sustainable, secure berth.  UPS raised c£1m funding various preliminary works and investigations.  These preliminary works and investigations were essential to develop the evidence needed for applications for major funding that will ultimately see the ship as an integral part of Dundee’s exciting water-front development.

During 2023, the Society was awarded major funding of more than £1m to undertake hull significant strengthening work as a precursor to being moved into her new home.  More recently, the NLHF has awarded c£800k of Development funding to plan Delivery of HMS Unicorn into a secure location, subject to match funding,

The Society is looking for a committed individual who can provide both strategic and operational management by promoting a compelling vision of UPS’ strategy to stakeholders & partners and by providing effective leadership to the UPS staff and maintaining strong relations with funders, external partners and beneficiaries.

The successful candidate will:

• Empathise with the vision, mission and aims of the Society to inspire others
• Have excellent communication skills
• Engage with a diverse range of stakeholders across a wide range of backgrounds and interests
• High level of business acumen
• Experience of working with public sector funders
• Prioritise & deliver on a multitude of different activities
• Motivate the staff team
• Exercise sound and independent judgement Ideally have a good understanding of the principle of  heritage conservation and a track record of delivering major projects in heritage

Please download further details of the position from our website:

For an informal confidential discussion call Richard Evans or Sean Bonnington

Apply online with a full Curriculum Vitae detailing your skills and experience together with a 2 page Covering Letter clearly outlining your motivation to undertake the role and how you meet the competencies required for the position as stated in the Person Specification.

Closing date for applications: 10 October 2025

Long List interviews: 13 – 23 October 2025

Final Panel Interviews:                     30 October 2025

Start Date: 1 February 2026

To find out more visit The Unicorn Preservation Society website