254 Chief of staff to CEO jobs

Our services make a life changing difference to thousands of older people across Essex. You will play a critical role in ensuring we can reach and impact more older people across Essex and Suffolk. If you are an inspiring, ambitious and values-driven leader with a passion for supporting people in later life then we would love to hear from you.

We are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead our organisation into its next phase of growth and impact. This is an exciting opportunity to join a respected Essex charity that has been empowering people to age well for more than 75 years.

The Opportunity
Key priorities for the incoming CEO:

• Embed the new leadership structure with the leadership team creating a “one team” culture
• Refine and build on the existing strategy and business plan to develop a business plan with timelines to meet the strategic priorities of the strategy to 2029
• Explore merger opportunities in Essex and beyond
• Successful set up, launch and delivery of new services and projects with KPI for the Board
• A new strategic income generation strategy and plan to grow and diversify income.
• Achieve the AQS quality standards
• Strengthen relationships with commissioners and partners.
• Expanding our impact across Essex and Suffolk.
• Build organisational resilience.
• Support and develop our talented staff and volunteer team.

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Job Description: Chief Executive Officer
Line managed by: Chair of Trustees
Reporting to: Board of Trustees
Directly responsible for: Head of Finance and Resources, Head of Services and Development, Fundraising Lead, User Voice/ Co-production Lead

Role Purpose

• To lead the delivery of the charity's strategy and annual business plan, as approved by the Board of Trustees.
• To provide inspirational leadership to staff and volunteers, fostering a positive, high performing culture that supports the delivery of Age Well East's mission.
• To increase the organisation's reach, influence and impact across Essex and Suffolk, through effective partnership working, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
• To enhance the profile and reputation of Age Well East among service users, partners, funders, commissioners and local communities.
• To ensure the charity delivers high-quality, accessible services that support and empower older people to age well.
• To strengthen the organisation's sustainability through effective income generation, fundraising, business development and financial stewardship.
• To ensure the organisation operates effectively, responsibly and in compliance with all governance, regulatory and legal requirements.

Strategy and Service Delivery

• Lead the delivery of the charity's strategic objectives and annual business plan.
• Ensure high-quality, person-centred services that meet the evolving needs of older people and their communities.
• Monitor organisational performance, impact and outcomes, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
• Ensure services remain accessible, effective, sustainable and aligned with the charity's mission and priorities.

Leadership and Governance

• Provide inspirational and effective leadership to staff and volunteers, fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Ensure the organisation's policies, systems and practices are fit for purpose and effectively manage risk.
• Support the Board of Trustees by providing timely, relevant information and recommendations to inform decision-making. Work closely with the Chair and Board to maintain high standards of governance and regulatory compliance.
• Uphold the values of Age Well East, promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and the wellbeing of staff, volunteers and service users. 

Influencing and External Relations

• Act as a visible ambassador for Age Well East, enhancing the charity's reputation, profile and influence across Essex.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with commissioners, local authorities, NHS partners, funders, voluntary sector organisations and community stakeholders.
• Advocate for the needs of older people and raise awareness of issues affecting later life.
• Represent the organisation at meetings, events, networks and media opportunities, including acting as a spokesperson when required.
• Develop strategic partnerships that enhance service delivery, influence and organisational sustainability.

Funding, Income Generation and Finance

• Lead the implementation of the charity's income generation strategy, securing funding from grants, contracts, trusts, fundraising activities and other income streams.
• Oversee the preparation of funding applications, grant monitoring and impact reporting.
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, commissioners, donors and supporters.
• Work with the Board and Treasurer to develop and monitor annual budgets and longer term financial plans.
• Ensure effective financial management, controls and reporting across the organisation.
• Ensure the timely preparation and submission of statutory accounts, annual reports and regulatory returns, including Gift Aid claims where applicable.

People Leadership

• Lead and develop direct reports and the wider staff and volunteer team in accordance with employment legislation, organisational policies and best practice.
• Foster a culture of engagement, accountability, learning and continuous improvement.
• Support the recruitment, retention, development and recognition of staff and volunteers.
• Ensure organisational resources are effectively planned and deployed to meet service demand and strategic priorities. Promote knowledge-sharing, collaboration and professional development across the organisation.

Other All such other duties as may be required from time to time commensurate with the level of the post.

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Person Specification

Experience and Skills
Essential

• More than 5 years experience in a senior leadership role, with responsibility for organisational strategy, operational delivery and performance, within the charity, health, social care or community sector
• Demonstrable track record of leading organisational growth, change or service development, developing and implementing strategic and operational plans
• Proven ability to generate income including through fundraising, grant funding, contracts, commissioning and partnership development.
• Experience of analysing and reaching conclusions on complex numerical information, includng accounts, business plans and budgets.
• Experience of working with, supporting and reporting to a Board of Trustees or equivalent governance body.
• Proven ability to develop effective partnerships and influence a wide range of stakeholders, including commissioners, local authorities, NHS partners and voluntary sector organisations
• Experience of leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams.

Knowledge

• Understanding of the opportunities and challenges affecting older people, including loneliness, dementia, mental wellbeing, caring responsibilities, poverty and maintaining independence in later life, and the policy context
• Knowledge of charity governance, regulatory requirements and best practice, including safeguarding, data protection, health and safety and financial oversight.

Personal Qualities

• Highly collaborative, inspiring, authentic and credible leader who can unite people around a shared vision.
• Resilient, adaptable and comfortable leading through change and uncertainty.
• Self-motivated, well organised and able to work autonomously 

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Timeline
Applications close: 9am Thursday 22nd October
First stage interview online: Wednesday 28th and/or Thursday 29th October
Final interview in person: Wednesday 4th and/or Friday 6th November

Equality
Age Well East is an equal opportunities employer and operates an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy. All those invited to interview will have the opportunity to discuss any reasonable adjustments required for their interview(-s).