Chief people officer jobs

We have the pleasure of partnering with Youth Connect South West, an independent non-profit charity dedicated to supporting young people in Bath, Northeast Somerset and parts of Dorset.  They offer a wide range of opportunities for young people aged 11-25, both universal and targeted, to help them thrive.

Their comprehensive support includes youth work, alternative education, personalised 1-1 assistance, and valuable career advice and guidance. They have multiple locations including the Bath City Centre Youth Space, Radstock Youth Hub and Southside Youth Centre, and are committed to providing accessible services that cater to the diverse needs of our youth.

Youth Connect South West are now looking to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer, who is strategically focused, combining strong business acumen with expertise in the young people's sector providing both targeted support and alternative educational provision along with youth work and community activity.  This combination will enable the CEO to understand the unique needs and opportunities within this field, driving the charity's growth and development.  The CEO leads a Senior Management Team and is responsible for ensuring outstanding and compliant governance across all aspects of the charity.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within the charity sector, in a related field
• Demonstrated success in business development and fundraising 
• Experience in strategic planning and implementation 
• Clear and inspirational leadership and management skills
• Flair and engagement with supporters and internal and external stakeholders and building effective partnerships at senior level
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and practices

The new Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for the day to day running of the Charity.  To provide effective leadership and direction for the organisation. To have full responsibility for the effective management and development of all services connected with the Charity, and to be responsible for the standard of support provided to all those using their services.  The successful candidate will instil the positive culture of the organisation and motivating the team to achieve fantastic results.  You will be a problem solver who understands the bigger picture and will be able to demonstrate this through your experiences.  You will be able to develop highly effective partnerships, be an active listener, excellent communicator and be an ambassador for the charity. 

If you feel you have the values and skills to succeed in this role, we very much look forward to hearing from you. 

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. All applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement. 

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. 

Closing date for applications: 8th May 2025

1st interview date with Youth Connect South West: 21st May 2025 (in-person)

2nd interview date with Youth Connect South West: 29th May 2025 (in-person)

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Mind Over Mountains to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer. 

Mind Over Mountains is an ambitious and innovative mental health charity that enables people to thrive through therapeutic outdoor experiences. We enable people to restore and sustain their mental health and wellbeing through a highly integrated practice that brings together walking in nature, mindfulness, and professional coaching and counselling. 

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity, working with the core team and board of trustees.
• Bring commercial and fundraising leadership, including the development of new commercial partnerships and continuing the development of the charity’s fundraising function.
• Develop and maintain the charity’s national and regional partnerships. 
• Have accountability for the charity’s financial position.
• Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion as integral to our work and values.

If you are inspired and excited by what Mind Over Mountains does, we’d love to hear from you. 

Job title Chief Executive Officer

Salary £75,000 FTE

Location Home working with travel

Employment term Permanent / flexible - 4 or 5 days per week

How to apply:

If you would like to receive an information pack on how to apply, please send a CV in confidence to Nick Shanks via the apply button. 

For an informal and confidential conversation about the position, please contact Nick at the above address with your contact details, and suitable times to chat.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Wednesday  14th May 2025

Both Mind Over Mountains and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Could you bring the passion and leadership we need to drive forward a pioneering wellbeing and advocacy charity for BAME and refugee communities in Liverpool?

Salary | £50,000
Liverpool | Mostly onsite, with potential for some homeworking
Contract | Permanent, 37.5 hours full-time or reduced hours considered
Benefits | 28 days holiday (+bank), 8% pension contribution (3% from employer)
Culture | Flexible, life and family-friendly

We're looking for a new Chief Executive: a compassionate and visionary leader who values lived experience. It's a balancing act between honouring the organisation's deep foundations, whilst welcoming new and innovative ways of working.

Mary Seacole House is a small, but mighty charity that punches above its weight. Rooted in people, place and community, the organisation has a proud 30-year history serving the city's Black, Asian, racially minoritised and refugee communities with a clear mission: to tackle mental health inequalities through a culturally responsive lens. They serve people too often overlooked by traditional mental health services, offering a safe space and a strong voice.

Why this role matters

The need for culturally appropriate mental health support has never been more pressing. Against a backdrop of systemic inequality, social injustice and rising mental health challenges, Mary Seacole House offers a lifeline to hundreds of individuals each year.

Services range from 1-1 support and advocacy to wellbeing activities, outreach, and collaborative projects across the region. Respected and trusted because they listen and learn, the organisation prides itself on partnerships and creating spaces where people feel genuinely seen and understood.

About you

As Chief Executive, you'll help shape the future of Mary Seacole House - driving strategic ambition, empowering the team, and ensuring services continue to create lasting impact. This is more than a CEO job - it's a platform for someone who wants to shift the dial on mental health inequality.

We're looking for someone who is:

• A natural collaborator and communicator, confident presenting to diverse audiences, from local communities to commissioners and funders.
• A values-driven leader, with a deep understanding of the lived experience of racially minoritised communities.
• Skilled in strategic planning, service development and partnership building, with credibility to influence decision-makers and inspire teams.
• Aware of income generation, capable of fundraising, developing partnerships and ensuring financial sustainability.
• Passionate about equity, inclusion and culturally responsive care, with a proven commitment to antiracism and the resilience to lead through change and complexity.

We're open-minded about your background - whether you come from the charity sector, health, social care or beyond. What matters most is a demonstrable commitment to the core mission and your ability to lead with humility, integrity and vision.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

Mary Seacole House values the power of lived experience to inform, shape and drive change. We encourage those without lived experience of racialisation or racial/ethnic oppression to spend time reflecting on how you would lead authentically and advocate effectively. If you choose to apply, you'll be given the opportunity to address this in your application.

Why join us?

At Mary Seacole House, you'll be part of something powerful, leading a dedicated and diverse team who are deeply connected and committed to their work. Together, you'll help shape services, influence change, and make a meaningful difference.

We're passionate about developing potential leaders, especially those who come from typically underrepresented backgrounds. As such, we are working to develop a programme of coaching, mentoring and training to upskill a new leader who may not have been in a CEO role before.

To apply, all you need to do is send a copy of your CV or brief overview of your career/profile to Amelia Lee at Charity People as the first step.

We'll be back in touch with details on the application process, providing your experience meets the brief.

Closing date: 9am on Thursday 8^th May
Interviews dates will be confirmed soon.

Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities we work with.

Operational Leadership:

• Provide strategic leadership to the Senior Management Team's and it’s operational functions, ensuring efficient and high-quality service delivery.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance productivity and ensure compliance.
• Continuously streamline processes and workflows to improve operational performance.
• Deputise for the CEO when required, representing the organisation at events, meetings, and in day-to-day operations.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Collaborate with the CEO and support, manage and develop the senior management to shape and execute the charity’s strategic plan.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable initiatives, ensuring effective implementation and tracking progress.
• Identify opportunities for growth, cost optimisation, and improved service delivery.

Board of Trustees Liaison:

• Provide regular reports to the Board of Trustees on operational performance, strategic initiatives, and financial matters.
• Work closely with the CEO to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with the Board's expectations.
• Attend Board meetings and provide insights on operational challenges, opportunities, and key achievements.

Financial Management:

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning, ensuring the efficient use of resources.
• Monitor financial performance, identifying areas for improvement and taking corrective actions as necessary.
• Drive cost-efficiency initiatives while maintaining a focus on quality and service outcomes.

People Management and Development:

• Line manage and develop the SMT (nine managers)
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish performance goals and metrics for staff, offering regular feedback and development support.
• Promote an inclusive, diverse work environment that values employee engagement and professional growth.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and retention strategies.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Develop and implement strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, maintaining the highest ethical standards.
• Implement internal controls and governance practices to safeguard the charity’s reputation and assets.

Following 13 highly successful years our current CEO, Liz Ballard, has decided to step down.

As we celebrate our 40th year, we are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to take forward our ambitious strategy for nature and people. 

The role of CEO offers a unique opportunity to lead a passionate team and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, from local communities to policymakers and businesses. We’re looking for someone who understands the challenges and opportunities for a wildlife charity today, has a track record of strong leadership, and shares our deep commitment to safeguarding nature for future generations.  

We are looking for a leader who can inspire, collaborate, and motivate others to take action in support of our vision. 

If you are driven by the belief that nature should be accessible to all, and that we have a responsibility to protect and restore it, we encourage you to consider applying for this important role. 

CEO

Aberlour Child Care Trust

£112,000

Stirling

Aberlour Child Care Trust, known as Aberlour Children's Charity, is one of Scotland's leading children's charities, dedicated to supporting vulnerable children, young people, and families.  It operates across urban and rural communities in Scotland and is one of the largest, most established children’s charities in the country. This year it celebrates 150 years of providing a wide range of services, including support for children with disabilities, assistance for families affected by substance misuse, early years intervention, residential care, and help for young people transitioning out of care.

We are now seeking an outstanding Chief Executive to build on a proud legacy and to lead Aberlour’s ongoing development. Our next Chief Executive will be an inspiring, values-driven leader, who embodies compassion and respect. Leading a talented senior team, they will provide sound stewardship of the charity’s resources and reputation and will work closely with the Board of Trustees to steer the next phase of our development.

Principal Responsibilities

• Working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, the Senior Leadership Team and staff, develop and ensure the effective implementation of a vision and strategy for Aberlour that satisfies the core purpose.
• Provide advice and support to Board Members to ensure that the Board fulfils its corporate and statutory requirements.
• Develop and implement an annual business plan and budget that provide a framework for the achievement of organisation objectives.
• With the Chair and Committee leads, develop a reporting schedule covering all key performance indicators for Board discussion and decision.
• Build relationships with politicians, the media and government officials to advance the aims of Aberlour.
• Lead and manage the executive team, ensuring their professional performance and development needs are addressed.
• Maintain effective networks with all principal supporters and stakeholders. This will require an ambassadorial role on behalf of Aberlour, attending events, speaking on platforms and being the face of the organisation. At all times seek opportunities to expand and promote the role of Aberlour.
• Be cognisant of risks and changes in the external environment that could impact on Aberlour.
• Develop processes to ensure continuous business improvement through the implementation of effective quality management and risk systems.

For a confidential discussion please contact Catriona Mackie or Lauryn Pringle at Aspen People.

How to Apply

To apply, please upload your CV and cover letter (as one document). Applicants will be shortlisted for interview by matching the details given in their CV and covering letter, as one document, against the job description. We would therefore ask applicants to provide clear evidence to show how your experience, skills and knowledge match those requirements as well as why you are interested in the role.

Please note that you will receive an automatic acknowledgement of your application – if you do not receive this please contact Nicole Don at Aspen People.

Recruitment Timetable

We have provided below a note of all the critical dates within this recruitment campaign which we hope will help you plan your diary:

Closing date:Monday 5th May
Interviews: Wednesday 11th June

Would you like to make a difference to Bristol’s mental health?

Are you skilled at leading teams of mental health professionals? Can you foster an environment where colleagues can flourish? Can you approach challenges with energy and expertise, and steer a busy and specialist organisation with confidence?

If this sounds like you, then we'd love to hear from you.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to...

• Steer an established, award-winning charity at an important moment in its evolution
• Lead a passionate and driven team of specialist psychodynamic professionals
• Engage in clinical work (where appropriate) alongside leadership duties

We are looking for a Chief Executive with exceptional leadership skills and a proven track record in delivering sustainable change initiatives for The University of St Andrews’ Students’ Association.

Location: St Andrews, Fife (on site 3 days per week)

 Applications close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 7th May

Who we are

Every student at St Andrews is automatically a member of The University of St Andrews’ Students’ Association (aka Your Union).

We work to support students through three broad categories: Representation, Activities and Spaces.

We are the central hub for student groups, activities and events, always aiming to make students University experience the best it can be.

Your Union exists to support students through their studies, share opportunities, and help them celebrate their achievements. A lot of what we do is run by students for students, this includes our six elected Sabbatical Officers (due to change to five) who represent students and are the face of Your Union. We are led by The Students’ Association Board.

About the role

We are now at a crucial moment for the Students’ Association, with new funding secured and a clear operational plan in place.

We seek a Chief Executive to lead this next phase of our journey, delivering our goals of improved support, enhanced services, and stronger representation for all our members—ensuring that our work has a lasting impact on the student experience and the wider university community.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a Chief Executive with exceptional leadership skills and a proven track record in delivering sustainable change initiatives. The ideal candidate should possess emotional intelligence, the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and the resilience to bring change to fruition.

Additional benefits

The University of St Andrews Students’ Association is committed to promoting diversity and equality for all and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from women and people with marginalised gender identities, people with disabilities, and people from the global majority.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 7th May.

We are delighted to be working with The Talk About Trust, to appoint their next Chief Executive Officer.  The Talk About Trust is a charity, dedicated to helping young people to make safer choices around alcohol and other substances.  Supporting young people aged 8-25, they provide advice, workshops and resources via schools, children’s homes, pupil referral units, youth and sports clubs. They train teachers and youth workers, empower parents and carers and provide diversionary activities for young people. 

This is an ideal opportunity for a senior leader with strong track record of visionary leadership, managing budgets and organisational risks and performance, who has a genuine desire and passion to improve the life chances of children and young people. 

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within the charity or community support sector
• Demonstrated success in business development and fundraising 
• Experience in strategic planning and implementation 
• Clear and inspirational leadership and management skills
• Flair and engagement with supporters and internal and external stakeholders and building effective partnerships at senior level

The successful candidate will also be experienced in diversifying income and implementing sustainable strategies that enhance the charity's financial resilience and long-term viability.  You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences, via social media, press and public relations, including press & media interviews and advocacy.  You will demonstrate a clear vision, commitment and drive to take the charity forward.

If you understand early intervention, prevention and health education, and ideally, the knowledge of effective practises in drug and alcohol education for young people, we would like to hear from you.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. 

For any further information, please contact Sandra Smith, Charisma Charity Recruitment.  Applications should be made via the Charisma Charity Recruitment website and include your CV and supporting statement.

Location: Must be able to work from the Dorset Based Office on a regular basis 

Closing date for applications: 25 May 2025

First interview: 11 June 2025

Second interview: 20 June 25

Are you passionate about empowering people to overcome exclusion, isolation, destitution and poverty?

Our client is an award-winning charity based in Manchester providing legal immigration advice, representation and support to people seeking asylum, refugees, children and vulnerable adults across the North West. They have a strong reputation regionally and nationally for the high-quality legal representation, support and hope to provide to people experiencing immigration injustice and their experience across 35 years. The charity also supports services to people at risk of homelessness and destitution, and to unaccompanied children and young people.

They work in collaboration with others to influence local and national policies on immigration and provide training to increase understanding of the immigration system and its impact on people in the North West and nationally.

Chief Executive
Location: Hybrid, with 3 days per week working from the office/ across Manchester.
Salary: up to £75,000 full time equivalent.

They are now looking for a new Chief Executive to build on the great work of their retiring, long-term CEO, to lead the charity into its next phase of development. This will include leading an organisational review, ensuring they have the right structures in place that support staff to continue to provide exceptional quality services, as well as a crucial voice for those they work with.

The new CEO will also build close relationships with their funders, government bodies, politicians, partner agencies and supporters to ensure they can maximise new opportunities and influence policy and systems change through their high-quality experience and evidence.

They are seeking those with the following skills areas:

• Sound strategic experience within an organisation of a similar complexity, with senior leadership experience or managing multi-disciplinary teams of over 10 people.
• A track record in developing organisations based on the needs of their clients.
• Experience of operational effectiveness and providing staff with the necessary support and infrastructure to deliver high quality services.
• Experience of raising the profile of an organisation.

Successful candidates will bring a strong empathy for the enormous challenges faced by their clients and a passion for ensuring those who are marginalised are fully supported to achieve their full potential.

Our client is committed to providing equal opportunities for all staff and volunteers regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, ethnicity, marriage or civil partnership, religion or belief which are “protected characteristics” under the Equality Act 2010.

They are also committed to provide equal opportunities to refugees and asylum seekers and applications are particularly welcomed from those with refugee lived experience.

For further information and to apply to this role, please visit the microsite by clicking 'Apply via Website'.

Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: Tuesday 6th May 2025
First stage interviews with Prospectus: 12-16th May 2025
Engagement meetings with client: 27th May 2025
Panel interviews with client: 28th and 29th May 2025

Birmingham Cathedral is a beautiful building with a wonderful community of worshippers, volunteers and staff. We are inspired by a strong sense of social justice, a passion for supporting those who are marginalised within the city and a commitment to celebrating all that is wonderful in our diverse city and diocese. We strive for our Cathedral to be fully representative of the richly diverse communities we serve, and have an unwavering desire to share God’s love, and the good news of Jesus Christ in a spirit of service.

Birmingham Cathedral demonstrates daily its attraction as a house of prayer to the people of the city and its international visitors. Alongside daily worship, enriched by the Anglican choral tradition, the Cathedral hosts diocesan, regional and national events and is responsive to immediate community needs for celebration and lament. With growing confidence and newly refurbished Burne-Jones windows, the Cathedral has a clear vision and strategy. The Cathedral’s strategic plan focusses on three priorities: Pray, Serve and Grow and gives Birmingham Cathedral a clear sense of purpose and direction.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the senior lay officer in the Cathedral and has the responsibility for managing the business functions of the Cathedral and monitoring operational performance.

As COO. you will be pivotal to the delivery of the Cathedral’s vision and strategy and the development of business and operational plans to ensure delivery of the Cathedral’s strategic outcomes. You will work with the Dean and the Senior Management Team to develop and implement strategy and policy, ensuring good governance, the effective and professional administration of the Cathedral in compliance with all policies and procedures and relevant statutory legislation.

The Cathedral Chapter (our Trustee Board) is looking for a collaborative colleague who will enhance the Cathedral’s caring culture, working closely with the staff team, volunteers and the wider cathedral community. Chapter’s strategic priorities include working towards financial sustainability; reviewing the operating model of the Cathedral and managing change; working towards environmental sustainability; creating partnerships to support the Cathedral’s work with the vulnerable and marginalised and ensuring effective safeguarding.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the biggest sport charities in the world, and make a difference to the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every year. Launched in 2010 to support the delivery of the Premier League Communities strategy, our client distributes around £35million a year to professional football club community organisations (CCOs), from the Premier League and partners.

Chief Executive

London (Hybrid) - willingness to travel within England & Wales when required

£100,000 - £115,000 (commensurate with skill set and experience)

As Chief Executive, you will be responsible for leading a team of 30 to deliver Board-approved strategic priorities - ensuring the organisation is operationally excellent and delivering outstanding social impact. 

The successful candidate will bring: 

• Senior leadership experience with the ability to drive a collaborative, high performing culture across the charity
• Experience navigating complex structures to develop and deliver shared strategies whilst ensuring operational excellence
• Experience of successfully delivering social impact for beneficiaries, and evaluating it to steer future focus
• Ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders, from local communities to senior leaders
• Knowledge of progressive grant-making in sport and/or social impact sector

For more information on the role including how to apply, please view the dedicated microsite by clicking 'Apply via website'

Recruitment Timeline

Deadline for applications: 4th May 2025   

Interviews with Prospectus: 7th - 9th May 2025

Panel Interviews: w/c 26th May 2025 & 2nd June

At Prospectus, we invest in your journey as a candidate, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the process. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive recruitment process.

Our client is an education charity that empowers young people aged 9 to 15 to recognise and challenge all forms of prejudice through learning about Anne Frank, antisemitism and the Holocaust. 

Their mission is to educate, empower, and inspire young people and communities to build a more inclusive and compassionate society, free from all forms of prejudice. The support they have received, including Her Majesty the Queen recently becoming a Royal Patron, reflects the importance and relevance of their work.

Chief Executive Officer
Location: London NW5 (minimum 3 days in office)
Salary: Circa £90,000

As they approach the centenary of Anne Frank’s birth, they are seeking a visionary Chief Executive to lead the Trust into its next strategic phase—expanding their reach and deepening their impact.

This is a unique opportunity to lead:

• A mission-driven organisation with national reach, working with thousands of young people in schools
• A passionate, experienced team and committed Board
• A charity with significant growth potential

They are looking for a leader who has: 

• Resolute dedication to challenging antisemitism and prejudice in all its forms
• A strategic, entrepreneurial and empathetic mindset, values led, with the capacity to inspire their team and stakeholders, and a track record of increasing income and impact
• The ability to engage with a wide range of audiences—from government, major donors and media to educators and community leaders

Our client actively welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring their work remains inclusive and relevant to those affected by all forms of discrimination.

For further information about this exciting opportunity, and to find out how to apply, please visit the dedicated microsite by clicking 'Apply via Website'.

Application deadline: Sunday 11th May (midnight)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Location: Deal, Kent (hybrid)

Salary: £ 50,000 FTE pa, pro rata at 0.6 FTE

Closing date for expressions of interest: 30 April 2025

Deal Music & Arts (DMA) aims to bring the best in arts and culture to Deal and the wider Dover District of East Kent. Our purpose is to create opportunities for local people and visitors to engage with the highest quality of music and the arts as audiences, learners and performers.

Founded in 1982, DMA has evolved from a summer festival to a year-round organisation that now delivers both the annual Festival and a range of learning & participation programmes to encourage creative engagement in the community of East Kent. Deal Music and Arts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment.

Working in collaboration with the DMA Artistic Director who is responsible for the artistic excellence of the Festival, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership and oversight to deliver DMA’s mission and objectives as set out in its Five Year Plan , and ensure the organisation’s financial viability. This is an exciting opportunity to play a crucial role in shaping DMA’s future and its positive contribution to the local community.

All applicants will need to complete an application form.

DMA is an equal opportunities employer.

For more details, contact us by with your expression of interest and to receive further details from us, by 30 April 2025

Deal Music and Arts Limited

Registered Charity no 1100003

Company Limited by Guarantee no 4833202