Chief program officer jobs in charing cross, greater london

Location: North London base

About Us

For over 40 years, CB Plus (formally CommUNITY Barnet) has been at the heart of communities, supporting residents, businesses and voluntary organisations across multiple boroughs. As an award-winning charity, we're driven by our vision of building an inclusive society where everyone can reach their full potential.

Now we're looking for an exceptional leader to take us into our next exciting chapter.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a dynamic Chief Executive who will build on our proud history and strong foundations while driving innovation and growth. You'll lead our talented team and work closely with our committed Board of Trustees to deliver transformational change across communities.

What you will bring

Essential Experience

• Proven leadership: Successfully led a high-quality service organisation through periods of change and growth
• Sector knowledge: Broad understanding of the voluntary and community sector landscape, including current challenges and opportunities
• Collaborative expertise: Experience of working effectively with professional teams and within rigorous governance structures, including Boards of Trustees

Personal qualities we are looking for

• Strong leadership: Visionary thinking with the ability to inspire teams around a shared purpose, coupled with excellent operational management ability
• Exceptional communicator: Outstanding advocacy skills to engage with funders, partners, and stakeholders at all levels
• Values-driven: Unwavering commitment to voluntary sector principles and the highest standards of integrity

 What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a real difference to communities across London
• A supportive and highly experienced, diverse Board of Trustees
• A dedicated professional team passionate about our mission

Benefits:

• Generous annual leave entitlement - 28 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Flexible and hybrid working (dependent on role) to ensure you enjoy a good work-life balance.
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Pension scheme – 5% employee contribution, 3% employer contribution
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Ready to Lead Change?

If you're an inspiring leader ready to contribute to shaping the future of community services, we want to hear from you.

Closing date: Applications should be submitted by Friday 4th July.

Interview dates: To be finalised, but aiming for mid-July.

All applications will be handled with strictest confidence,

Promoting a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

At CB Plus, we promote a diverse and inclusive workplace where we can all be ourselves. Everyone is treated fairly, individual differences are celebrated, and all employees are valued and respected. We actively encourage applications from disabled applicants, including those with mental health conditions, people from Global Majority and minoritised communities, and those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria as outlined in the Disability Confident Scheme. However, in the event of a high number of applicants, it may not be possible to interview all candidates who meet these criteria, and we reserve the right to limit interviews to a manageable number.

We also have experience supporting Access to Work applications to ensure that employees who need adjustments have the support they need to feel confident and do their best in their roles.

If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to assist you.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the senior 
leadership team, responsible for overseeing the operational and 
financial management of the charity. 

As a Chartered Accountant, the COO will bring strong financial 
expertise and strategic insight to ensure the charity’s resources 
are efficiently and effectively used to deliver its mission. 

This includes managing the day-to-day operations, ensuring 
financial health and compliance, driving operational efficiency, 
and working closely with the CEO and Board to implement the 
charity’s strategic vision.

Ascension Community Trust (ACT) is a much-loved community-based charity in Custom House, Newham.  We deliver a range of projects including Newham District Foodbank (a Trussell Trust foodbank run by ACT and two community partners), welfare benefits advice, immigration advice, ESOL classes, work with adults with learning difficulties, as well as work with children, young people and their families.

This an exciting time for the programme with a SEND school being built next door to our centre, and with established relationships with several care homes – we expect that this programme will go from strength to strength.

The programme currently consists of:

• Inclusive Art Group
• Supported Volunteering
• Weekly Community Meal
• Gardening Project with children from a local SEND school.

You will have the leadership skills to support a small team of sessional staff. You will be at ease in relating to adults and children with learning difficulties as well as their parents and carers. You will be passionate about the well being and integration of people with learning difficulties with an understanding of their needs.

Christian belief is not a requirement of the role; however, it is essential that the successful candidate will be comfortable working in sympathy with our values.

If you share our values and want to make an impact within Newham, then we look forward to hearing from you!

About the role

​The Chief Executive Officer will play a vital role in driving the new NCVO strategic review, as well as our programme of transformational change. They must enable and fulfil NCVO’s vision, mission and strategic goals.

They will manage the reputation of NCVO, both through our relationships with our members, key stakeholders and the wider voluntary sector, and by being a spokesperson for NCVO through multiple face to face and media channels.

In this role they must be able to listen to, understand and reflect the concerns of the voluntary sector, offering thought leadership, while ensuring that NCVO is an efficient and financially sustainable organisation.

Timetable

Closing date for all applicants: 9am on Monday 30th June 2025

Preliminary conversations with David Fielding: w/c 7th July and 14th July 2025

Referencing and informal conversations with the Chair and outgoing CEO: w/c 21st July 2025

Member stakeholder panel and informal conversation with the leadership team: Monday 28th July 2025

Final Panel Interview with members of the Board: Wednesday 6th August 2025

Equality, diversity and inclusion

NCVO is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in our sector. We want this to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and identities. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups in the voluntary sector and those with diverse, lived experience. As part of our commitment to employing disabled people, all disabled candidates who meet the minimum requirement for all competencies on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview.

​If you have access needs or require reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a pre-interview task and will have one week to complete the exercise. Interview questions will be shared in advance. 

NCVO is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from everyone. Charity No. 225922.

How to apply

Please click on the Apply button to find out more.

Recruitment for this position is being managed by Attenti Executive Recruitment Services and any questions regarding the role should be directed to Attenti.

Thrombosis UK is a small but impactful health charity focused on raising awareness, funding research, and supporting education around venous thromboembolism (VTE). With a team of just three staff and a dedicated Board, we are entering a transitional period and are seeking an Interim CEO to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and provide hands-on leadership while we recruit a permanent CEO.

This is a practical, sleeves-rolled-up role ideal for someone who is comfortable managing a small charity and supporting both strategy and admin. You’ll work closely with staff and trustees, maintain momentum across our programmes, and support stakeholder and beneficiary engagement. Fundraising and marketing experience are a plus.

While this is an interim post, applicants will be welcome to apply for the permanent CEO role when recruitment begins.

** NOTE Change to Closing Date, now: Sunday 22nd June 2025 

Are you looking for a new challenge and a great opportunity to make a positive difference at leadership level? Ambition Aspire Achieve is hiring a Deputy Chief Executive / Finance Manager, to support the charity’s growth and next phase of development.

About Ambition Aspire Achieve (AAA):

Ambition Aspire Achieve is a well-established and highly respected children and young people’s charity rooted in Newham, east London. Founded in 2016, we now deliver high-quality, inclusive and accessible services to over 950 children and young people through our youth and play hubs in Canning Town and Stratford. We reach many more through a growing outreach programme delivered in schools and local communities across Newham. 

Our work is grounded in creating safe, nurturing spaces where children and young people can thrive. We place particular focus on those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged or have additional needs, offering meaningful opportunities, enriching experiences and tailored support.

As we continue to grow and deepen our impact, we are seeking a passionate, skilled and values-driven leader to join us in a newly created and pivotal role within our senior leadership team.

The Role: Deputy Chief Executive/Finance Manager

We are seeking a proactive and strategic leader, with strong financial and operational acumen to strengthen the charity’s internal infrastructure. The role will lead on financial management and oversight, supporting the Chief Executive at a senior level, playing a vital part in ensuring the AAA’s long-term financial resilience, equipped the charity to deliver its mission for years to come.

This is an exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking charity professional to combine senior-level leadership with hands-on financial management and organisational insight.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic financial oversight and budget planning support.
• Management daily finance operations including payroll, cash flow, audits and reporting
• Leading statutory compliance and financial risk management
• Supporting strategic planning and business development alongside the Chief Executive
• Representing the charity externally and deputising for the Chief Executive at senior forums
• Line managing and overseeing back-office functions
• Providing operational insight and help to develop infrastructure and systems

What we’re looking for:

We’re seeking someone with proven experience in charity, public or social sector leadership who thrives on both strategic challenge and operational delivery. You will have a strong grasp of charity finance, exceptional communication, leadership and problem-solving skills and a demonstrable passion for improving outcomes for children and young people. 

What we offer:

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (increasing annually up to 29 days)
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A collaborative and supportive working environment
• The chance to make a tangible difference in young people’s lives
• Flexibility wherever possible to suit individual needs.

How to apply:

For an informal discussion about the role please contact AAA's Chief Executive Jonny Boux.

Application deadline: Friday 27th June 2025 at 5pm.

Ambition Aspire Achieve is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. Our recruitment and selection processes are in accordance with best practice in safeguarding children and young people. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

London Youth Gateway is a sector leading service supporting 18-25 year-olds facing homelessness or rough sleeping across the capital. Our mission is to make sure young Londoners bounce back quickly and safely in times of crisis and to prevent or solve their homelessness for good. You will be playing a leading role in helping to shape the work of the partnership, its collaborative processes as well as its connections with each of the London local authorities.

This is a key role in our organisation, and we are looking for someone with demonstrable experience in partnership and stakeholder engagement who knows how to get and keep people on board to meet mutual or differing needs. The ideal candidate will be a confident communicator and persuasive negotiator with an eye for detail. You will be able to facilitate multi-agency meetings and collaboration, hold responsibility for regular reporting to the commissioner, and contribute to our broader policy and influencing work. We have big ambitions for an organisation our size, so we are on the look-out for someone who can work at their own initiative, support our different teams, and is not afraid to get hand-on with administrative tasks, while tuning into partner priorities and sniffing out great opportunities to connect.

 

We're looking for a passionate, values-driven CEO to guide our charity into its next inspiring chapter. 

The Coalition registered as a charity in December 2023. We have spent the last 18 months developing the infrastructure of the organisation so we can meet the Charity Commission requirements. We developed a short strategic plan for a 2 year period to ensure we had all of the foundations in place to capitalise on our new charity status. This strategic plan ends in November 2025.

The CEO will set a new five-year strategy for the organisation by building on the solid foundations of the 2 year strategic plan and maximising the opportunities that charity status provides.

The CEO will have oversight across the whole organisation, often acting as the external ‘face’ of The Coalition with our stakeholders and partners. As such, they will represent us, and enable the Disabled community to have their voices heard to achieve equality and independence for Disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.  The CEO will promote the Social Model of Disability and champion accessibility across all services in Surrey.

We are seeking a new Chief Executive to deliver a world-class students’ union.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Friday 11th July 2025

Location: Hybrid/London (at least 3 days per week on-site)

About the LSE Students’ Union

LSE Students' Union (LSESU) is a £5.6m not-for-profit organisation for LSE students. We've been part of the LSE community since 1897, and all LSE students automatically become LSESU members when they enrol.

We exist to:

• Support students holistically in terms of their academic and student experience, serving as an independent source of advice and advocacy.
• Help students shape and lead their own academic and student experience by providing opportunities that foster connection and engagement, building their skills and future careers.
• Use our influence to forge and create change in the interests of students within the institution, the community, and wider society, by empowering the students themselves.

We are emerging from a change programme which has seen us significantly enhance our culture, governance, and partnerships. We are proud to have positive morale internally, with 93% of staff feeling they are trusted and well respected at work. We have enhanced our Trustee board and enjoy a great level of support and engagement from Trustees.

Our new approach to building partnerships with LSE is working exceptionally well, including investing in dedicated partnerships management roles within our staff structure. We are also excited to be opening a newly refurbished commercial offer in the very near future.

About the role

We have set an ambitious strategy for 2030, which our team is enthusiastic about. Our vision is to be a union today, empowering every student to shape tomorrow. This is a journey about us transforming the educational journey and student experience of our members, setting a global standard for a world-class students’ union. Our plan has three core pillars focused on partnerships, advancing student voices, and creating a lifelong sense of identity.

We are seeking a new Chief Executive to drive this strategy and deliver a world-class students’ union.

Who we are looking for

Our ideal candidate brings proven senior leadership experience from a high-profile organisation, with expertise in managing complex situations and challenges, including those of a politically complex nature. You will have exceptional strategic vision and a successful track record in building institutional partnerships.

Your track record will show that you have led transformational change and provided empowering, inspiring leadership to your teams to achieve organisational goals.

Staff well-being, professional development, and having an inclusive culture where teams feel valued and motivated are important to us. Our new CEO will be responsible to the Trustee Board and the Sabbatical Officers, so we need a leader who is authentic, communicative, and committed to ethical leadership and decision-making.

We care deeply about the well-being of our team, but the nature of our work can mean that we need to respond rapidly to complex, emotional, and political challenges at a moment’s notice. Our leader will need the ability to remain calm and resilient under pressure and adapt to change and challenges as needed.

We welcome all candidates with the leadership experience required to consider this post, including those who might be considering working within a Students’ Union for the first time. You will be supported by an exceptional team that is excited to work with a new CEO.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 11th July 2025.

About Katherine Low Settlement  

Katherine Low Settlement is a busy, local charity that has been serving Battersea and the wider Wandsworth community since 1924. We are dedicated to building stronger communities and enable people to challenge and find ways out of poverty and isolation.

We run a range of our own community services to support local older people and children, young people, and their families from refugee communities. We campaign for social change. We incubate and support other charities and social businesses to thrive. Each week we work with 30+ charities and community groups supporting more than 1,000 people.

We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic Operations Director to play a key role in shaping and supporting everything we do at Katherine Low Settlement. Sitting at the heart of our leadership team, this role is all about making sure our charity runs smoothly, sustainably, and with purpose — so we can keep making a difference in the lives of those who need us most.

Role Purpose

The Operations Director is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective running of all operational aspects of Katherine Low Settlement. This role oversees the day-to-day operational leadership of the charity, ensuring that its systems, processes, and teams are aligned with strategic objectives and compliant with relevant legislation.

This position will lead on programme delivery, financial management, human resources, IT infrastructure, risk and compliance, governance, and facilities management, ensuring that the organisation operates smoothly and sustainably. The post-holder will act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), embedding a strong safeguarding culture across the organisation, and also be responsible for policy development and culture and wellbeing. 

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Operations will work closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, funders, partners, and staff to drive organisational effectiveness and ensure that the charity can continue delivering high-impact work.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Organisational Strategy

• Provide strategic leadership for all operational functions, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement efficient systems, processes, and policies to improve operational effectiveness.
• Work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to ensure that the charity is resilient, agile, and positioned for sustainable growth.
• Oversee cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring that operations support and enhance programme delivery.
• Lead on operational planning, resource allocation, and impact measurement.

Programme Delivery & Impact

• Ensure all programmes and services are effectively designed, resourced, and evaluated to achieve the best outcomes.
• Lead on the development of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks to track programme impact and efficiency.
• Work with programme teams to ensure services are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of beneficiaries.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks that could affect programme delivery.

Financial & Resource Management

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and management in partnership with the Finance Team and CEO.
• Ensure financial policies, processes, and controls are in place and adhered to.
• Work with the fundraising team to ensure grant and contract funding is effectively managed and reported.
• Ensure long-term financial sustainability through effective resource allocation and cost efficiency.
• Support the development of business models, funding strategies, and income diversification.

Safeguarding & Risk Management - Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (a role delegated by the Chief Executive), ensure robust safeguarding policies, procedures, and practices are in place.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on safeguarding responsibilities and best practices.
• Oversee the Deputy Safeguarding Leads, acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns from them, ensuring they are appropriately reported and addressed.
• Embed a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring that all programmes and services prioritise the safety and wellbeing of beneficiaries.

Human Resources, People Management & Wellbeing

• Lead the HR function, ensuring best practices in recruitment, retention, staff development, and performance management.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), embedding a culture of fairness and opportunity for all.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with employment law and best practice.
• Promote staff wellbeing, fostering a positive and supportive working environment.
• Line manage operational staff, providing leadership, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.

IT Infrastructure, Systems & Data Management

• Oversee the organisation’s IT strategy, ensuring systems and processes are secure, efficient, and fit for purpose.
• Lead on the implementation and management of Salesforce (or another complex CRM system), ensuring data integrity and effective reporting.
• Ensure cybersecurity, data protection, and GDPR compliance, embedding best practices across the organisation.
• Identify and implement digital solutions to enhance operational effectiveness.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, including charity governance, employment law, and safeguarding.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees, providing reports and operational insights to support decision-making.
• Develop and maintain an effective risk management framework, ensuring risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated.
• Oversee all policy development, ensuring policies are up to date, legally compliant, and well-embedded across the organisation.

Facilities & Office Management

• Oversee the management of charity premises, assets, and office operations.
• Ensure facilities are safe, secure, and compliant with health and safety regulations.
• Lead on business continuity planning and disaster recovery strategies.

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally within the charity or non-profit sector.
• Strong understanding of programme management, financial oversight, HR, IT, and governance.
• Demonstrable experience of managing budgets using complex Excel spreadsheets.
• Experience with Salesforce or another complex CRM system, including implementation, reporting, and data management.
• Demonstrable experience in people management, of multi-level and departmental teams, with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding best practices, with experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Strong policy development and implementation skills, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
• Experience in culture and wellbeing initiatives, fostering a positive workplace environment.
• Experience working with Boards of Trustees and governance structures.
• Excellent risk management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with proven experience of building relationships with funders, partners, and regulatory bodies.

Desirable Experience & Skills

• Experience in charity fundraising operations.
• Knowledge of GDPR, data protection, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Understanding of health and safety, facilities management.

Personal Attributes

• A strategic thinker who can balance day-to-day operations with long-term vision.
• A collaborative leader who values teamwork and inclusivity.
• A proactive problem solver, able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• A strong commitment to the values and mission of the Katherine Low Settlement.

Further Information 

·Katherine Low Settlement is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

·All offers to work at Katherine Low Settlement are subject to satisfactory references, which is standard KLS policy applicable to all roles. KLS also ask for an enhanced DBS (formerly known as CRB) check 

·You will adhere to matters of confidentiality concerning this role and the KLS team

The above job description reflects the position at the time of writing; it is not intended to be a task list but indicates the general level of work involved. It is expected that duties will be reviewed and revised as required.

Who are we?

Depaul International (DPI) oversees the Depaul Group, a group of charities that work across the world with a mission to stop homelessness and change the lives of those affected by it.

What’s the role about?

This is a great opportunity to join us as the new Chief Finance Officer. As the Depaul Group continues to experience growth and increases its impact, you’ll lead the effective financial and governance support provided by DPI to its subsidiaries. You’ll be the leading interface between the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees and other corporate bodies and subsidiaries. You’ll provide financial advice to the Group CEO, Board and other senior management colleagues, including modelling best practice in financial management, overseeing the financial management in the subsidiaries, setting financial standards for the group and providing support to enable the subsidiaries to meet those standards. You’ll also be leading and supporting the development of a new governance structure for the Group.

What will ideally support your success?

You’ll be a CCAB qualified accountant with experience of strategic financial leadership and management experience and the ability to solve complex problems. In addition, you’ll have experience of working with and advising a diverse range of boards and external stakeholders. It’s important that you also have experience of current financial reporting requirements and financial management practices, including consolidated financial reporting. Strong IT skills as well as an appreciation and understanding of key HR and ICT challenges in the charity sector are desirable. We’re looking for someone possibly, but not exclusively, working in homelessness and/or international development who shows personal integrity in all they do and have a commitment and respect for our aims, objectives and values.

Closing date: Wednesday 16th July 2025.

About the role 

This is a key role in providing administration and organisational support to the CEO and the Board. The successful candidate must have the ability to exercise good judgement in a variety of situations, with strong written and verbal communication, administrative skills, and the ability to maintain a balance among multiple priorities. This is a part-time position with flexibility on the number of days worked each week, with a minimum of one to two days in the office. 

What you will be doing 

• Manage the Chief Executive's schedule and diary ensuring there is adequate time for meeting preparation and follow-up. 
• Provide project support and co-ordinate briefing packs for the Chief Executive to ensure they have comprehensive information for any meetings and activities. 
• Manage the Boards meeting schedule and calendar of events. 
• Attend meetings, including the Annual General Meeting, to take and produce accurate minutes and update the Rolling Agenda and Actions Sheet. 
• Handle confidential information with discretion and maintain the highest standards of confidentiality. 

What you bring to the role 

• Committed to delivering the best support possible so that the Board and CEO can be as effective as possible. 
• An initiative-taking approach - looking ahead and resolving potential issues. 
• Responsiveness to changing demands and able to adapt own workload to provide the support that is needed. 
• Comfortable managing upwards and communicating assertively and confidently with senior executives and managers. 
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work on your own initiative. 
• Demonstrable experience in preparation of papers, with a proven ability to take and write accurate and comprehensive minutes of meetings. 
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. 
• You will be able to demonstrate our values of being: 
  • Ambitious 
  • Inclusive 
  • Collaborative 
  • Accountable 

The closing date for applications is Monday 23rd June. 

Interviews will be held on Thursday 3rd July, at Pitfield Street, London. 

About London Youth 

We are London Youth: a charity on a mission to support the capital's youth sector to improve the lives of young people. We do this with and through our members - a network of six hundred youth organisations - and at our two outdoor residential centres, Hindleap Warren and Woodrow High House. 

Throughout our 135-year history, community youth organisations have provided a constant lifeline and vital space outside the family and formal education, where young people can develop confidence, resilience and skills. Young people need opportunities outside school to have fun with their friends, to make a positive change in their communities, and to shape the city they live in. 

We look to work with all young people, focusing particularly on those who would not otherwise have access to the kind of opportunities we offer. 

In 2023-24, we worked with 591 member youth organisations who supported more than 710k young Londoners. 28,676 young people took part in our programme, events, and activities, with nearly 18,000 enjoying activities at our two outdoor learning centres, Woodrow and Hindleap. We supported 2,000 youth professionals at over 184 of our training and network sessions. 

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to help diversify the environmental sector by scaling a Black-led nature organisation to be able to demonstrate leadership on a national scale and promote and serve the interests and needs of ethnically marginalized communities in accessing nature.

Our Ambition
We’re on an exciting journey of growth. Our vision is to become a nationally recognised, well-resourced Black institution for learning about and caring for nature.

We aim to:

• Be the go-to resource for people of colour learning about the natural world and accessing outdoor spaces with confidence.
• Be the go-to resource for mainstream environmental organisations seeking to understand Black and Brown perspectives on nature.
• Strengthen networks and community among POC-led nature organisations across the UK.

Our operating income for 2025-2026 is £230,000. Our ambition is to generate an income of over £1 million by 2027-2028, growing to a 15+ staff team.

How the COO will support our vision

The role of Chief Operating Officer is central to helping us achieve our ambitions, ensuring that Wild in the City has the resources, infrastructure and working environment to achieve its annual plans, long term aims and deliver high-quality programmes.

We are not expecting the COO to implement the key areas of operations alone, we will work together to prioritise and generate the resources to build a team to cover the functionality required for steady growth. We are also motivated to ensure that the role’s salary is reviewed to meet market expectations as the role grows, dependent on funding.

This role needs an exceptional candidate who enjoys making a role their own, who is motivated by turning strategy into impactful action and who finds fulfilment in supporting others to achieve.

The COO will ensure that;

• We secure ongoing, long term financial resources, creating stability and underpinning growth, and scaling into operations in multiple regions, nationally
• We grow our staffing to provide a steady infrastructure and achieve our strategic objectives, including creating operations, fundraising, communications and research teams, and increasing our field team.
• We retain our relational, open, authentic, personable, dynamic, collaborative, innovative culture as we grow.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for a dynamic and dependable Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help realise our vision.

We’re seeking an emotionally intelligent, commercially competent, and values-driven leader who can bring clarity, stability, and energy in a fast-paced and mission-led environment. You will thrive in turning strategy into action and impact, and in driving Wild in the City forward in scaling our delivery and leadership on a national scale.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in operational and strategic leadership
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including income generation, budgeting, and long-term planning
• A successful track record of managing people, partnerships, and multi-disciplinary teams
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across staff, volunteers, partners, and board members
• Emotional resilience, sound judgement, and a calm, authentic presence
• A genuine connection to our mission and values

We welcome people from all backgrounds to fulfill the role of COO. We are mindful of the lack of diversity within senior leadership in the environmental field and encourage those from Global Majority backgrounds to apply.

Why Join Us?
This is an exciting time to join Wild in the City, we hope that you will make an application. As COO, you’ll play a central role in shaping the next chapter of our development - growing our influence, supporting Black leadership in nature, and helping transform access to the natural world for communities of colour.

About the Richard Whitehead Foundation

At the Foundation, we believe in the impact of sport: the increased mental well-being; the confidence; the self-esteem; the social inclusion and employability which come from it. We want the disability community to be able to thrive and benefit from all these opportunities, and we have big ambitions for the future. We are listening to the disability community, learning from our projects, and are focused on our vision and purpose.

After an exciting first 4 years we are now looking for a dynamic and driven Chief Executive to take us on the next stage in our journey, updating our strategy and growing our reach. We are looking for someone who is self-driven and committed to our values; someone able to demonstrate their ability to grow a charity through fundraising, which they will have extensive experience and previous success in.

We are also looking for a dynamic individual who is confident communicating with people at all levels from volunteers to senior leaders, beneficiaries to funders, in order to build relationships and partnerships to take the charity forward.

If you want to make a real difference to the lives of disabled people, are inspired by the impact sport can have on people’s lives and can help us in building the relationships and partnerships we need to move forward, we would love to hear from you.
 

Role Details

Location: Home based, with regular UK wide travel where required. Although the charity has national reach there is a particular focus on activity in Nottingham, Richard’s home town.

Reports to: Board of trustees Responsible for: Project Managers x 2, Communications Officer, Fundraising Consultant, Volunteers

Hours: Part time – 22.5 hours per week

Flexibility: Flexible working is available; the role will require some evenings and weekends work.

Length of contract: Permanent

Salary range: c. £55,000 (FTE - 33,000 pro rata)

Job Summary

The CEO will be responsible for leading the strategic direction and overall management of the Richard Whitehead Foundation. They will ensure it has a positive impact on enabling disabled people’s ambitions by removing barriers to give disabled people access to the life-changing power of sport. The ideal candidate will be a driven and visionary leader with a strong passion for making a difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the board to review and develop the strategic plan for the Richard Whitehead Foundation.
• Develop lead and manage an operational plan and budget to deliver the strategy
• Proactively build, develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, beneficiaries, disability organisations, volunteers, and staff ensuring that the Richard Whitehead Foundation is able to deliver on its objectives.
• To be bold in our ambition to empower disabled people through the power of sport.
• Lead, motivate and inspire the Richard Whitehead Foundation to achieve its goals and objectives, ensuring that the organisation has the right talent and resources to achieve its strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to ensure the sustainability, development and delivery of the Richard Whitehead Foundation and future projects, diversifying our income streams and growing overall income. This will include supporter acquisition, funding applications, event management and donor stewardship.
• Develop and oversee a marketing and communications plans
• To have a hands-on approach to progressing the Richard Whitehead Foundation
• Regular contact with trustees most notably the Chair, and President.
• Ensure that the Richard Whitehead Foundation is compliant with all relevant regulations, including those related to fundraising, governance, and charity law. 

Application

Valued Recruitment is working exclusively with The Richard Whitehead Foundation to recruit this pivotal position. We are an ethical recruitment company, intent on hiring inclusively and transparently.

To apply, we welcome a CV and a 2 page (maximum) covering letter addressing your motivation for applying and your experience that is relevant to the role.

Accessibility is incredibly important to us at Valued Recruitment and at The Richard Whitehead Foundation. If you would like any accessibility amendments or support throughout the application and interview stage, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

No question or request is too big or too small. We want this process to be comfortable and enjoyable and a chance for you to bring your best self to the process.

Thank you for your interest in the position of Chief Executive at the Richard Whitehead Foundation.