Everyone deserves good mental health.
The Mental Health Foundation is the UK's leading charity focused on the prevention of poor mental health. For more than 75 years, we have combined research, policy, campaigning and public engagement to challenge the causes of poor mental health and drive lasting change.
Today, mental health outcomes across the UK are worsening, particularly for children and young people. While services remain focused on responding to crisis, we believe prevention must become the foundation of the UK's approach to mental health. Our new five-year strategy, ‘A Call to Act: Fighting for Prevention in Mental Health’ sets out an ambitious vision to achieve that change.
Why we are recruiting
After eight successful years, our current Chief Executive will be stepping down, creating an exciting opportunity for a new leader to guide the Foundation through its next phase of growth and impact.
The organisation enters this transition from a position of strength: a clear and ambitious strategy, a talented and committed team of around 70 staff across the UK, strong finances, a respected national profile, a supportive Board and committed Chair.
The opportunity
As Chief Executive, you will be the chief ambassador of the Foundation. You will lead the delivery of our new strategy, strengthen our influence with governments, policymakers and partners, and ensure we continue to grow our impact and income.
Working closely with the Board, a highly capable Senior Leadership Team, supporters and partners, you will champion prevention as the solution to the UK's mental health crisis, helping to shape policy, public understanding and systemic change across our priority areas:
· Championing prevention: so that we can prevent mental health problems before they take root, tackling the causes instead of waiting to treat the symptoms.
· Online worlds: so that people are protected from harm and are more mentally healthy in their online activity.
· Bullying and discrimination: so that children and young people are protected from the life-long harms these can lead to.
· Working lives: so that young people can thrive in mentally-healthy workplaces that support their wellbeing.
This is an opportunity to lead one of the UK's most respected charities and improve the lives of millions of people.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an inspiring, values-driven leader with the credibility, ambition and vision to take the Foundation forward.
You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience as a CEO, Executive Director or similar SLT role
- A proven track record of leading organisational growth, impact and fundraising success
- Outstanding communication and strategic partnership-building skills
- Experience of engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, policymakers, funders and the media, to effect change
- Strong strategic, financial and organisational leadership capability
- A collaborative leadership style that empowers and develops others
- A commitment to equity, inclusion and the Foundation's values
Knowledge of mental health, public health, prevention, related research, or campaigning would be highly advantageous, though we welcome applications from candidates with transferable leadership experience and relevant insights from closely adjacent or intersecting sectors.
Join us
This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected organisation at a pivotal moment for mental health in the UK. If you are passionate about creating long-term social change and have the leadership skills to inspire people, influence systems and deliver impact at scale, we would love to hear from you.
To read more about the organisation and role, please download the full appointment brief.
Together, we can build a future where everyone can live with the good mental health they deserve.
Closing date: 16 August 2026
People Beyond Profit Conversations: 20-31 August 2026
Mental Health Foundation Interviews:
- First Stage: 7 September 2026 (in-Person)
- Second Stage: 14 September 2026 (In-Person)
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Our vision is good mental health for all.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This role is now at interview stage. While we will review all applications, the process is progressing quickly and it may be too late to be considered for this particular position. That said, we would still encourage you to apply as the role is still vacant and we may have other suitable positions available.
Role Overview
The Talent Set are delighted to partner with a well-known health charity on a fantastic Interim Director of Marketing, Communications and Digital role. This 9 month Executive leadership position will shape how the organisation tells its story, protects its reputation, and builds momentum around social change.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic marketing, communications, and digital direction, translating it into clear priorities and practical plans.
- Create a more compelling, audience-focused narrative that balances empathy with the challenging conversations needed for real change.
- Modernise communications and marketing ways of working to be more agile, prioritised, and responsive to issues and opportunities.
- Strengthen external presence to support funding, sustainability, and broader engagement beyond “inside the cause” audiences.
- Support effective crisis and reputational communications readiness and ensure timely, consistent messaging.
- Work collaboratively with senior stakeholders and trustees, providing clear guidance and decision-ready recommendations.
- Oversee storytelling and campaign effectiveness (including ROI where relevant), ensuring impact is measurable and credible.
- Help shape the approach to future structure by advising options for the permanent leadership/operating model.
Person Specification
- Proven Executive-level experience setting marcomms strategy across marketing, communications, and digital.
- Strong judgement in reputation management, including building plans for sensitive or high-pressure moments.
- Ability to turn complex strategy into a simple, compelling argument for multiple audiences and channels.
- Demonstrated agility: reshaping working practices, removing barriers to delivery, and improving prioritisation.
- Results-focused mindset with experience linking campaigns to outcomes such as fundraising performance and engagement.
- Confident stakeholder leadership with the ability to advise Chief Executive and influence trustees.
- Resilient, practical approach to change in a pressured environment, including handling pushback constructively.
- Digital fluency and comfort setting expectations and improving capability through training and process.
What’s on Offer
Day rate: £350-£450 per day PAYE + holiday pay, inside IR35. This role will require at least 1 day a week in their London office.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.
Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.
Next step
If this sounds like an opportunity to deliver meaningful change through smarter marketing and communications, submit a tailored CV and apply without delay.
