Executive director jobs

 Harris Hill is supporting a leading London charity to recruit a new Director of Services and Deputy CEO.

Salary: £65,000 + pension · Full time · Kensington & Chelsea (hybrid)

In this pivotal role, you’ll work closely with the CEO to drive organisational strategy, lead high-quality Health, Wellbeing and Community Services, and ensure the charity continues to grow, innovate and deliver real impact for older people.

You’ll oversee service delivery, impact and quality, lead business development and income generation, and build strong partnerships across the NHS, local authority and voluntary sectors. You’ll also provide compassionate leadership to managers and teams, champion co-production, and deputise for the CEO when required.

We’re looking for:

• A senior leader from the charity, public or community sector
• Experience delivering health, wellbeing or community services
• Strong track record in business development and securing income
• Excellent partnership-building, strategic and communication skills
• A values-led, collaborative leader with commercial acumen

Why apply?
A unique chance to shape the future of a respected local charity, drive innovation and impact, and develop as a future CEO — with a supportive culture, ambitious team and competitive package.

For more information, please send your CV to

Deadline: Wednesday 7th January  at 9am

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.

Chief Executive Officer

Salary:     c.£75 - 80,000 per annum

Hours:      Full time 35 hours per week

Contract:  Permanent

Location:  The role is, of necessity, office based, although flexibility for home working is expected where appropriate. Evening and weekend work will be required to attend networking and other events.

At Sussex community Foundation we are approaching our 20th anniversary. As we celebrate this milestone, we are looking for an ambitious and dynamic chief executive to lead us into the next 20 years, enabling us to make Sussex a fairer and more equal place.

At Sussex Community Foundation we bring inspirational people together to create the change Sussex needs. In our first 20 years we have built a reputation across the county as an authoritative voice in local philanthropy, attracting and retaining new Fundholders to the Foundation.

As a leading grant maker in the county, our reputation within the voluntary sector is incredibly important to us. We want to ensure that our future Chief Executive builds on these trusted relationships.

We have an experienced and influential Board who will support you in your role, backed up by an enthusiastic and committed team of experts in both fundraising and grant making.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Mark Spofforth OBE FCA - Chair of Trustees

Closing date: Monday 5 January 2026 - noon
We are using the Charity Job anonymous recruitment process - please ensure that you apply through the portal.

Please log into your CharityJob candidate account to access and download the Persons Specification and to submit your application.

**No Agencies please**

#Chief Executive Officer #CEO #Executive #Leadership 

Join Society of St James (SSJ) as Executive Director of People & Culture and help shape a culture that never gives up on people.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 14th January.

The Society of St James exists to end homelessness in Hampshire, person by person. For over 50 years, we’ve supported people whose lives have been shaped by hardship, trauma and systems that haven’t worked for them. Today, we work across Southampton, Portsmouth and the wider region, offering safe accommodation, recovery support and opportunities that help people regain stability and hope.

We are now seeking an Executive Director of People & Culture who shares our belief in dignity, compassion and second chances. As a key member of our executive leadership team, you will create the conditions where our staff feel equipped, encouraged and confident in the work they do.

If you want to bring your expertise to a charity that stands firmly beside people and never gives up on potential, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ 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 14th January.

As Managing Director, you will provide strategic direction for the charity, employing a collaborative leadership style to ensure that the achievement of the charity’s vision and objectives is supported by an engaged and culturally healthy staff team.

You will ensure the projects are run in-line with our policies, legal requirements, and budgets, with an overarching understanding of the charity’s finances and fundraising.

You will also be a figurehead for the organisation, effectively networking, partnering and influencing across sectors.

Lastly, but most importantly, you will be passionate about the transformative power of connection across division, and how the projects we create serve this core purpose.

The Line is seeking a Finance and Operations Director to play a pivotal leadership role at an exciting time of organisational development. As East London’s public art trail, connecting communities with art, nature and heritage, we are committed to democratising access to art through our outdoor exhibitions and collaborative engagement programmes.

Working in close partnership with the Director, you will shape our financial strategy, strengthen operational effectiveness, and oversee governance and risk management, ensuring the robust systems needed for long-term sustainability. You will also play an integral role in organisational development and team culture, helping to foster an inclusive, creative and values-led environment.

This role would suit a mission-driven leader with strong charity finance experience and a proven ability to establish and uphold the systems that ensure smooth, effective operations.

Please see the job description on our website for full details and responsibilities of this role.

Application deadline and interviews

The closing date for applications is 11pm, Friday 9th January 2026. First round interviews are expected to take place in person at The Line's offices at Here East (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park) on 21st or 22nd January 2026 with second round interviews on Monday 26th January.

Equal Opportunities

The Line is committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and in all opportunities. Our recruitment process is open to all, but we would particularly like to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTQ+, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those who identify as disabled, as these groups are currently underrepresented in the cultural sector.

How to apply

• Apply through the application form on our website which requires a cover letter setting out your motivation for applying and how you meet the person specification, a copy of your CV and contact details of two referees
• Complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (please note this will not be reviewed by the individuals reviewing applications)

If you do not meet all criteria in the person specification but feel you meet the majority or bring alternative strengths, please feel encouraged to apply.

Emmaus Mossley is a thriving, values-driven community that supports people who have experienced homelessness by offering a stable home, tailored support and purposeful work experience. We don’t offer short-term fixes; we provide the environment, structure and relationships people need to rebuild confidence and create lasting change.

As we approach our 30th anniversary, Emmaus Mossley is entering a pivotal chapter. We are looking for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our charity and community into the future: strengthening companion support, evolving our social enterprise, and ensuring our historic site remains safe, sustainable and fit for purpose. With a long-serving and much-loved CEO retiring, this is an important moment of transition and opportunity.

We are seeking a visible CEO who is grounded in humanity and strong on leadership. Someone who can balance strategic thinking with day-to-day involvement; who listens, brings people with them and leads with empathy, clarity and purpose.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a tangible difference, lead a respected charity, and shape the future of a community that changes lives every day.

Please visit 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. Tuesday 13th January.

Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £49, 282 - £54,495 per annum

Location: Gorse Hill Studios, Trafford, Manchester (Some remote working will be considered)

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

About Gorse Hill Studios

Gorse Hill Studios is a dynamic and ambitious youth and community arts charity. At the heart of our organisation is a belief that all young people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. We work with young people to build confidence, creativity and community connections, ensuring they have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive.

We believe that creativity can transform lives, and we are committed to placing young people at the centre of everything we do. Their voices, ideas and experiences help shape our programmes, partnerships and strategic direction.

We are entering an exciting phase of growth and development. Our team currently includes 20 core staff and a wider network of volunteers and creative practitioners, delivering a diverse portfolio of youth arts sessions, community engagement projects, creative wellbeing initiatives and partnership-led activity with local schools and organisations. The CEO will play a pivotal role in leading this portfolio, strengthening our impact, championing youth voice and ensuring young people continue to shape our future direction as we move into the next chapter of our development.

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic, compassionate and visionary leadership, ensuring Gorse Hill Studios delivers its mission to empower and inspire young people. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will hold overall responsibility for the organisation’s performance, culture, operations and long-term sustainability. This role calls for someone who demonstrates strong strategic insight with the ability to influence and inspire others, using emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership to build positive internal and external relationships.

A fundamental part of this role is your commitment to embedding young people’s voice in decision making. You will champion their perspectives, ensuring programme development, strategy and organisational culture reflect the needs and aspirations of the young people we serve.

You will also be an ambassador for the charity, building trusted relationships with young people, partners, funders and the wider community. This role requires a leader who is values led, resilient and passionate about supporting young people through the arts and creative engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Lead on the development and delivery of the charity’s long-term strategy, with young people meaningfully involved
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and governance requirements, including Charity Commission expectations and safeguarding duties
• Provide clear, timely reporting to the Board
• Support the Board to operate effectively

Financial Management and Income Generation

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning and responsible management of all funds
• Lead a diverse income generation strategy
• Identify sustainable opportunities for organisational growth

Operational Management and Programme Delivery

• Oversee day to day operations and ensure systems are effective
• Ensure programmes are high quality, inclusive and reflective of young people’s needs and feedback
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, or ensure robust safeguarding practices across the organisation

People Leadership and Culture

• Inspire, support and lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team
• Champion a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture
• Oversee recruitment, wellbeing and performance management

External Relations and Advocacy

• Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Gorse Hill Studios
• Build strong relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders
• Advocate for and with young people locally and nationally
• Represent the charity confidently at events and in the media

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, youth, arts or wider non-profit sector
• Strong financial management skills
• Proven success in fundraising or income generation
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices in youth settings
• Experience leading teams and developing positive organisational cultures
• Strategic leadership experience

Desirable

• Experience in the youth arts or creative community sector
• Understanding of the Trafford community landscape

Values and Commitment

We are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals who share these values and are passionate about empowering young people.

An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Application Details

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter.

Closing date: 19 January

Interview date: 23 January at Gorse Hill Studios

Interviews will include a stakeholder panel and a formal interview.

REF-225 658

Driving Mobility seeks an inspiring, strategic leader to guide its UK network and champion independence for people with restricted mobility.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 12th January.

Location: Work from home with significant travel

Driving Mobility is the national charity that coordinates a UK-wide network of driving and mobility assessment centres, supported by the Department for Transport. Together, these centres help thousands of people every year – including disabled, older and newly injured individuals – to drive safely, access suitable vehicles and maintain their independence.

We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the Charity into its next phase of growth and influence. This is a pivotal moment for Driving Mobility as it strengthens its national voice, expands digital and outreach services, and deepens collaboration across government, health and the voluntary sector.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic and inspirational leader, capable of balancing operational oversight with external advocacy.

You will bring experience of partnership working at a senior level, strong financial and organisational acumen, and a genuine commitment to improving mobility and inclusion for all.

If you are motivated by purpose, partnership and impact, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of accessible transport and independent mobility across the UK.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ 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. Monday 12th January.

This is a very special role with huge potential for the right candidate to deliver transformational impact in our communities in Somerset.

The Opportunity

There is significant potential for growth, particularly through gifts in Wills, working in partnership with professional advisers and growing high-value fundraising. We’re also broadening our appeal to a wider range of donors and partners having launched our Collective Giving Funds, which offer a compelling way for anyone to give strategically to the causes and places they care about in Somerset

As our Philanthropy and Marketing Director you will be at the forefront of this ambition. We’re looking for a strategic leader who can balance vision with execution to deliver great results. You’ll need to be a credible, emotionally intelligent and authentic relationship builder, adept at building trust, genuinely passionate about our mission and have strong alignment with our values.

This senior leadership role also holds strategic responsibility for marketing and brand positioning, enabling us to unlock the full potential of philanthropy in Somerset to drive change in our communities. We’ve recently invested in the growth of our Philanthropy and Marketing Team, and have welcomed a specialist marketing Trustee on to our Board.

We’re looking for an experienced and inclusive manager, confident at providing a balance of coaching and mentoring to help our talented team to develop and shine. And as an active and engaged member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll share our passion for continuous improvement, help to drive organisational growth and development, and provide expert advice and guidance to our Board of Trustees.

The impact we make as a charity is achieved largely through our funding programmes. You must have an appreciation of the role that community-led charities and groups play in creating positive change locally. And the role we, as a place-based funder, can play to support that work. You do not, however, need experience of working for a funder previously.

Download the recruitment pack to see the roles full responsibilities and required skills, knowledge and experience.

About Somerset Community Foundation

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) (charity no.1094446) is a grant-making charity that helps build strong communities where everyone can thrive. We do this by funding local charities and facilitating local giving.

We provide simple, rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give locally, guided by research and our unrivalled local knowledge.

For small, local charities, community groups and social enterprises, we provide vital funding and support to help their organisations flourish. We raise and distribute between £4 million and £5 million of funding to local groups every year. We’re also building an endowment for long-term investment into our communities, which is currently valued at around £11 million.

By inspiring local giving and funding social action, we support local communities to drive change and realise their dreams.

SCF is part of a network of 47 Community Foundations operating throughout the UK. Together we are one of the largest funders of communities across the nation.

The Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) supports the Director of Operations and Development (DOD) in ensuring the smooth, compliant, and strategic functioning of the ELSC across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, Netherlands, and Germany.

The DDO line-manages the Finance and Human Resources Managers and provides operational leadership in compliance, finance, HR, coordination, and employee engagement.

The ELSC has four departments (Legal, Monitor & Research, Advocacy & Communications, and Operations & Development) and five work teams (Britain, Netherlands, Germany, EU, Crimes and Complicity).

The DDO coordinates staff gatherings and internal engagement, including planning the annual in-person all-staff event, managing logistics for departmental and work team meetings, and supporting cross-departmental collaboration.

The role also assists the Director of Operations and Development with meeting facilitation and agenda development, co-facilitates weekly remote all-staff meetings, and supports the coordination of the monthly staff assembly.

This role requires exceptional organisational, interpersonal, time-management, and analytical skills.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrable experience in a senior operations and/or compliance role (5+ years).
• Experience with Finance, Governance, and Human Resources.
• Strong understanding of British, Dutch, and German legal and organisational frameworks (or ability to acquire this quickly).
• Experience organising events, preferably in more than one jurisdiction.
• Experience with line-management.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated skills in managing HR and Finance functions.
• Demonstrated skills in line-managing a remote team and excellent interpersonal communications.
• Proficiency in English with excellent written and spoken communication skills (English is the working language of the ELSC).
• Excellent understanding and knowledge of the political and human rights situation in Palestine.
• Facilitation proficiency, both remotely and in in-person events.
• Teamwork skills and flexibility; ability to manage time and competing priorities according to organisational needs.
• Highly organised, strong attention to detail, driven, with excellent strategic planning and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritise and delegate tasks and manage a busy workload.
• Commitment to anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and equal opportunities.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional unsocial hours as required.
• Flexibility within the broad remit of the post.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Graduate in Business Administration, Law, Human Resources, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sociology, or other relevant fields.
• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Basic knowledge of International and European law.
• Proficiency in German, Dutch, or Arabic.

MAIN DUTIES AND TASKS

Management

• Line manage Finance Manager and Human Resources Manager.
• Schedule regular 1:1 meetings with direct reports, provide guidance on division of tasks, and monitor workload.
• Support direct reports in the implementation of Finance and HR strategy.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance for ELSC entities in the Netherlands, Britain, and Germany.
• Ensure Dutch insurance compliance and associated operational requirements.
• Review and monitor payroll monthly.
• Lead the establishment of a German legal entity, working with external advisors as needed.
• Oversee the British office operations, including the evaluation of office space.
• Conduct a review of office costs and usage.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Senior Legal Committee where needed, including facilitation and documentation.

Staff Coordination

• Plan and oversee the in-person all-staff gathering (2026) in coordination with the ELSC executive management team.
• Coordinate the logistics of annual departmental gatherings.
• Organise Work Team gatherings, supporting cross-departmental collaboration.
• Support the Director of Operations (DOD) with facilitation and agenda development for internal meetings.
• Facilitate 50% of Remote All-Staff Meetings (60min, weekly).
• Support the coordination of Monthly Staff Assemblies.

People & HR

• Oversee HR policy implementation and delivery of the annual People Strategy.
• Support the HR Manager in leading HR operations and in the recruitment and induction of new staff.
• Oversee the development of an Organisational Handbook.
• Review and improve the performance review process.
• Establish promotion guidelines to create transparent career progression pathways.
• Maintain and update the Organisational Chart quarterly.
• Review the Organisational Wiki (“The Fridge”) yearly.

Finance

• Oversee ELSC financial operations.
• Support the Finance Manager, providing oversight and strategic direction.
• Ensure effective operation of the Finance Committee, led by the Finance Manager.
• Review and distribute monthly financial reports to Department Heads via the Finance Committee.
• Ensure monthly financial summaries are reported to Work Teams through the Senior Legal Committee.
• Oversee completion of the organisational audit.
• Support short-term investment strategies.
• Monitor and report on operational budgets, ensuring accountability and fiscal responsibility across departments.
• Liaise and coordinate with the ELSC Treasurer Board member.

Training

• Standardise training and qualifications frameworks across departments to ensure transparency, fairness, and consistency in line with the ELSC Pay & Benefits Scale.
• Lead investment in staff training and development initiatives to strengthen organisational capacity.
• Support the qualification and professional development of junior legal staff through structured learning pathways in three jurisdictions with the support of the Director of the Legal Department.

GADN is recruiting for a new Director (Job share – Funding, Finance and Governance)   

GADN brings together NGOs and individual experts committed to achieving gender equality and the rights of women and girls in all their diversity across the world.  Our Secretariat is a small but highly respected team coordinating advocacy towards the UK Government and supporting our members to promote best practice. 

This new position will work alongside the existing Director to provide strategic direction and vision to the network and oversee the organisation’s operational work. In addition, the primary purpose of this role will be to bring in new sustainable sources of funding for the network in an increasingly difficult funding climate, and to ensure the smooth running of financial and administrative systems and Board governance.

We are looking for someone with leadership skills and vision who is passionate about our work and able to enthuse others. The ideal candidate will have a track-record in securing new funds and experience of external representation at senior levels with donors. You will bring experience in management, ideally at a senior level, and an understanding of budgets and financial planning.

This is an 18-month fixed-term position, for 14 hours a week.

If you are interested in applying, please review the job description and complete the application form by 9pm GMT on Wednesday 7 January 2026.

GADN values diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences to join our team. As we continue working to decolonise our practice and build an anti-racist organisation, we actively welcome applications from Black women and Women of Colour who we recognise are under-represented in the UK international development sector. Selection will be based on skill, experience and suitability for the role. If you share our core commitments, we would love to hear from you!

Chief Executive Officer - FoodCycle
Location: Vauxhall, London (flexible working; regular travel to Projects and for meeting with key stakeholders required)
Salary: circa £75,000
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35–37.5 hours per week)

Are you ready to lead FoodCycle through a period of consolidation and sustainable growth, protecting its volunteer-led, guest-centred model while building reliable income streams and scaling proven pilots?

About FoodCycle
FoodCycle is a national charity running volunteer-powered community dining projects that combine rescued surplus food, spare kitchen space and local volunteers to deliver free, hot, sociable three-course meals. Our work sits at the intersection of food-waste reduction, food-poverty relief and loneliness prevention. Nationally scaled but locally delivered, FoodCycle has grown rapidly, enjoys strong volunteer goodwill and is developing promising trading and schools pilots to strengthen sustainability.

As our next CEO you will:

• Shape strategy & impact - co-create and implement a clear 3–5 year strategy and a focused 12-month operational plan with measurable milestones.

• Stabilise leadership & culture - provide visible, warm and practical leadership across Projects; develop the senior team and protect volunteer trust.

• Secure financial sustainability - own the income strategy, diversify revenue across trusts, individual giving, corporate partnerships and trading, and present credible cashflow plans to the board.

• Build commercial & trading capacity - drive Manor House and other trading pilots towards viable, repeatable income models.

• Safeguard quality & risk - ensure robust safeguarding, food-safety and operational thresholds for opening new Projects.

• Raise profile & partnerships - act as FoodCycle’s principal ambassador to corporates, funders, local authorities and policy audiences.

Who you are

• A senior leader with experience stabilising and growing people-facing, delivery-focused organisations.

• Proven at generating income from multiple streams, with commercial fluency to develop simple trading models and convert corporate engagement into lasting partnerships.

• Financially literate - comfortable owning budgets, forecasting and discussing risk with trustees.

• Excellent at people and change management - able to build and motivate small national teams and large volunteer cohorts.

• Data-driven, curious and pragmatic - tests pilots, embeds what works and sets clear go/no-go criteria for scale.

• Values-driven and visible - passionate about food justice, guest dignity and volunteer leadership.

• Right to work in the UK and satisfactory DBS checks required.

Why FoodCycle?

• Lead a nationally recognised, volunteer-led movement tackling food waste, food poverty and social isolation.

• Play a pivotal role growing promising trading and schools pilots to create sustainable income.

• Work with an engaged Chair and committed board, and a small, passionate national team.

• Be part of a friendly, non-hierarchical culture where leaders are visible in Projects.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill at via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 19th January 2026

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.

Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) is the UK’s leading celebration of Arab arts and cultures. We are a small team that delivers huge impact - rooted in Liverpool’s communities yet connected to artists and audiences across the world. Our work is grounded in representation, collaboration, and exchange, bringing Arab creativity and perspectives to the heart of the UK’s cultural landscape.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will lead this unique organisation through a pivotal period of transition and renewal. Working closely with the Board, staff team, freelance workers, artists, communities and partners, you will provide strategic, financial, artistic and cultural leadership - ensuring that LAAF continues to thrive in an increasingly complex political, social, and financial climate. This is a deeply rewarding role that calls for someone who is rigorous, transparent, and community-minded; someone who understands both the practical challenges of running an arts organisation and a live festival, year-round events and engagement projects, and the responsibility of representing communities whose stories matter.

The ideal candidate will be ready to immerse themselves in the relationships and networks that keep LAAF alive, and to lead with creativity, care, and conviction.