Chief executive jobs for the Animal sector

RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to guide us through an exciting period of growth, transformation and renewed strategic ambition.

At Little Valley, our purpose is clear: to promote kindness, prevent cruelty, and provide outstanding welfare for the animals who rely on us. Our next Chief Executive Officer will inspire staff and volunteers, strengthen community partnerships, and lead with clarity, compassion and courage.

About the role

Our team is united by our compassion, collaboration, integrity, excellence and deep connection to our community - values that guide every decision we make. We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer who will champion these values in everything they do.

We are in a pivotal moment of investment and cultural renewal, with major developments underway - including improved facilities, modernisation of systems, strategic income growth and strengthened community engagement. This is your opportunity to lead an ambitious and much‑loved charity into its next chapter.

Key Responsibilities

(Full Job Description and Person Specification attached.)

• Lead the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with our mission, values and long‑term goals.
• Drive high‑quality, compassionate animal welfare services across all operational areas.
• Provide visible, empathetic leadership that supports a positive culture for staff and volunteers.
• Ensure strong financial stewardship, diversifying income and securing long‑term sustainability.
• Strengthen partnerships, community profile and external relationships across the region.
• Champion innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement at every level.

About You

You’ll bring proven senior leadership experience, exceptional communication skills, strong financial and governance capability, and the emotional intelligence needed to lead a complex and values‑driven organisation. Above all, you’ll bring a genuine passion for animal welfare and a commitment to ensuring values remain at the heart of everything we do.

Why join us?

As our Chief Executive Officer, you will lead a dedicated team, steward an organisation with strong foundations, and be at the forefront of shaping a more compassionate future for animals across Devon. This is more than a leadership role - it’s a chance to create lasting impact.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two pages) outlining how your experience, leadership and values make you the right person to become our next Chief Executive Officer.

Application deadline: Tuesday 7 April, 5pm

We encourage applications from leaders who are motivated by purpose, committed to impact and inspired by the opportunity to shape the future of Little Valley Animal Shelter.

#Chief Executive Officer #Chief Executive #CEO #Chief Executive Officer

The Humane League UK is a high-impact charity dedicated to ending the abuse of animals raised for food, combining strategic campaigning with a strong commitment to impact, innovation, and accountability.

As part of The Humane League’s global network, we drive change through influencing the policies of the world’s biggest companies, demanding legislation, and empowering others to take action, improving the lives of millions of animals every year. 

The organisation is now at a pivotal moment. With a strong foundation of success and a growing movement for animal welfare, we are entering a new strategic period, scaling our impact, strengthening our operations, and expanding our influence across the UK and beyond. 

We are now seeking an exceptional Managing Director to lead our dedicated team and help shape the next stage of our journey.

Managing Director 
Remote, UK Based 
Starting Salary of £84,078 or £92,486 for Inner London Weighting. This salary is for 30 hours per week over Monday to Thursday.

The Opportunity 

We are looking for a strategic and dedicated individual to lead The Humane League UK’s operations – setting direction, delivering ambitious campaigns, and ensuring alignment with global priorities, while working with our high-performing, mission-driven team.

As a visible and influential leader, you will represent The Humane League UK externally, building partnerships, influencing corporate and public policy, and strengthening our reputation as a leader in animal advocacy. 

You will also work closely with the global leadership team, Board, staff, and partners. The Managing Director will be the driving force behind The Humane League UK’s strategy and impact. 

You will lead an organisation that is bold, strategic, and outcomes-focused, capable of driving systemic change and accelerating progress towards a more humane food system.
 

About You 

We are looking for an inspirational and strategic leader who brings: 

• Proven experience as a senior visionary strategic leader with an understanding of animal protection and/or food systems. 

• A strong track record of senior leadership, with experience delivering organisational strategy and impact. 

• The ability to lead and inspire high-performing teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. 

• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the credibility and experience in campaigning and influencing across corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors.

• Strategic thinking combined with operational rigour, able to translate vision into action. 

• A strong alignment with our mission and values, and a passion for creating meaningful change.

How to Apply 

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained advisors Erica Ritchie or Anna Gardet via email with a copy of your CV.

Further information can be found at the Prospectus website. 

Recruitment Timetable 

Deadline for applications: Sunday 19th April 
First stage interviews: 5th – 6th May 
Second stage interviews and presentation: 18th – 19th May 

Final stage interviews: 26th – 28th May 

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) represents over 10,000 members across the UK and beyond, championing excellence in small‑animal veterinary practice through education, science, and community. As the leading membership association for vets working with companion animals, we provide world‑class professional development, publish respected clinical resources, and convene the profession through influential scientific events and networks.

The Association is now at a pivotal moment. We are undergoing a Programme of Change to redefine how BSAVA operates—modernising our systems, transforming member experience, and strengthening our role as a trusted, forward‑looking voice for the profession.

As we approach our 70th anniversary in 2027, we are building an organisation that is more adaptive, more connected, and more responsive to the changing needs of veterinary professionals.

Chief Executive Officer

Quedgeley, Gloucestershire, with hybrid working. Relocation package available.

Circa £110,000 per annum

This is an exciting time for a new Chief Executive to join us and lead BSAVA into its next chapter.

The Opportunity

Working closely with our President, Board, partners, staff, volunteers and our members, the CEO will be the visible voice of BSAVA—shaping our strategy, driving influence across the sector, and ensuring operational excellence. You will own the Programme of Change and lead its successful delivery, strengthening our organisational culture, systems and practices, while ensuring BSAVA continues to thrive as a values‑driven, evidence‑led and member‑centred Association.

The CEO will broaden our reach and impact, champion member value, and strengthen relationships across academia, industry, the wider veterinary profession, and international networks. You will position BSAVA as a modern, relevant, and agile organisation—one that supports veterinary professionals to deliver outstanding care and sustain fulfilling careers.

About You

We are looking for an inspirational and strategic leader who brings:

• A track record of shaping and delivering organisation‑wide strategy and growth at a senior level.
• Experience of leading complex change, with the ability to unite people behind a compelling vision.
• Commercial acumen and an entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to develop and diversify income streams.
• Outstanding leadership credentials, with the ability to motivate, empower and develop high‑performing teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse groups.
• Confidence navigating ambiguity, making measured decisions, and driving clarity and focus through times of transformation.

We are open to candidates from all sectors and whilst experience within membership associations or the non‑profit/charity sector is beneficial it is not essential. What matters most is your ability to influence, collaborate, innovate, and champion a profession that plays a vital role in improving the health and welfare of small animals.

How to Apply

For further information, to access the appointment brief and to apply, please visit the Prospectus website. 

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Erica Ritchie. 

Recruitment Timetable

Deadline for applications: Sunday 29th March 2026
Interviews with Prospectus: 2nd – 13th April 2026
Interviews with BSAVA: w/c 4th May 2026

We are looking for a CRM & Data Officer to take ownership of HorseWorld’s supporter data and CRM system—ensuring it is accurate, compliant and actively enabling our fundraising to grow.

At HorseWorld, we believe in the power of horses to change lives.

For over 70 years, we’ve rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed horses, ponies and donkeys in need. Today, that work reaches further—through our Discovery programme, we partner rescued horses with children and young people who are struggling in mainstream education, helping them rebuild confidence, connection and a sense of possibility.

We are growing our impact, and with that comes the need for strong foundations.
Behind every donation, every supporter, every horse and every young person we reach, there is data we must be able to trust.

This role sits at the heart of that.

The Role

This is a pivotal role within our fundraising team. You will be the person who makes sure our systems work, our income is correctly recorded and reconciled, and our data is handled with care and integrity.

You will work closely with fundraising and finance colleagues, and with the CEO, to ensure that our data not only meets regulatory requirements, but supports better decisions, stronger relationships and increased income.

This is not just about maintaining data.
It’s about making it useful.

Key Responsibilities

CRM & Data Management

• Own and manage HorseWorld’s CRM system, ensuring data accuracy, integrity and usability
• Act as system administrator and lead on any future development or upgrades
• Produce reports and insights to support fundraising performance and decision-making
• Support colleagues to use the CRM effectively through guidance and training

Data Protection & Compliance

• Work with the CEO to ensure compliance with GDPR and relevant fundraising regulations
• Act as a key point of contact for data protection queries and audits
• Maintain clear processes, documentation and staff understanding of data responsibilities

Fundraising Operations & Financial Reconciliation

• Reconcile all fundraising income through the CRM with the Accounts team on a monthly basis
• Ensure all income streams (online platforms, standing orders, events, etc.) are accurately recorded and monitored
• Support fundraising activities and events with data and financial processes

Gift Aid

• Manage and improve Gift Aid processes to ensure efficiency and compliance
• Submit accurate monthly claims and maintain robust records
• Ensure readiness for HMRC inspection at all times

Lottery Administration

• Record and monitor lottery income
• Complete required returns to the Gambling Commission
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements

About You

You are someone who takes pride in getting things right.

You are naturally organised, detail-focused and comfortable working with data, systems and processes. You understand that accuracy matters—not just for compliance, but because it underpins trust, income and impact.

You are equally comfortable working independently and as part of a team, and you bring a practical, problem-solving mindset to your work.

You don’t just keep systems running—you look for ways to make them better.

Experience & Skills

Essential

• Experience working with CRM systems and managing data accurately and systematically
• Strong Excel and IT skills
• Experience in administrative roles involving finance and/or donor data
• Confidence in reconciling income and producing reports
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking

Desirable

• Experience in a fundraising or charity environment
• Knowledge of Gift Aid and charity income processes
• Experience with Beacon CRM or similar systems
• Understanding of GDPR and data protection requirements

Personal Qualities

• Aligned with HorseWorld’s values: Caring, Collaborative, Proactive, Adaptable, Inclusive
• A collaborative team player who builds strong working relationships
• A proactive problem-solver with a “can do” attitude
• Comfortable taking ownership and working with minimal supervision
• Motivated by the impact of our work with horses and young people

Why This Role Matters

Every donation we receive, every supporter we engage, and every programme we deliver relies on data being accurate, compliant and usable.

In this role, your work will directly support:

• the growth of our fundraising income
• the strength of our supporter relationships
• and ultimately, the number of horses and young people we can help

It’s a role with real responsibility—and real impact.

Are you an experienced governance or administrative leader who wants to make a real difference for animals in need? We’re looking for a proactive, highly organised Senior Administrative Manager to join our leadership team and serve as the charity’s named Company Secretary.

In this pivotal role, you’ll oversee governance, compliance, and financial administration—helping ensure our centre runs smoothly, legally, and sustainably so we can continue transforming animal lives.

Key responsibilities

· Lead governance and compliance across the organisation.

· Serve as Company Secretary: manage Board meetings, minutes, filings, and statutory registers.

· Support financial oversight, including budgeting processes, reporting, and financial controls.

About you

· Strong experience in charity governance, administration, or organisational management.

· Good understanding of UK charity and company law.

· Confident working with Trustees and senior leadership.

· Financially literate with excellent organisational and communication skills.

· Passionate about animal welfare and the values of our charity.

This is a full‑time role supporting our specialist animal fostering service, which enables victim‑survivors of domestic abuse to leave abusive relationships by ensuring their much‑loved animals are safe and well cared for.

The focus of this role is to work as part of a dedicated team to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare across a wide range of species. Equally central is providing exceptional support to victim-survivors of domestic abuse, alongside volunteers and colleagues across human and animal health and welfare services.

Your work will directly help individuals and families in crisis, ensuring both they and their animals receive the safety, care, and compassion they deserve.

Applicants must have:

• An animal welfare qualification (minimum Level 3)
• Significant knowledge and proven competence in assessing and handling dogs, cats, and other species in a rescue or similar environment
• A commitment to high standards of animal welfare
• The ability to support victim‑survivors in a professional, empathetic, and trauma‑informed way
• Strong teamwork, communication, and record‑keeping skills

Battersea has entered an exciting phase of innovation and transformation as we embark on the second year of our new five-year strategy. With increased investment in income generation starting, we are expanding our team to drive the growth necessary to achieve our organisational goals.

Trust fundraising at Battersea has grown significantly over the past few years, from £1m in 2022 to £2.6m in 2025. Working closely with another Trusts Manager, the Trusts Officer and Trusts Lead, you will secure vital funding from Trusts and Foundations to support the welfare of dogs and cats across the UK and internationally.

As the Trusts Manager, you will manage your own portfolio of five-figure Trust donors and take ownership of relationships to secure funding from both existing and new supporters. You will also support the Trusts Officer to deliver bi-annual Small Trusts Mailings and the Trusts Lead to deliver significant partnerships.

You will be proactive and motivated, with a passion for animal welfare and an aptitude for building relationships. You are a strong communicator with excellent writing skills which will enable you - with support from the team - to craft compelling funding proposals that resonate with donors.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
• Discounted gym membership and cycle to work schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working model:

We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.

Diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.

More about us:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Acceptable use of AI:

At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: 27th March 2026
Interview Date(s): First Round - w/c 13th April 2026; Second Round - w/c 20th April 2026

For full details on the role, please download the recruitment pack.