Chief financial officer jobs

Somewhere in West Africa, a mission worker is sitting with a question about their monthly budget. In South Asia, another is preparing to extend their service and needs to understand what that means financially. Every one of our mission workers, serving in around 25 countries, depends on someone back home who understands their situation, knows their name, and helps them navigate the financial realities of life serving in mission.

We’re looking for someone who brings both financial competence and genuine warmth – someone who can manage budgets and reconciliations with accuracy, but who also understands that behind every spreadsheet is a person serving Jesus by making disciples. You’ll be the consistent, trusted point of contact for workers from the moment they join SIM through to when they return home, and every budget review, fund statement, and financial query in between is a chance to make them feel genuinely cared for.

If that sounds like the kind of work that excites you, then we are looking for someone who has experience in bookkeeping and financial management within a small to medium-sized organisation, and who also has experience in a finance customer services role.

Come and join our Team!

Please submit your application by 5pm on Thursday 14th May 2026.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 19th May.

Methodist Chapel Aid Ltd (MCA) is a long‑established bank specialising in lending to churches and associated organisations across the UK. As we enter a period of planned growth in both lending and deposits, we are seeking a Chief Finance Officer who will also serve as Company Secretary and act as deputy to the Chief Executive. This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial strategy of a small, regulated financial institution with a strong mission-driven purpose.

What the role offers

You will hold SMF2 responsibility and lead MCA’s financial strategy, ensure robust governance, and oversee the organisation’s financial operations. As a key member of the leadership team, you will work closely with the Board and Chief Executive to support sustainable growth, maintain regulatory compliance, and strengthen our financial systems and controls. The role combines strategic influence with hands‑on responsibility - ideal for someone who thrives in a small, collaborative environment.

Key responsibilities

• Operational Duties: Oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the Company, including financial processes, monthly and year-end accounts, staff supervision, Board reporting and support for key governance committees.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the Company meets all PRA, FCA, HMRC and other regulatory requirements, including the preparation of regulatory returns and documentation.
• Financial Leadership: Provide strategic financial leadership including budgeting, forecasting, capital and liquidity planning, financial reporting, and assessment of loan applications.
• Company Secretary Duties: Support the Board in fulfilling its governance and statutory responsibilities, including maintaining statutory records and advising on governance best practice.

Further details of the responsibilities and requirements of the role are set out in the Job Description and Personal Specification available with this advert.

Essential experience and attributes

• Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Senior finance leadership experience, ideally within a regulated financial services environment.
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing external audits.
• Ability to operate effectively in a small organisation with hands‑on responsibilities.
• Experience advising Boards and supporting governance or Company Secretary functions.
• Strong analytical, financial modelling and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly.
• Commitment to good governance.
• Adaptable, collaborative and comfortable balancing strategic and operational work.

Desirable experience

• Background in banking, mutual organisations, church or charity finance.
• Strong understanding of PRA/FCA regulatory frameworks and prudential requirements.
• Knowledge of mission‑based or niche lending sectors, particularly lending to churches.
• Experience acting as deputy to a Chief Executive or contributing to strategic planning.

Practical details

• Full‑time, based on‑site at our York office.
• Occasional travel for meetings, regulatory engagement or sector events.
• As part of a small team, flexibility and willingness to support colleagues across functions is essential.
• We are only able to consider applicants from those who are eligible to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.

Timeline

Closing date: 1 May 2026

Interview date: 4 June 2026 (planned) in person, in York

Use your leadership abilities to strengthen and encourage the persecuted church around the world.

Today 388 million Christians experience high levels of violence and oppression for their faith. And the shocking thing is that most people in the UK don’t know about it. Open Doors UK and Ireland raises awareness about the growing levels of persecution and enables people to join a huge underground global network which is keeping the church alive in the most dangerous and difficult contexts - despite the determined efforts of extremists to eradicate Christianity.

As we identify with people suffering for their faith, through prayer, giving and taking action, we see our faith grow. We see the church here become the mature body that we are called, in Scripture, to be.

We are now seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead this work through a season of missional growth, opportunity and ambition. The CEO will be pivotal in raising the profile of the persecuted church, deepening connections with the church in the UK and Ireland and influencing Government to protect Christians around the world.

To that end, the CEO will be a strategic leader, highly relational in approach, agile and nimble in mindset, delivery-oriented and passionate about strengthening the church.

If that sounds like you please see the job pack attached and prayerfully consider applying. You can expect to have your own faith, reading of Scripture and prayer-life, transformed!

Closing date for applications is 8th May 2026.

Worcester Students' Union 

Chief Executive Officer 

Salary: £62,000 - £64,000 per annum 

Working Pattern: Full-time

Location: Worcester

Contract: Permanent 

Atkinson HR is pleased to be supporting Worcester Students' Union in the recruitment of their next Chief Executive Officer. 

Worcester Students' Union (WSU) exists to represent, support, and enrich the lives of students at the University of Worcester. As a charity, everything they do is guided by a commitment to members, ensuring they have a voice, access to outstanding services, and a community they are proud to be part of. 

This is a genuinely exciting moment for the organisation. WSU has a fantastic opportunity to reshape its strategy and culture, supported by a dedicated and talented staff and officer team, and is determined to deepen its reach across a diverse student body, strengthen partnerships, and build on the energy and momentum that defines life at Worcester. 

About the Role 

As CEO, you'll provide overall leadership and management of WSU, taking responsibility for delivering its charitable objectives and ensuring excellent services for students. You will develop a sustainable, strategically focused organisation that is ready to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead. 

Working in close partnership with elected student leaders and the Board of Trustees, you will bring professional expertise to support governance, operational delivery, and long-term planning. You will lead a committed staff team, model the values of the organisation, and ensure that WSU continues to grow in reach, relevance, and impact across the student community. 

About You 

WSU are looking for a strategic and inspirational leader with significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation, and a demonstrable track record of developing and delivering successful organisational strategy. You'll be financially and commercially astute, able to interpret data to inform sound decisions, and experienced in working constructively with Boards and senior external stakeholders. Experience within the higher education, students' union, charity, or membership sectors is desirable, though not essential. 

You'll be an empowering and energetic leader, someone who builds inclusive, high-performing teams, encourages creativity, and is willing to engage with operational delivery as well as strategic direction. You'll bring the ability to balance challenge and support, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability across the organisation. 

Above all, WSU are looking for someone with a genuine commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a real passion for working in a democratic, student-led environment. You'll believe in the importance of student voice, be able to communicate a compelling shared vision to a wide range of stakeholders, and demonstrate a lasting commitment to WSU's charitable objectives and long-term development. 

How to Apply 

Please click 'Apply' to be redirected to the Atkinson HR website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. 

For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact Atkinson HR via. the information in the candidate pack. 

Key Dates 

Closing date: Midday, Tuesday 5th May 2026 

Longlist Interviews (Remote): Tuesday 26th May 2026 

Final Stage Interviews (In-person, Worcester): Monday 1st June 2026 

Tender is a nationwide charity harnessing the power of drama and the arts to educate children, young people and adults about healthy relationships. Our innovative, interactive approach empowers children, young people and adults with the skills and knowledge to recognise unhealthy relationships, nurture healthy ones, and seek support if they need help.

The Finance & Operations Officer plays a central role in ensuring the smooth financial and operational running of Tender, supporting the organisation’s ability to deliver its mission effectively. The role spans core finance functions—including payroll, payments, reconciliations, budgeting support and financial reporting—ensuring that Tender maintains robust financial controls and compliance across all statutory and regulatory requirements. It also involves close collaboration with suppliers, funders, auditors and internal teams to support the Finance Director in producing financial plans, forecasts, annual accounts and audit preparation.

Alongside finance, the post holder is responsible for managing key operational areas including HR administration, ICT coordination, office management, and internal communication processes. This includes overseeing recruitment and onboarding processes, maintaining HR policies and procedures, ensuring effective cross-team collaboration, managing external service providers, and maintaining an efficient administrative and operational environment. The role requires someone who can work autonomously, use sound judgement, implement effective processes, and ensure alignment of systems across the organisation.

A successful Finance & Operations Officer will also contribute to organisational development by ensuring that policies, procedures and workflows are up to date, compliant and reflect best practice. With responsibilities that touch every part of the charity, the post holder acts as a vital hub for coordination, problem‑solving and continuous improvement, helping Tender maintain a high‑functioning, values‑driven working environment.

To be successful in this role, in the first 6 months you will have:

• Established reliable financial processes by ensuring accurate and timely payroll, payment cycles, reconciliations and financial reporting, maintaining full compliance with Tender’s financial controls and statutory requirements.
• Strengthened core operational systems by updating and consolidating HR, ICT, office management and policy frameworks, ensuring staff understand and follow consistent organisational processes.
• Improved cross‑team coordination by streamlining internal communications and embedding efficient administrative workflows, enabling smoother collaboration across finance, HR and operational functions.

Please refer to the full job description and person specification in the full recruitment pack for further details.

At Target Ovarian Cancer, we exist to identify and tackle the biggest challenges in ovarian cancer so that it doesn’t limit life.

Too many women are diagnosed late. Too many face barriers to treatment, unequal access to care, or don’t get the support they need. We’re here to change that and we’re at a point where we can go even further.

To do that, we need strong foundations that allow us to grow our impact with confidence. That’s where this role comes in.

Why this role matters

This is not just a finance leadership position. It’s an opportunity to shape how a national charity delivers life-changing impact.

As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will help ensure we have the financial strength, organisational resilience, and operational excellence needed to transform outcomes for women affected by ovarian cancer.

You’ll work closely with our CEO and Board to guide critical decisions, ensuring we’re building something ambitious and sustainable.

What you’ll lead

You will provide strategic leadership across the organisation’s core foundations:

• Financial sustainability – ensuring we can invest boldly and responsibly in our mission
• People and culture – building an inclusive, supportive environment where colleagues thrive
• Governance and risk – maintaining trust, accountability and strong decision-making
• Data and technology – enabling smarter, faster, more impactful work

You’ll bring clarity to complexity, strengthen our foundations, and help us grow with confidence and purpose.

Who we’re looking for

You’re a values-driven leader who combines commercial acumen with a deep commitment to impact.

You might come from the charity, public or private sector — but what matters most is that you:

• Understand how strong financial leadership enables real-world change
• Build trusted relationships and influence at the most senior levels
• Lead teams with empathy, clarity and high expectations
• Care deeply about equity, inclusion and improving outcomes for others
• Are motivated by the opportunity to use your expertise for a meaningful cause

A recognised accountancy qualification (or equivalent experience) is expected.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation, and particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented at senior levels, including those from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic backgrounds, and disabled or neurodivergent candidates.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the role itself, we’ll work with you to make that happen.

Why join Target Ovarian Cancer?

Because this is a moment that matters.

We have a clear strategy, a powerful mission, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference — from improving early diagnosis to strengthening support and amplifying the voices of those affected.

You’ll be joining a passionate, collaborative organisation that is committed to being:

• Supportive
• Expert
• Pioneering
• Empowering
• Impactful

Alongside this, we offer flexible working, strong wellbeing support, and a culture that values your growth and contribution.

Apply

If you want your leadership to make a tangible difference — not just to an organisation, but to lives — we’d love to hear from you.

Send your CV and cover letter via the link by Sunday 17th May, midnight.

For an informal conversation about the role, please reach out to our exclusive recruitment partner, Bryony Thomas, via the Allen Lane agency website.

We reserve the right to close the application process early. As such, we highly recommend an early application.

The Bookkeeper will support the Finance Director in maintaining accurate financial records, preparing budgets, and producing financial reports.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in maintaining accurate financial records and accounting systems ensuring compliance with financial regulations and internal controls.
• Maintain accurate creditor and debtor ledgers, including enteriner supplier bills, raising revenue invoices, and keeping records up to date to support effective financial control.
• Support the preparation, monitoring, and reporting of organisational budgets.
• Assist in preparing and distributing regular financial reports to internal team members and the board of directors.
• Provide administrative and practical support for the month-end and year-end accounting processes.
• Assist with the management of purchase and sales ledgers.
• Maintain organised filing systems (both electronic and paper-based) for finance documentation.
• Support routine reconciliations of bank statements and accounts.
• Contribute proactively to financial process improvements and efficiency initiatives.

AND MORE! Please read the Job Description.

The VCS Alliance

The VCS Alliance is a charity dedicated to transforming health and social care across Bradford District and Craven. To do this, we act as a bridge between the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector and the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, channelling investment into the sector, to deliver transformational programmes. These programmes keep people out of front-line and emergency health services and address health inequalities.

We also provide and support Bradford District and Craven’s VCSE sector voice to contribute to system conversations, leading to better outcomes for our diverse communities. To do our work, we support the convening of spaces and organisations for collaborative conversations leading to better outcomes and learning. 

Operations Director:

A new post at the Longford Trust, created at an exciting time of growth and development for the charity.

- A 3 day-a-week role;

- Reporting to the Director and working as part of the Senior Management Team of the trust, within an overall cohort of eight, all part-time posts;

- Paid pro-rata of £50-55,000 depending on experience via PAYE with pensions contributions;

- The trust has no physical office, so team members work remotely, with flexible hours, but all team members work Tuesdays. There are regular face-to-face team meetings, as well as one-to-ones, so easy access to London an advantage.

Responsibilities

- Leadership role in following areas: strategy, developing and implementing the 10-Year-Plan; HR; our Frank Awards programme; Communications and Marketing, systems, digital and AI.

- Working with the Director on fund-raising and finance, growing and nurturing our core partnerships;

- Working with other SMT members when needed in delivering their specific programme areas.

Person specification

Essential qualities you need to be able to demonstrate:

- commitment to prison reform, with an understanding of the prison system and the barriers it creates for those leaving prison (lived experience of the prison or the criminal justice system is valued);

- senior management background either in a charitable organisation or in a relevant area;

- an entrepreneurial approach;

- proven leadership skills and ability to represent the trust in public settings;

- track record in expressing yourself clearly and persuasively in writing;

- strong interpersonal skills in regard of team-working, team-building and upholding the values of the trust;

- up-to-date financial and digital literacy.

Values

Taking our cue from Frank Longford, after whom the trust is named, our values shape every aspect of our work, including all relationships between team members, trustees, scholarship award-holders, our volunteer trained mentors and our employability partners. These values include:

- A firm belief in the power of education to change lives;

- A passion for second chances for those with lived experience of prison;

- A thorough-going can-do, practical approach that is driven by a desire to level the playing field for those who have been to prison and are committed to building new lives;

- A commitment to integration of all regardless of background and circumstances. We assume the best, start from the positive, are curious, are always ready to learn, and reject fixed mindsets.

Who we are and what we do

The Longford Trust was set up in 2002. Each November, it stages an annual Longford Lecture and awards an annual Longford Prize. Our Longford Scholarship programme supports young serving and ex-prisoners to continue their rehabilitation by going to university. It is the only programme of its type across the UK, supporting more than 600 individuals so far, with over 100 current award-holders, as well as many alumni who continue to be part of the trust. Between 80 and 85% of those we support go on to graduate, move into employment and build new lives. Our scholarship programme accounts for more than three quarters of our expenditure

Apply to with an up-to-date CV and accompanying letter explaining how you fit our job specification, why you want to work with the Longford Trust, and what you will bring to it. Closing date noon on Friday May 1. Interviews will be in person in the second week of May.

Youth Realities is a small but mighty charity in North London looking for a new female leader to embed the strategy and support our next phase of growth and development. 

Our vision is a world where young people live free from relationship abuse and violence. We believe strongly in prevention, using creativity and forming trusted relationships to engage and empower young people to form positive change in their own lives and wider communities. 

Everything we do is ‘youth-led’ and ‘survivor-centred’ which means we centre the needs and experiences of young people and survivors, providing regular opportunities for them to feedback, co-produce and lead on the delivery, design and development of the charity. 

Our values, embedded in the heart of our work are: youth-led, survivor-centred, safe, equitable and audacious. 

Youth Realities works with young people aged 11 - 25 who have or are at risk of relationship abuse. We offer independent domestic violence advocacy for young females, provide a safe space with a program of dance and creative activities and go into schools delivering workshops on healthy relationships. 

Key Objectives of the job:

• Provide strategic vision and leadership further developing and embedding the organisations strategy 

• Ensure that the charitable purposes of the organisation are followed and that It delivers the charitable benefit set out in Youth Realities’ vision and governing documents

• To take overall responsibility for Youth Realities’ management and administration within the governance and accountability frameworks established by the Board of Trustees

• To secure funding and drive the organisation forward ensuring it is sustainable and able to grow 

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation. 

Caroline Chisholm School is partnering with Robertson Bell on a retained basis to appoint a Chief Finance Officer on a permanent basis. This is a pivotal leadership role within a high-performing and ambitious organisation, offering the opportunity to shape financial strategy, lead transformation, and support the school’s evolution

Caroline Chisholm School is a high-achieving, values-led all-through school with a strong reputation for academic excellence, staff engagement, and community impact. Already operating at a scale and complexity comparable to a multi-academy trust, the organisation is entering an exciting new phase of growth, with plans to expand into primary provision and formally develop as a MAT.

This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking leadership team and play a central role in driving financial sustainability, operational transformation, and long-term strategic growth.

The role

• Partner with the Principal, Trustees and Senior Leadership Team to develop and deliver a long-term financial strategy, supporting the school’s growth ambitions.  
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting across a complex and evolving organisation, ensuring strong financial control and sustainability.
• Take ownership of a significant transformation agenda, including digital system implementation (Bromcom), contract optimisation, and operational redesign.
• Support with the operational re-design of financial systems providing strategic oversight of major projects such as introduction of Bromcom for financial processes, ensuring robust due diligence, and stakeholder  management.
• Act as a key advisor to Trustees, auditors and external stakeholders including the DfE and Local Authority.
• Drive value for money through effective procurement, contract negotiation and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Lead and develop the finance function, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and forward-thinking team culture.
• Support wider organisational leadership, overseeing linked operational areas including IT and educational visits.
• Identify opportunities for income generation, funding and financial innovation to support future growth.

The organisation

Caroline Chisholm School is a school with a strong ethos centred on kindness, curiosity and integrity. With a highly engaged workforce and a 96% positive staff survey rating, the school offers a collaborative and ambitious working environment.

The organisation has successfully navigated recent financial pressures, delivering significant savings while maintaining educational excellence. With a clear financial sustainability plan in place and strong governance support, the school is now well positioned for its next phase of growth.

Alongside this, a major digital and operational transformation programme is underway, modernising systems and infrastructure to support long-term efficiency and scalability.

Essential criteria

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
• Proven experience in a senior financial leadership role within a complex organisation
• Strong track record of leading financial strategy, planning and reporting
• Experience managing multi-million-pound budgets and driving financial sustainability
• Demonstrable experience leading transformation projects (systems, operations or organisational change)
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Board and executive level
• Commercial mindset, with the ability to identify efficiencies and funding opportunities
• A collaborative and adaptable leadership style, aligned to a values-driven environment

Apply now

If you are a strategic and forward-thinking finance leader looking to make a tangible impact within a high-performing and ambitious organisation, we would love to hear from you. This role requires primarily on-site working during term time, with some flexibility available.

Applications close on the 24^th May but will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Help drive financial sustainability that changes lives

At Allsorts Gloucestershire, we’re committed to tackling the persistent inequalities faced by disabled children, young people and their families. We’re a respected, values-driven charity with a strong local reputation - and we’re looking for a highly capable Financial Controller to help ensure our long-term financial health and sustainability. 

This is a key role with real impact. Working closely with the Head of Operations, CEO and Senior Leadership Team, you’ll take ownership of financial management, reporting and compliance - providing the insight and control that supports confident decision-making across the organisation.

About the role

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic financial oversight with strong operational control.

You will:

• Lead the production of accurate monthly management accounts, including income and expenditure, balance sheets and cash flow reporting 
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and financial planning across the organisation 
• Provide financial analysis and insight to support strategic decision-making 
• Ensure robust financial systems, controls and compliance processes are in place 
• Manage payroll, pensions and statutory financial requirements 
• Oversee transactional finance, including accounts payable, receivable and credit control 
• Lead annual audit preparation and maintain strong relationships with auditors and external stakeholders 

This role is ideal for someone who combines technical finance expertise with strong attention to detail, and who is motivated by contributing to a purpose-driven organisation.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is both analytical and dependable, with the confidence to manage complexity and provide clear financial leadership.

Essential Experience

• AAT Level 4 (or equivalent experience)
• Proven experience in a finance role with responsibility for financial management and reporting
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial controls and payroll processes
• Experience of producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts 
• Proficiency in finance systems (e.g. Xero), Excel and Microsoft Office 
• Experience of audit preparation and regulatory compliance

Desirable Experience

• Part-qualified or qualified (e.g. CIMA, ACCA)
• Understanding of the charity sector and SORP accounting requirements

Why join Allsorts?

• Make a real, lasting impact in the lives of disabled children and families 
• Join a genuinely influential role within a respected local charity 
• Be part of a supportive, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose 
• Work closely with senior leadership and contribute to long-term sustainability 
• Strong commitment to inclusion, accessibility and lived experience 

We actively welcome applications from disabled people and parent/carers of disabled children and young people.

Recruitment Process & Timeline

CLOSING DATE

17th May 2026

STAGE 1 INTERVIEWS

w/c 1st June 2026

In-person, Stroud

STAGE 2 INTERVIEWS

w/c 15th June 2026

In-person, Stroud

We aim to provide a positive and transparent recruitment experience and will keep you informed throughout the process.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We actively encourage people with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds to apply for our jobs. Our offices and interview space are fully accessible, with a Changing Places toilet and accessible parking. All job literature is available in alternative formats upon request. We welcome potential applicants to have a conversation with us about any interview adaptations they may need. 

Safeguarding & Practical Requirements

• Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. 
• The role is based onsite at our offices in Stroud, Gloucestershire.  

Interested?

Lead a Grassroots Organisation Powering Community Change in South London

Chief Executive - Loughborough Junction Action Group (LJAG)

Location: Community-embedded, Lambeth (with flexibility)
Salary: £60,000 full-time equivalent (pro-rata for part-time)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 4 days per week

About Loughborough Junction Action Group

Loughborough Junction Action Group (LJAG) is a deeply rooted, community-led charity working to improve lives in one of Lambeth's most diverse and unequal neighbourhoods. Since its inception in 2012, LJAG has grown from a volunteer-led grassroots group into a trusted local organisation delivering impactful projects across play, food, environment, employability and community connection.

LJAG exists to empower and unite local people through bold social action. The work is grounded in participation, lived experience and inclusion - ensuring that those most affected by inequality are central to shaping solutions. With an annual income of c.£600k, a committed staff team, and strong local partnerships, LJAG punches well above its weight and plays a vital role in the social fabric of Loughborough Junction.

The organisation is now entering a pivotal new phase. Core systems and structures have recently been stabilised, and the Board is seeking its first permanent Chief Executive to help embed this transition, reconnect people and projects, and lead LJAG confidently into its next chapter.

What You Can Look Forward To

As Chief Executive, you will shape the future of a grassroots organisation with deep local trust and ambitious social purpose.

You will:

• Lead LJAG through its next stage of organisational maturity, embedding new systems while safeguarding culture, warmth and humanity
• Set a clear, optimistic strategic direction that reconnects teams, strengthens collaboration and builds shared purpose
• Champion community empowerment and equity, ensuring LJAG remains rooted in lived experience and local voice
• Strengthen financial sustainability, diversifying income and building confidence with funders, partners and commissioners
• Build and nurture a healthy, inclusive organisational culture, where people feel safe, valued and supported to do their best work

Why This Role Matters

• LJAG is a trusted, visible force in a neighbourhood facing deep structural inequality
• The organisation has reached a critical transition point - this role shapes what comes next
• You will lead with real proximity to community
• The Board is committed, reflective and supportive
• Your leadership will have tangible, everyday impact on people's lives

About You

LJAG is seeking a CEO who leads with clarity and humanity. This role requires emotional intelligence, presence and trust-building alongside strategic and operational capability.

Skills and Experience

• Senior leadership experience, ideally as a CEO or in a comparable role within a charity, community organisation or values-led environment
• A strong track record of leading change, embedding new ways of working alongside trustees and staff.
• Confidence operating at Board level and managing governance relationships
• Sound operational knowledge, including safeguarding, people management, compliance and systems development
• Experience of fundraising and income diversification (grants, partnerships, trading or commissioning)
• Ability to communicate impact clearly and compellingly to funders, partners and stakeholders

Sector background is less important than values alignment, judgement and transferable leadership skill.

Personal Attributes

• Emotionally intelligent - and self-aware
• Approachable and visible across our projects and sites,
• Grounded and authentic
• Clear and confident, able to set boundaries, delegate and make decisions
• Resilient and adaptable, comfortable holding complexity and navigating challenge
• Deep commitment to equity, inclusion and community-led practice

Recruitment Timeline

To ensure fairness, transparency and equitable access to information, LJAG will host a candidate Q&A webinar in place of individual informal conversations with the Chair or Trustees. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Tuesday 21st April 2026 and we will send you a link.

Application Deadline: 5pm Wednesday 6th May
First Interviews: w/c 18th May
Final Interviews: w/c 25th May

How to Apply

Charity People Ltd is acting as recruitment adviser to Loughborough Junction Action Group on this appointment. To apply, please submit a CV and supporting statement (or alternative format) to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack in the first instance.

For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People

We are committed to making this process inclusive and welcoming. If you require any adjustments or would like to apply in a different format, please let us know so we can support you fully.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Friends of the Dales is seeking an outstanding Executive Director to lead our next chapter. We are an independent, dynamic and resilient charity working to protect and enhance the special landscapes, biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Yorkshire Dales, while supporting the wellbeing of local communities and encouraging people from all backgrounds to value, enjoy and protect this remarkable place.

This is an exciting opportunity for a values-driven leader to build on our strong reputation, recent strategic review and ambitious campaigning work. We are looking for someone who can combine strategic vision with hands-on leadership, bringing energy, credibility and expertise to a charity with a proud history and a growing future.

About Friends of the Dales

Friends of the Dales is an independent membership and campaigning charity dedicated to the Yorkshire Dales. We campaign on issues including nature recovery, wildlife, farming, access, housing, transport, climate resilience, landscape management and sustainable rural communities.

Founded in 1981, we are known for our critical and supportive local voice and our collaborative approach to campaigning and influencing policy. We work with partner organisations, local communities, trustees, volunteers and supporters to protect and improve the Dales for future generations.

We also work with the network of National Park Societies and Campaign for National Parks, and we have a strong commitment to widening diversity and inclusion across our charity and the communities we serve.

The Role

The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership, operational management and external representation for the charity. Reporting to the Chair of Trustees, you will be responsible for delivering the Board’s strategic direction and business plan, growing the supporter base, strengthening financial resilience and ensuring our campaigning remains impactful and aligned with our mission and values.

This is a varied and influential role requiring a confident, collaborative and hands-on leader who can balance strategic oversight with day-to-day delivery. You will work closely with trustees, staff, volunteers, members, supporters and external partners to help shape the future of the charity.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a candidate with:

● Senior leadership experience or aligned and transferable experience and skills in a charity, membership organisation or similar environment.

● Direct experience or transferable experience of campaigning, influencing, advocacy or policy work.

● Strong organisational leadership and operational management skills.

● Knowledge and experience of fundraising, membership growth, partnership working and charity operations.

● The ability to inspire staff, trustees, volunteers, members and supporters.

● A values-driven approach and a strong understanding of, or connection to, the Yorkshire Dales and the issues affecting it.

Experience in a similar setting may be transferable, and we welcome candidates who can demonstrate the skills, insight and leadership needed to succeed in the role.

Working Arrangements

This is a permanent role, offered as either:

● Part-time: 4 days per week, or.

● Full-time: 37 hours per week.

The salary is £50,000 per annum FTE, with part-time hours paid pro rata.

The role is based at Canal Wharf, Eshton Road, Gargrave, BD23 3PN, with some flexibility around working hours and location by agreement. Regular travel across the Yorkshire Dales and occasional evening and weekend working will be required. Ideally, the successful candidate will live in, or within approximately 30 miles of, the perimeter of the Yorkshire Dales.

We offer:

● 22 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after five years’ service, plus English bank holidays, pro rata for part-time hours.

● Additional paid leave over the Christmas and New Year office closure.

● An enhanced employer pension contribution of 5% via NEST.

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to offer sponsorship.

How to Apply

To apply please read the full candidate briefing - available on the Friends of the Dales website - and submit:

● A current CV, including any gaps in employment.

● A supporting statement of no more than 2,000 words, explaining why you wish to apply and how you meet the criteria in the person specification.

● Details of two referees, including one from your current or most recent senior leadership role, with confirmation that you are happy for us to contact them if shortlisted.

● Any dates when you may be unavailable or difficult to contact.

● Any adjustments or accommodations you may require at the interview or presentation stage.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a one-day selection event in the Yorkshire Dales, including a short presentation and panel interview. Full details of the presentation topic and interview questions will be shared in advance.

Recruitment Timetable

● Monday 18 May 2026, 5pm: Closing date.

● Week commencing 25 May 2026: Review of applications and shortlisting.

● Week commencing 15 June 2026: Shortlisted candidates invited to the Yorkshire Dales selection day.

● Week commencing 29 June 2026: Candidates informed of outcome.

Equal Opportunities

Friends of the Dales is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community it serves. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community, and we will respect the privacy of any initial approach or expression of interest, whether formal or informal.

Informal Discussion

For an informal and confidential conversation about the role, please contact Jonathan Riley, Chair of Trustees after reviewing the appointment brief.