Mslexia, the UK’s best-loved writing magazine for women, is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into an exciting new phase of growth and impact.
Founded in 1999, Mslexia is a national publishing and outreach charity dedicated to addressing gender inequality in literature. We support over 50,000 women writers through our magazine, books, competitions, courses, events and online community. Financially independent for more than 20 years, we now want to build on our success, strengthen our sustainability and extend our reach.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a respected, values-driven organisation with a strong brand, loyal audience and passionate team.
About the role
As CEO, you will provide strategic, operational and inspirational leadership for Mslexia, working closely with the Board of Trustees and leading a team of talented staff.
You will be responsible for:
- Setting and delivering organisational strategy with the Board.
- Leading and supporting the staff team, fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
- Overseeing financial management, budgeting and long-term sustainability.
- Developing and diversifying income streams, including commercial activity, partnerships and fundraising.
- Acting as the public face of Mslexia, championing its mission locally, regionally and nationally.
- Strengthening governance, systems, policies and risk management.
- Building partnerships and promoting the Mslexia brand and influence.
We are looking for an inspiring, values-driven leader with the vision, credibility and skills to lead a purpose-led organisation.
You will bring:
- Senior leadership experience in the charity, public, commercial or related sector.
- Strong financial literacy and experience managing multiple income streams.
- A track record of leading and motivating teams.
- Experience working with a Board or similar governance structure.
- Strategic thinking skills, with the ability to turn vision into action.
- Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
- A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Desirable:
- Experience in the arts, culture or creative industries.
- Experience of hybrid earned / grant-funded income models.
- Events or publishing-related experience.
Why join Mslexia?
- Lead a nationally respected charity with a clear social mission.
- Work with a skilled, passionate and supportive team.
- Shape the future of women’s writing and gender equality in literature.
- Flexible working and family-friendly policies.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- City-centre Newcastle location.
How to apply
Mslexia is working with Jobs with Purpose to recruit to this role. You can access a detailed candidate pack below, including a job description and person specification.
To apply, please forward a detailed CV and a supporting statement (maximum three sides) explaining how you meet the requirements of the person specification and any other information relevant to the role to David Robinson at Jobs with Purpose.
For a confidential discussion about the role, email David with your availability and brief details regarding your experience and interest in the position.
Closing date: Monday 9 February 2026, 12 noon
Interviews: Week commencing 16 February 2026
Mslexia is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
To apply, please submit a detailed CV and a supporting statement (maximum three sides) explaining how you meet the requirements of the person specification and any other information relevant to the role
For a confidential discussion about the role, email David with your availability and brief details regarding your experience and interest in the role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are really excited to have welcomed our new Director of Income Generation and Development to Brain Tumour Research this month, a great new start for the new year!
This is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser, to be based in the East Anglia region.
As the Community Fundraiser covering East Anglia you will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives, which include campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK. Your role will be to generate and grow our income through community fundraising activities, contributing to a regional team target of more than £1.5 million.
- Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
- Do you live in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk or Suffolk?
- Do you have at least one years' experience of working in a professional Community Fundraising position?
Have you answered Yes to these questions?
Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start?
If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack which is attached in this advert.
If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application. We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!
We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.