Chief Executive Officer
London/Hybrid | 4 days a week (28 hours per week)
£80,000 FTE
Two-Year Fixed-Term Contract
Our client is a respected UK-wide professional membership body representing more than 3,000 practitioners. Through advocacy, professional development, research and member support, the organisation champions professional standards and works to increase access to high-quality services across its sector.
The organisation is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Chief Executive on a two-year fixed-term contract, leading the organisation through a significant period of transformation, stabilisation and renewal.
Working closely with the Board, staff, members and key stakeholders, the successful candidate will provide the strategic and operational leadership required to strengthen organisational effectiveness, enhance financial sustainability, build an engaged and high-performing culture, and position the organisation for long-term success. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a well-established membership body, ensuring it emerges stronger, more resilient and better equipped to deliver for its members and wider stakeholders.
As the organisation's senior executive and principal ambassador, you will lead the development and implementation of a clear transformation roadmap, strengthen organisational capability and governance, and build confidence across the membership and stakeholder community while championing the value and impact of the profession.
To be successful, you will bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience as a Chief Executive, Executive Director or equivalent.
- A proven track record of leading organisational transformation, change, stabilisation or turnaround programmes.
- Experience developing and implementing strategy, translating vision into sustainable organisational improvement and measurable outcomes.
- Strong financial, operational and governance leadership skills, with experience improving organisational resilience and sustainability.
- A history of building positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational cultures, with a strong focus on staff engagement and organisational development.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills, with the credibility to act as the organisation's principal ambassador.
- A collaborative, resilient and values-led leadership style, with a commitment to supporting professional excellence and sector advancement.
To find further information, please view the microsite on Prospectus’ website.
Closing date: 16 September
Final interviews: Week commencing 28 September
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!
Our charity is happy to consider a broad range of applicants for this post. The role was originally designed as a developmental opportunity to work alongside a senior Finance Consultant, who will offer training and support in delivering management accounts - with opportunity for growth in the role after 12 months. However, if you are an experienced finance professional looking for part-time work, we would also be keen to hear from you.
1. ABOUT UNITED BY 2022 CHARITY
United By 2022 Charity is the official legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. We’re proud champions of the West Midlands, working with communities, volunteers, young people, and employers to create opportunities, inspire pride, and tackle social challenges. With an exciting future ahead, we’re at the heart of making the region more connected, inclusive, and united.
2. JOB PURPOSE
The Finance Officer will play a key role in administering the Charity’s financial operations, and supporting the leadership team in delivering sustainable growth, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. This role delivers hands-on financial management, and payroll oversight.
3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Key responsibilities include:
Financial Operations & Reporting
· Process day-to-day financial operations via Xero, ensuring accurate and timely recording of transactions.
· Administer the sales ledgers, working with other managers, to raise timely invoices and credit notes.
· Maintain strong working relationships with debtors to ensure prompt payment of invoices.
· Administer the purchase ledgers, supporting other managers, ensuring accurate accounting of invoices/other expenses. Oversee purchase order process. Maintain strong working relationships with key suppliers and internal customers.
· Maintain regulatory and professional compliance.
· Maintain robust internal controls, policies, and procedures.
· Provide administrative support to the month and year end accounts
· Support auditors with supplying documentation and administrative queries
· Produce weekly cashflow forecast.
Budgeting & Strategic Support
· Support with the preparation of annual budgeting and reforecasting processes.
· Provide financial insight and advice to the management team to inform decision-making.
· Support funding applications and grant reporting with accurate financial data.
Payroll & People Support
· Manage relationship with external payroll provider
· Prepare monthly payroll, pensions, and staff expenses for external Payroll provider, ensuring compliance with employment legislation. Staff team of 11 at present.
· Liaise with HR and external providers to ensure accurate and timely processing.
· Process PAYE, NI, and pension for timely submissions.
Systems & Process Development
· Operate finance systems (e.g., accounting software, payroll systems via BrightPay) and implement improvements.
· Ensure financial data is accurate, up-to-date, and secure.
· Streamline processes to improve efficiency and transparency.
· Support Governance & Compliance
· Help with the preparation of reports for the Finance & Audit Committee and Board of Trustees.
· Ensure adherence to charity finance regulations, SORP, and best practice.
· Act as the first point of contact for external auditors, bankers, and other stakeholders.
We are seeking an organised, proactive, and people-focused Business Support and Grant Manager to join our growing charity. This new full time role has been created to support increasing demand and offers the opportunity to contribute directly to projects that deliver lasting community impact. The position is offered on a two-year fixed-term contract, with the intention of becoming permanent. Some UK travel, including occasional overnight stays, will be required.
Reports To: CEO
Contract: Full Time Fixed Term (2 years) with the intention of becoming permanent
Location: Within commuting distance of Milton Keynes, with UK travel and occasional overnight stays. Hybrid working from home will be optional following an induction period of at least two months at the head office.
Purpose of the Role: To provide effective business support and development assistance to the charity while managing community grants from application through to award, monitoring and reporting. The postholder will support organisational growth, stakeholder engagement, tendering for new contracts, and the delivery of grant funding that creates positive community and social impact.
Probation Period: Four Months
Key Responsibilities:
Business Support
· Support the day-to-day operational effectiveness of the charity.
· Coordinate, prepare and submit tenders and business proposals.
· Gather and collate information from internal and external stakeholders to support submissions.
· Ensure all submissions are completed accurately and within deadlines.
· Support the CEO and Grant Director with reports and presentations.
· Maintain accurate records, databases and organisational documentation.
Grant Management
· Administer grant programmes from application to project completion.
· Review and assess funding applications against agreed criteria.
· Undertake due diligence and eligibility checks.
· Attend community benefit fund Advisory Panel Meetings.
· Monitor grant expenditure and funded project progress.
· Review monitoring reports and evaluate project outcomes.
· Ensure compliance with governance, funding conditions and reporting requirements.
· Maintain accurate grant records and audit trails.
Stakeholder Engagement
· Develop and maintain positive relationships with funders, applicants, community groups and partners.
· Provide guidance and support to applicants throughout the grant process.
· Support the onboarding of new clients.
· Represent the charity at meetings and events and public consultations.
· Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders and grant recipients.
Community Benefit Funds
· Support the development and delivery of community benefit funds.
· Assist with planning, governance, assessment and reporting activities.
· Support research and community engagement initiatives.
· Contribute to ensuring funds deliver measurable and lasting community outcomes.
General
· Uphold the values, policies and procedures of the charity.
· Work collaboratively across the organisation.
· Undertake other duties appropriate to the role and level of responsibility.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
Experience
· Experience of preparing tenders, funding bids or funding applications.
· Experience of stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
· Experience of managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
· Experience of producing reports and maintaining accurate records.
Knowledge
· Understanding of grant-making processes and funding assessment principles.
· Knowledge of governance, compliance and accountability requirements.
· Understanding of community-focused or charitable activities.
Skills & Abilities
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Strong organisational and project management skills.
· Ability to assess information objectively and make evidence-based recommendations.
· Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
· Ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
· Competent in Microsoft Office applications and database management.
· Ability to work independently and use initiative.
Personal Attributes
· Proactive and self-motivated.
· Professional and trustworthy.
· Strong commitment to fairness, transparency and integrity.
· Adaptable and solutions-focused.
· Passionate about supporting communities and delivering positive impact.
Desirable Criteria
Experience
· Experience working within a charity, community organisation, social enterprise or funding body.
· Experience managing community benefit funds.
· Experience of contract management or project delivery.
· Experience supporting senior leaders or board-level governance activities.
Knowledge
· Understanding of social value and community wealth-building principles.
· Knowledge of charity governance and funding environments.
Qualifications
· Degree-level qualification or relevant professional experience.
· Relevant qualification in business administration, project management, fundraising, grant management or a related discipline.
Other Requirements
· Willingness to travel across the UK.
· Ability to undertake occasional overnight stays.
· Right to work in the UK
· UK Driving License