Chief Executive

Do you believe that reading can change a child's life?

Read for Good is a national charity dedicated to inspiring children to develop a life-changing love of reading. Their flagship Readathon programme in schools has been motivating children to read since 1984 and their unique Hospitals programme brings brand new books and storyteller visits to major children's hospitals across the UK.

They reach hundreds of thousands of children every year and are now ready for a new Chief Executive to turn the page and expertly lead them into their next chapter.

Location: Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. Hybrid, minimum 3 days per week onsite
Salary: £65-£75k (appointing low to mid band with room to grow)
Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week (part-time will be considered for the right candidate)
Benefits: 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and Christmas closure), 3% employer pension contribution (8% total).
Added bonus: Beautiful, spacious offices and lovely working environment with outside riverside space (including ducks!).

We're looking for a Chief Executive to lead with both head and heart - someone who can hold the big picture, while staying close to what matters most: children, stories and the joy of reading.

You'll understand how to chart a clear path ahead, guiding people forward whilst also creating the right conditions for your team to thrive. This is a role for a leader who instinctively strikes the right balance between plans and people - someone who can enable Read for Good to grow with confidence, whilst maintaining the spark that makes them who they are.

About the role

You'll work closely with the Board and senior team to create and deliver a focused, impact-led strategy. You'll strengthen financial resilience, nurture a collaborative culture, and increase national visibility across publishing, education, literacy, health and related sectors.

As well as being an influential ambassador, advocating externally to raise their national profile, you'll also be custodian and protector of the "magic" that is at the heart of Read for Good.

We're looking for someone who can:

• Provide clear direction through collaborative, strategic leadership.
• Oversee strong financial planning, budgeting and risk management.
• Build sustainable income and long-term funding relationships.
• Strengthen partnerships and increase national visibility.
• Foster an inclusive, positive and empowering culture.
• Embed practical systems, digital improvements and evidence-led, impact reporting.

We'd love to hear from booklovers who are already operating at this level but would equally welcome applications from leaders ready to take that exciting first step into a CEO role.

About you

You bring real leadership credibility, having been a driving force behind organisational growth and change in charity, education, health or broader social impact sectors.

You lead with empathy and humility, whilst also being decisive and confident.

You inspire trust, communicate clearly and thrive in a role that blends strategic vision with hands-on leadership, as part of a small and talented team.

You're a natural connector who builds purposeful relationships wherever you go.

You're people-centred, thoughtful in your decision-making and motivated by improving outcomes for children.

How to apply

Please send a copy of your profile or CV to Amelia Lee at Charity People, as the first step.

If your experience matches what we're looking for, we'll be in touch with further information on how to make your formal application.

Deadline: 9am on Tuesday 14th April

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.