Chief of staff jobs

Join VAST and lead the mission committed to developing a thriving VCSE sector across Stoke-on-Trent to improve the quality of life for local communities.

We are looking for a reliable and proactive leader with senior leadership experience and strong partnership development skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of strategic planning, organisational leadership, and managing change, as well as good understanding of financial management, and significant knowledge of charity governance, funding environments, and commissioning landscapes.

The Chief Executive will provide the professional, strategic and leadership expertise required to direct and manage VAST, ensuring the organisation achieves its strategic aims and objectives. The postholder will lead the organisation’s staff and volunteers and ensure that the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Stoke‑on‑Trent can contribute fully to strategic planning, regeneration, inclusion and the wellbeing of local people.

Are you an inspirational leader looking for your next challenge? Would you like the opportunity to guide a respected mental health charity through the next exciting stage of its journey?

York Mind is a vibrant and compassionate organisation dedicated to promoting recovery from mental ill-health, improving emotional wellbeing and supporting independent living. Through a wide range of services, including 1:1 support, advocacy, social activities, training and workplace wellbeing programmes. York Mind provides both face-to-face and digital support to people across the region.

Driven by the belief that mental health matters and that everyone has the right to thrive, York Mind works tirelessly to challenge stigma and ensure that support is accessible to those who need it. Last year alone the organisation supported more than 4,500 people experiencing mental health challenges, helping them move towards healthier and more fulfilling lives. Guided by values such as Being Brave, Standing Up, Developing Together, Actively Seeking and Being Pragmatic, the team is united by a shared commitment to making a genuine difference.

We now have a career-defining opportunity for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead York Mind into its next chapter, strengthening its impact and ensuring more people receive the support they deserve.

The Role

The Chief Executive Officer will report to the Board of Trustees and will be responsible for the overall strategic leadership, management and development of York Mind.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing clear strategic leadership and direction for the organisation in line with its vision, mission and values.
• Working closely with the Board of Trustees to shape and deliver the long-term strategy and ensure effective governance.
• Leading and inspiring a committed team to deliver high-quality services that support recovery, wellbeing and independence.
• Ensuring strong financial management and sustainability, including developing income streams and funding opportunities.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with partners, commissioners, local authorities, communities and the wider voluntary sector.
• Championing mental health awareness and advocating for the needs of people experiencing mental ill-health across the region.

The Person

We are looking for an inspiring and values-driven leader who is passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing. The successful candidate will bring the credibility, energy and vision required to lead a growing and impactful charity.

Key skills and experience include:

• A strong track record of senior strategic leadership, ideally within the charity, public or health sector.
• Experience of working effectively with Boards or Trustees to deliver robust governance and organisational oversight.
• Demonstrable financial and organisational management experience, ensuring sustainability and operational excellence.
• Excellent networking, partnership and influencing skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to inspire staff, partners and the wider community.
• A genuine commitment to York Mind’s mission and values and to improving mental health outcomes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a highly respected organisation making a tangible difference to people’s lives. As CEO of York Mind, you will have the chance to shape the future of mental health support across the region, working with a passionate team and committed trustees to expand the charity’s reach and impact.

If you believe you could lead York Mind through the next phase of its journey, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date: 10th April

Interviews: 27th and 28th April

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Leanne at Charity Horizons.

To apply, please send a comprehensive CV and supporting statement outlining how your experience meets the person specification and your interest in the role.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format, such as audio or video upload, please contact either Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this.

Please also be aware that Charity Horizons use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition and pregnancy.

Catalyst is looking to recruit an exceptional leader to be our next Chief Executive.

Candidates should be values-driven, with a passion for leading an organisation which supports the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector (VCSE). As Chief Executive, you must have the skills and experience to lead the dedicated, professional staff and volunteers in developing our services based on the needs of the sector, fulfilling the requirements of our funders, and actively seeking other opportunities for partnership work with statutory, private and VCSE partners.

The successful candidate will combine strategic and operational skills and have experience of effective leadership, including facilitating change in this sector. The role is offered at a salary of £51,500, plus pension and 28 days holiday a year.

You can find out more information and how to apply at Catalyst Chief Executive – Catalyst Stockton

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Team Domenica
Location: Brighton & Hove (hybrid; 2-3 days per week on-site)
Salary: Circa £85,000
Contract: Permanent, Full time

Could you lead a warm, community-centred charity that turns specialist education and hospitality enterprises into sustained employment for young people with learning disabilities?

About Team Domenica

Team Domenica exists to help young people with learning disabilities build independent, fulfilling lives through sustained employment. Founded in 2016 by Baroness Rosa Monckton, the charity combines a Department for Education-recognised Specialist Further Education college, employment coaching and long-term employer support to achieve unrivalled outcomes for young people with learning  disabilities - around 80% of programme graduates move into paid work.

Over the last decade the organisation has supported more than 200 candidates and built a portfolio of social enterprises that provide genuine workplace training: Café Domenica and a coffee roastery. Most excitingly, we have recently opening The North Star pub. The North Star is a purpose-acquired, prime-location commercial venture adjacent to the Royal Pavilion, operating as a full-scale hospitality business (circa £1.3m turnover) and functioning as a peerless, day-to-day training environment for candidates while contributing vital unrestricted income. Now that the pub is fully up and running, it presents a major opportunity for commercial development. Growth to date has been rapid and successful, but the organisation now needs a Chief Executive who will consolidate operational foundations, secure sustainable trading and fundraising, and protect the quality and culture that make Team Domenica distinctive as we prepare for further growth.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategic Leadership & Direction - Set and deliver a strategy that balances growth, financial sustainability and strong employment outcomes for candidates.

• Commercial & Social Enterprise Performance - Lead the charity’s commercial enterprises, primarily The North Star pub, but also Café Domenica and the roastery - ensuring strong commercial performance and high-quality training opportunities.

• Fundraising & Income Growth - Diversify fundraising beyond founder-led networks, building sustainable income from trusts, corporates, major donors and individuals.

• Education & Programme Quality - Work with the Executive Director for Education to maintain high-quality, compliant specialist FE and supported internship provision.

• Organisational Leadership & Infrastructure - Strengthen operational foundations across finance, HR, systems and communications to support a growing, multi-site organisation.

• People & Culture - Provide visible leadership that supports staff, strengthens management and protects the charity’s candidate-centred culture.

• Partnerships & External Profile - Act as ambassador, building relationships with employers, partners and supporters to expand employment opportunities.

• Governance & Board Partnership - Work closely with trustees and the founder to strengthen governance and ensure long-term sustainability.

Who you are

• Seasoned senior leader with experience of running organisations of similar scale and complexity, including multi-site operations.

• Proven strategist with a strong track record of delivering organisational change, restructuring and sustainable growth.

• Confident commercial leader with P&L ownership and demonstrable success improving trading performance in hospitality, retail or other trading businesses.

• Experienced income generator in the charitable sector - trusts, major donors, corporate partnerships and individual giving.

• Credible and committed to specialist education and employment pathways for people with learning disabilities.

• Strong communicator and public spokesperson, comfortable with high-profile fundraising and stakeholder engagement.

• Financially literate, resilient and emotionally intelligent; visible, hands-on and pragmatic as a leader.
Desirable: direct hospitality experience, experience scaling social enterprises or knowledge of FE regulation/Ofsted would be advantageous.

Why Team Domenica?

• A proven, distinctive model that delivers real, long-term employment outcomes for young people with learning disabilities.

• A rare leadership role that combines mission-driven practice with commercial stewardship across cafés, a roastery and a training pub.

• Hybrid working with regular on-site engagement at Pavilion Buildings and social enterprise sites, offering visible day-to-day impact.

• The opportunity to shape national growth, with London the priority for careful expansion and a high-profile platform to influence practice nationally.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 6th April 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Contract: Permanent, 0.8-1.0 FTE

Location: Office (Stirling) or Hybrid

Salary:£55,000-62,000k FTE

Benefits: Generous Pension (up to 12% Employer + 6% Employee) & Holiday (full time holiday allowance starting at 28 days plus six bank holidays)

Closing Date:Thursday 30 April 2026

Interview Dates: Online – Friday 15 May 2026. In person, Stirling – Thursday 28 May 2026.

Circular Communities Scotland is a small but rapidly growing national charity, with a staff team of 12 and income of £527k last year. We are a membership network with a vision for a thriving circular economy in Scotland with local communities benefiting from the social, environmental, and economic outcomes. With a growing membership of over 270 charities, social enterprises and community groups we are always looking for new ways to support the reuse, repair and recycling Third Sector and see our vision become a reality.

Our outgoing CEO has taken Circular Communities Scotland to a strong position as a thriving charity with a strong track record of delivery. Are you the inspirational leader who can take forward our vitally important work in member support and representation in a challenging external environment?

We are determined to get the right person to join our strong team which is why we are open to exploring different options regarding place of work (office or hybrid) within Scotland. Post holders should be able to travel to our Stirling Office and central belt-based stakeholders about two days per week. At all levels of the organisation, we are strongly committed to staff wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion and we welcome and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups.

Full details about the role can be found in the job description and person specification which can be found on our website.

We ask applicants to submit a tailored 2-page CV and a 1-2 page covering letter setting out how you meet the requirements for this role. We want to hear your authentic voice in the application and would therefore discourage use of any AI generated content.

Applications should be uploaded to our recruitment portal before the closing date Thursday 30 April 2026. We would also appreciate the completion of our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form and submitting it as detailed in the portal.

Department: COO’s Office
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £115,000 per annum
Location: Home Based (UK wide travel as required)
Reports To: Chief Executive and Council Chair

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to help lead the organisation through the next phase of its development. Reporting to the Chief Executive and Council Chair, Phil Garrigan, and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the COO will play a critical role in driving organisational transformation and delivery. This will ensure NFCC is well positioned to achieve its ambitious new three-year strategy and delivery plan, including preparations for the proposed College of Fire and Rescue in 2029.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a professional, responsive and agile organisation that is focused on making a real difference to public safety.

NFCC is a charity and membership organisation dedicated to making communities safer by providing national leadership, coordination and professional expertise across UK fire and rescue services. Working at NFCC offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to public safety, national resilience and the continuous improvement of an essential public service.

Operating at the intersection of operational practice, policy, assurance and system leadership, NFCC supports fire and rescue services to collaborate effectively, respond to complex and emerging risks, and maintain the highest professional standards. We work closely with government, regulators, emergency service partners and sector stakeholders to ensure that the collective voice of fire and rescue leaders is influential, credible and evidence-led.

As a values-driven organisation and registered charity, NFCC is committed to ethical leadership, transparency and public benefit. We foster a culture that is inclusive, collaborative and rooted in service to communities. Our people are trusted professionals, empowered to lead, innovate and deliver meaningful impact, supported by robust governance, assurance and accountability frameworks.

NFCC is a modern, agile organisation with a fully remote workforce. This enables us to attract and retain talented individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, while supporting flexible, inclusive and high-performing ways of working. We place strong emphasis on wellbeing, professional development and continuous learning, recognising that our effectiveness depends on the capability, integrity and commitment of our people.

Joining NFCC means working on issues of national significance, influencing the future of fire and rescue services, and helping to strengthen the resilience and safety of the communities we serve. If you are motivated by public service and professional excellence, have a strong focus on delivery and impact, and bring experience in leading business transformation and organisational change, this role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to operate at the highest level of leadership.

The Selection Process

How to apply:

If you are interested in this role and think you have the skills and experience we need, please do look at the Job description on the NFCC website.

Candidates are invited to submit their CV and a covering letter setting out how they can meet the requirements set out in the job description. Please email this to the Recruitment mailbox (details found on the NFCC Website) by 23rd April 2026.

Tests for shortlisted candidates are likely to be Week commencing 4th May 2026

Interviews taking place on the 18th & 19th May 2026

NFCC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and will require a DBS check to be completed prior to commencing in post.

NFCC is committed to being an inclusive employer. We comply with the Equality Act 2010, and we believe that everyone deserves to work in safe environments that are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, abuse, and harm, where they feel supported, welcome, and able to thrive.

NFCC acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice, all staff are expected to share this commitment.

Manager (Chief Executive) – Chorlton Good Neighbours
Location: Chorlton, Manchester
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full time

Could you be the steady, friendly, hands-on leader who helps more people in Chorlton feel connected, fulfilled and valued?

About Chorlton Good Neighbours
Chorlton Good Neighbours is a small, well-loved neighbourhood charity with roots back to the late 1960s, working to reduce loneliness and support older people across Chorlton and adjacent neighbourhoods. Our work is local, practical and volunteer-led: befriending, home visits, transport, weekly activities, monthly teas, intergenerational groups and occasional day trips are all delivered with warmth and care.

Our volunteer base is extraordinary - around 100 volunteers support drivers, befrienders, activity leads, admin roles and trustees - and in 2024–25 we supported 474 people in total. Funding is a mixed model of public grants, local donations and modest earned income and the charity holds healthy funds to deliver our work.

This is a practical, hands-on, delivery-focused leadership role: you will lead a neighbourhood organisation through planned transition, preserving the community culture that makes CGN trusted, while introducing proportionate systems and succession approaches that secure its future. You will also spend substantial time supporting and supervising volunteers and facilitating activities alongside strategic duties.

As our next Manager (Chief Executive), you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead the development and delivery of a clear long-term strategy that sustains CGN’s neighbourhood impact and reduces social isolation amongst older people.

• Governance & Finance: Strengthen proportionate financial controls, grant monitoring and reporting while working closely with trustees including the Treasurer.

• Operational Leadership: Manage day-to-day delivery of volunteer-led services and introduce accessible procedures and safeguarding arrangements.

• Income Generation: Support fundraising and bid activity to secure multi-year funding and diversify local income streams.

• Community & Partnerships: Act as CGN’s visible ambassador, maintaining and developing relationships with Manchester City Council, NHS partners and local organisations.

• Volunteer Development: Recruit, induct and support volunteers and facilitators, building a resilient volunteer pipeline and clear role pathways.

• Brand & Profile: Promote CGN’s offer across local channels to maintain footfall, attract new supporters and celebrate members’ stories.

• Premises & Risk: Work with trustees on lease and premises issues and maintain a robust risk register to protect continuity of service.

Who you are

• An experienced, hands-on manager with significant experience of running small, community-facing charities or local services and a hands-on approach to operational delivery.

• Demonstrable expertise in recruiting, supporting and retaining volunteers, with confidence in DBS/safeguarding practice and volunteer supervision.

• Highly organised with strong event/activity planning skills, practical problem solving and attention to detail.

• Financially literate - comfortable with budgeting, grant monitoring and basic financial controls and able to work with volunteer finance leads.

• An excellent communicator: approachable, diplomatic and skilled at building trust with older people, volunteers, trustees and statutory partners.

• Values driven, emotionally resilient and committed to inclusivity and dignity in later life.

• Desirable: experience of Age-Friendly programmes or befriending schemes and local credibility or knowledge of Manchester/South Manchester.

Why Chorlton Good Neighbours?

• Meaningful local impact - lead a well-regarded neighbourhood charity with deep community trust and a broad activities programme.

• Strong volunteer culture - join an organisation supported by around 100 committed volunteers and an engaged trustee board.

• Secure footing to build from - healthy funds and a clear focus on securing multi-year funding and premises.

• Hands-on role with strategic scope - keep delivery at the heart of the job while developing proportionate systems and succession planning.

• Supportive transition - trustees have planned a careful handover and you will be supported through induction and the subsequent recruitment of a part-time assistant.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 13th April 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

OTR is at an important point in its journey. We have a strong foundation, a dedicated team and an engaged Board, alongside a growing demand for our services and a changing external environment. This creates both opportunity and complexity.

We are looking for a CEO who can lead the organisation through this next phase, balancing strategic direction with a clear focus on what is realistically achievable. This includes strengthening how we align our services, delivery and resources to ensure we can continue to support young people in a sustainable way.

As CEO, you will lead a values-driven, person-centred organisation and work closely with the team and Board to provide clarity, direction and stability. You will build strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, and play a key role in shaping our approach to income generation and longer-term sustainability.

We are looking for a collaborative and thoughtful leader with senior experience in the third sector, who is comfortable operating in a complex and evolving environment. You will bring strong judgement, financial awareness and the ability to make and communicate clear decisions.

This is a significant leadership opportunity to shape the future of support for young people in BaNES, while ensuring the organisation remains grounded in its values and responsive to the realities it operates within.

The role

We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Chief Operating Officer to support our non-clinical operations.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will:

• Lead governance, compliance and risk management
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory and statutory requirements
• Drive operational performance, efficiency and continuous improvement
• Support delivery of strategic objectives and organisational growth
• Lead business continuity and organisational resilience planning
• Act as Data Protection Officer
• Work closely with Trustees, NHS partners and external stakeholders

This is a key senior leadership role, critical to ensuring safe, effective and sustainable service delivery.

About you

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in an operational role
• Strong expertise in governance, compliance and risk management
• Experience within a regulated environment (e.g. charity, healthcare, public sector)
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to deliver operationally
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Why join us?

• A supportive, values-led organisation
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day
• Generous annual leave (plus birthday off)
• Pension, EAP and life assurance
• Free on-site parking

Safeguarding & inclusion

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS where appropriate.

We welcome applications from underrepresented groups and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Chief Executive Officer

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to take on the executive leadership of a highly respected and effective charity working within and around Cambridge.

Join a charity that aims to protect, enhance and celebrate the landscape, heritage and nature that make Cambridge a special place, for today and for generations to come.

Position: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Cambridge/Hybrid (1 day per week working from home)

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (part-time or job share considered)

Salary: £65 - £75k dependent on skills and experience. 

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: 33 days annual holiday entitlement pro rata, includes allowance for Bank Holidays.  Pension contribution of up to 5% of gross pay. Flexible delivery of hours. Remote working options. Free on-site parking

Closing Date: 5pm on Monday 13 April.

The Role

This charity is a small but complex organisation. It owns greenspaces, nature reserves and historic properties that welcome thousands of visitors every year; it runs a busy outdoor education and events programme and delivers civic initiatives such as the Blue Plaque scheme for Cambridge; it is a driving force in the Cambridge Nature Network; it responds to hundreds of planning proposals that could have a harmful impact on Cambridge’s landscapes, nature or special character and runs major campaigns when needed. It combines hands-on land and property management with being a highly respected and effective voice influencing the sustainable development of Cambridge.

The CEO is responsible for ensuring that all green spaces and historic buildings in the charity’s care are protected and enhanced, and that the influence on the development of the greater Cambridge area is as strong as it can be. Balancing demands across all areas of the charity’s work is a major part of the role, informed by a strategy and strategic plan that guides prioritisation and focus in any given year. You will play a primary role in local advocacy, influence and the development of external partnerships and opportunities, and support the staff team in delivering the other areas. 

Main areas of responsibility include:

• Inspiring and Supportive Leadership
• Strategy Development and Delivery
• People and Organisation Development
• Finance and Governance
• Influence and Advocacy

About You

With sound finances and a small but effective staff team, we are looking for an inspirational and supportive leader who has the experience and knowledge required to help the charity flourish and rise to the opportunities and challenges of the coming years.

You will bring with you the following key skills and experience:

• Degree or equivalent higher professional qualification, in management or a subject relevant to the role.
• Experience managing a team at a senior level.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a senior team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills across multiple audiences.
• Proven ability to network, advocate and positively influence at a high level.
• Experience of collaborative and partnership working to achieve more impact.
• Good professional understanding or experience of managing either natural habitats or built heritage, or both. 
• Experience in strategy development and delivery, turning an ambitious vision into actionable plans.
• Experience of developing projects and project management, delivering practical outcomes to time and to budget.
• Experience in budgeting and financial management across multiple work areas.
• An understanding of town planning issues and the English development process, or willingness to learn.
• A good negotiator who can listen, influence, respond and follow up appropriately.
• High levels of self-awareness, emotional intelligence and empathy.
• Competency with a range of IT software and communications mechanisms.

Our ideal candidate will live within Cambridge or the surrounding region and have had senior management experience in a relevant organisation. If this sounds like you then apply today!

A full clean driving licence and proof of the right to work in the UK are required for this role.

When applying you will be asked to submit a CV and Cover Letter. Please note that we are unable to consider anyone for the role if they haven’t submitted both documents.

About the Organisation

The charity cares for the green setting of Cambridge and its most valuable landscapes and is working to enhance and connect them for nature and people. They inspire people of all ages to get outdoors and help them to enjoy, learn about and get involved with their local environment, heritage and culture.

You may also have experience in roles such as CEO, Chief Exec, Managing Director, Head of Operations, Deputy CEO, Deputy Chief Exec, Chief Executive Officer, Department Head, Head of. #INDNFP

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with Emmaus Hastings & Rother to recruit an inspiring and values-driven Chief Executive.

Location: St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex (TN37)
Salary: circa £55,000 per annum

This is a rare opportunity to lead a truly unique organisation supporting people who have experienced homelessness through community, purpose and meaningful work.

About the organisation

Part of the wider Emmaus UK federation, Emmaus Hastings & Rother offers more than accommodation — it provides a home, belonging and opportunities to rebuild lives through its social enterprise. The community supports up to 23 companions working across two retail sites.

About the role

As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic, operational and cultural leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers on its mission while remaining sustainable and forward-thinking.

You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers and companions to create a safe, inclusive and empowering environment, while leading on:

• Strategic planning and governance
• Financial sustainability and organisational performance
• Social enterprise growth and innovation
• Safeguarding and regulatory compliance
• Community development and companion support
• External partnerships and stakeholder engagement

This is a hands-on leadership role where visibility, compassion and strong decision-making are key.

About you

We are seeking a confident and empathetic leader with a strong track record in senior management.

You will bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience in a charity, social enterprise or complex organisation
• Experience managing budgets, operations and organisational risk
• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams
• Confidence working with boards and governance structures
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• A strong alignment with the Emmaus ethos of solidarity and community
• Emotional intelligence, resilience and a practical, hands-on approach
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Experience in homelessness, supported housing or social enterprise is desirable but not essential.

To receive the full job pack or arrange an informal discussion, please submit your CV.

Please note, CVs are reviewed on a rolling basis, and due to the high volume of applications, only suitable candidates will be contacted with further information. The deadline for full applications is 13th April, so please express your interest before this date.

 As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Chief Executive Officer

Our client has been providing independent advocacy for vulnerable people in Solihull for over 25 years.

They are now looking for a new Chief Executive Officer to join the team in this pivotal position.

If you are a collaborative, hands-on leader who can balance strategic vision with operational impact… then apply today!

Position: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Solihull, Hybrid

Hours: 37 hours per week (flexible working options considered)

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £45,000 FTE

Closing date: 15th April 2026

The organisation supports adults and young people with a learning disability or autism, who also may be experiencing poor mental health or complex life circumstance. It supports people to have their say, understand their rights and be fully involved in decisions about their lives and ensures their voices are heard and their choices are respected.

Rooted in the local community, its small and dedicated teams are known for their person-centred approach, strong values and commitment to social justice. Enabling people to live healthier, happier and independent lives is central to their work.

The organisation is entering an exciting period of development, with opportunities to strengthen partnerships, diversify income and deepen its impact.

About the Opportunity

We are recruiting for an inspiring and values-led CEO to lead SAtA into an exciting period of development, with opportunities to strengthen partnerships, diversify income and deepen our impact. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will guide the organisation’s strategy, people, partnerships and resources to maximise positive outcomes for local people. You will also act as the charity’s senior ambassador, strengthening and growing relationships with commissioners, funders and partners.

You will:

• Inspire and support people (staff and volunteers) to deliver their best for the people they serve.
• Lead the development and delivery of the strategic plan, translating vision into practical outcomes.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality advocacy services and community projects that champion the voice of lived experience and are underpinned by robust performance monitoring and strong operational systems.
• Build and strengthen influential partnerships and represent them locally, regionally and nationally.
• Develop deep insight into health and social care systems and champion the role of advocacy.
• Support the Board to meet its legal and regulatory duties, providing clear data on performance, finance and risk, to inform decision making.
• Ensure financial sustainability, including robust financial planning, budgeting, income generation and contract management.

About You

• You will bring a blend of strategic leadership, operational confidence and a genuine commitment to advocating for those the organisation serve.
• You will be comfortable leading a small organisation, where flexibility, pragmatism and a willingness to be hands on are key to success.
• With senior leadership experience you will have a record of building trusted relationships internally and with external partners.
• You will have developed cultures built on collaboration and respect that motivate and support.
• Your awareness of funding and/or managing contracts will be underpinned by strong financial management and budget oversight and you will be able to demonstrate how you can work closely with a Board, supporting good governance.

This is your opportunity to make a transformational impact in a vital charity and make a real difference for the people the organisation serve.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce.

We are open to flexible working arrangements and encourage candidates to discuss options that support their needs.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

You may have experience in roles such as CEO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, Operations, Director.

CEO

• Salary for FTE: £62,000 - £75,000 dependant on experience
• 38 hours a week over 5 days (flexibility for right candidate)
• Home-based with travel for events and meetings

Reporting into the Board of Trustees, we are seeking an inspirational CEO for the PDA Society, who can lead with humility and curiosity, empowering and supporting our staff along the journey. They will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity and its staff and volunteers, and will oversee the development of our training products, research and support services, whilst ensuring sustainable growth in impact and income.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a trusted enterprise within the PDA community with a strong mission and a committed, values driven team. The successful candidate will be passionate about improving the lives of PDAers and their families. You will be energetic, creative and bring new ideas for enhancing the charity’s reputation, through nurturing existing relationships and developing new ones to achieve the charities goals. Our ideal candidate will have lived experience of autism, PDA or other neurodivergence although this is not essential.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 22nd April 2026

Interviews with Trustees:  April / May 2026

Context and Purpose of the Role

After five years of dedicated leadership, GROW’s Managing Director is moving on. We are now seeking an exceptional, values-led leader to guide GROW through the next phase of our 2030 strategy and help realise our ambition to become a movement-shaping force within agroecology.

GROW is entering a pivotal stage of growth. Our focus now is on strengthening team capacity, centring community voice, developing pathways to leadership and employment, deepening hyper-local networks, and contributing more visibly to the agroecology sector.

With strong financial foundations, a committed team, and a long-standing partnership with a progressive secondary school, this is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation uniquely positioned at the intersection of farming, education, and community action.

The Managing Director will provide clear strategic direction and overall leadership, ensuring GROW remains responsibly-governed, financially resilient, and grounded in its agroecological values. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, they will nurture and inspire a multidisciplinary team of 16 employees and freelancers, strengthen key partnerships, and guide the organisation’s continued development and impact.

Job Title: Managing Director
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Salary: £48,000-£53,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time, 40 hours per week (9am-5pm with 1-hour paid lunch break)
Location: Hybrid. Minimum 3 days a week on site at The Totteridge Academy, Barnet Lane, N20 8AZ (more days on site expected for the first 3-6 months)
Pension: GROW participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 30% off all GROW Farm produce, annual training budget, subsidised lunches, and a generous holiday allowance of 28 days plus bank holidays.
Probation period: 6 months

GROW is a site-based organisation, and our farm sits at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for a Managing Director who is as comfortable talking with students, volunteers and visitors as they are shaping strategy and leading the organisation’s future. This is a role for a thoughtful, adaptable and hands-on leader who can hold the big picture while staying closely connected to our farm, outdoor programmes and the communities we work alongside.

Leadership at GROW is practical, relational and rooted in place. One day you might be gathering feedback from our Student Board of Advisors, listening to how our programmes are working for the young people who shape them. The next, you might be at the farm stall chatting with local community members selling jars of GROW’s homemade pickles. The Managing Director helps ensure that these everyday moments remain central to the organisation.

The successful candidate will lead a small, committed team of 16 staff, nurturing a culture that is collaborative, knowledgeable and grounded in our values. They will guide GROW’s strategic direction while staying attentive to the daily rhythms of farm and school life that make it a vibrant place for learning, growing and connection. 

Trustees recognise the breadth of this role and are committed to strengthening the organisation’s operational capacity. An early priority for the new Managing Director will be to shape and secure support for an additional capacity-building role that complements their leadership and enables GROW to thrive in the years ahead.

1. Strategy, Governance & Risk

• Provide overall leadership and strategic development of the charity.
• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Trustees quarterly.
• Ensure charity policies and legal guidelines are up to date, clearly communicated, and embedded in everyday culture.
• Ensure statutory filings (e.g. Charity Commission, Companies House) are accurate and timely.
• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including charity law, employment law, data protection, health & safety, safeguarding, and environmental regulations.
• Lead on crisis management and serious incident reporting.
• Prepare high-quality written reports for Board and sub-committee meetings.
• Advise Trustees on strategic opportunities, risks, and sector trends. Support Trustee recruitment, induction, and development.
• Enable Trustees to fulfil their governance responsibilities effectively.
• Engage relevant professional expertise where appropriate to support decision making. 

2. Operations, Education & Farm

• Ensure operational resilience, deputising and covering critical functions during staff absence.
• Work closely with Education Leads to develop the quality of our educational
• programmes, ensuring they align with agroecological principles.
• Ensure thorough Risk Assessments are completed, communicated, and
• implemented for all activities and programmes.
• Support the income generation strategy for the Farm.
• Support the Farm Manager with infrastructure development, including planning permission applications.

3. Finance & Fundraising

• Act as the main point of contact for the charity’s accountants.
• Develop and oversee organisational budgets, leading annual budget-setting and ongoing monthly, quarterly, and forecast reviews.
• Develop and deliver the annual income generation and fundraising strategy with the Head of Fundraising.
• Oversee effective impact reporting with the Head of Fundraising.
• Develop and implement plans to improve cost-efficiency.
• Support the completion of large and complex fundraising bids.

4. Partnerships

• Act as the main point of contact for GROW’s key partner, The Totteridge Academy (TTA), and the Academy Trust, United Learning, to ensure the partnership is effective and positive.
• Build and develop partnerships with schools, youth services, local authority, community growing networks and organisations to support the long-term development of educational programmes and participant recruitment and local environmental impact.

5. Marketing & Profile

• Oversee the charity’s overall marketing and communications strategy.
• Retain strategic oversight of all core marketing and communications, including the press opportunities, charity’s website, printed materials, and promotional content, ensuring that GROW’s voice, values, and impact are communicated clearly and consistently.
• Build and enhance the charity’s public profile through events, speaking engagements, and external representation.

6. People, HR & Safeguarding

• Manage and support the team to effectively perform their roles and develop within GROW, ensuring staff are fully trained and confident with organisational policies.
• Lead the recruitment and onboarding of all staff in line with Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Safeguarding policies, and Safer Recruitment best practice.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensure compliance with any safeguarding requirements set by partner school, The Totteridge Academy.
• Be rigorously mindful of child safeguarding at all times, embedding safeguarding policies in everyday culture and remain up to date with relevant legislation and training.
• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.
• Develop progressive internal systems, policies, and training that promote a fair, inclusive, and supportive workplace, grounded in our agroecological principles.
• Ensuring the organisation is GDPR compliant and acts as the Data Protection Lead.

7. Values & Culture

• Act as a role model for GROW’s guiding agroecological principles and organisational values in all internal and external relationships.
• Create a supportive, nurturing, high-trust culture in which staff and freelancers can thrive.
• Champion a culture of reflection, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Centre community voice in decision making, governance, and organisational strategy

Direct reports:
Farm Manager
TTA Education Lead
Senior Facilitator
Head of Fundraising
Freelance Programme Leads

This job description is not exhaustive; as a small and evolving charity, flexibility is essential and all staff are expected to take a hands-on approach and support wider organisational needs where required.
 

Person Specification

Essential Personal Qualities

• Strong alignment with GROW’s mission, agroecological principles, and organisational values.
• Ability to lead and nurture a strong, cohesive, and collaborative team intuitively
• and with empathy.
• Resilient and adaptable.
• Calm under pressure.
• Collaborative by nature and solution-focussed in approach.
• Strong commitment to inclusive working practices and social justice.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience working in a Senior Leadership role within a not-for-profit,
• education, and/or environmental sectors.
• Experience of building and maintaining successful partnership work, for example
• with farms, schools, local authorities, funders, and/or community organisations.
• Significant experience of managing and developing staff and freelancers in a
• small team.
• Proven ability to lead organisational strategy and translate it into operational plans.
• Experience working with, and reporting to, a Board or governing body.
• Experience of financial management, including budgets, forecasting, and working with accountants.
• Track record in contributing to fundraising, including securing major bids.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and risk in a regulated environment.
• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth, or community context.
• Understanding of legal, progressive and inclusive HR systems and policies.
• Ability to develop and oversee marketing and communications that clearly articulate organisational mission, build community engagement and support financial sustainability.
• Demonstrable experience handling and reviewing legal documentation, including contracts, leases, and formal agreements.

Essential Skills & Abilities

• Strategic thinker, able to see and drive forward the “big picture” while managing operational detail.
• Skilled and inclusive people manager, able to motivate, develop, and challenge others.
• Excellent, adaptable and confident communication skills.
• Ability to prioritise and manage a broad and competing workload.
• Effective decision-making and ability to work independently with accountability.
• Strong relationship-builder with credibility across diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to lead teams through change and uncertainty.
• Strong organisational and administrative capability.
• Sound judgement and a high level of discretion when handling confidential or sensitive matters.

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of agroecological farming.
• Experience working with local councils, schools, academy trusts, and authorities.
• Knowledge of charity and regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of the local Barnet area.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

At GROW we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified and eligible applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, gender identity or expression, race, national origin, religion or belief,
disability, age, sexual orientation or pregnancy and maternity. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, especially those who are under-represented in the charity and food growing sectors. This includes, but is not limited to, people from the global majority, neurodivergent individuals, and those with a range of lived experiences. 

We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community and brings a rich mix of perspectives, skills, cultures, and ways of thinking.