Chief Executive Officer

Asylum Link Merseyside (ALM) is seeking a transformational leader to take this highly respected local charity to its next phase of development. This is an exciting opportunity to lead, shape and grow the organisation, a leading charity within the asylum seeking sector in Merseyside. ALM was established over 20 years ago and has grown significantly in reach, scope and prominence during this time. The organisation offers an unparalleled range of services and expertise for asylum seekers in Merseyside. It is a vibrant and dynamic charity required to show versatility and respond to the ever-changing demands of the policy landscape and the increasingly complex needs and challenges within the asylum sector. 

The CEO is responsible for the overall leadership, management and strategic direction of the organisation. They will work closely with the Board of Trustees, staff, and key stakeholders to ensure the charity fulfils its mission and achieves its goals to provide support to some of the most vulnerable people in society. They will lead a highly committed team of staff with dedication, leadership and creativity, underlined by deep empathy and understanding for those going through the asylum system. The CEO will act as an ambassador for the charity and play a key role in maintaining and further raising its profile, as well as ensuring financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

- Lead on the development and implementation of the strategic plan to further strengthen ALM’s impact.

- Ensure that ALM’s mission, vision, and values are clearly articulated and upheld, and reflected in the day-to day running of the organisation.

Staff Leadership and Development:

- Lead, inspire, and motivate the staff team of 10 to achieve the charity’s objectives and create a positive workplace culture.

- Put in place a system of staff performance development and appraisal, and prioritise staff support and well-being.

- Manage the recruitment and retention of staff, ensuring appropriate training and development opportunities are available.

Operational Management:

- Oversee the delivery of high quality services and projects through effective leadership, oversight and delegation.

- Ensure ALM’s significant and dedicated team of volunteers is supported and deployed to maximise their skillset for the benefit of the charity and its service users.

- Oversight of ALM’s physical resources including premises and equipment. 

Governance, Compliance and Risk Management: 

- Work closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure effective and transparent governance including the development, review and implementation of policies.

- Take the necessary actions to ensure the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements and work with the Trustees to Identify, analyse and mitigate organisational risks. 

Fundraising and Financial Management: 

- Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to provide long term sustainability. 

- Maintain and build relationships with trusts, foundations and other donors that support the work of the charity.

- Lead financial planning and manage the budget, ensuring effective use of resources and financial accountability.

External Representation: 

- Build strong relationships with key external partners, including local authorities, government agencies, and third sector organisations. 

- Act as the public face of ALM, champion the charity’s cause, develop key messaging and promote its mission to a wide audience, including dealing with challenging and sensitive contexts. 

Key Skills & Experience Required:

• Leadership: Previous experience as a CEO or senior manager in the third sector is highly desirable. Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, set a clear vision, develop and implement strategies, implement change and drive organisational success is required.
• Fundraising Expertise: Experience in fundraising, partnership building, and donor relations.
• Financial Management: Strong understanding of budgeting, financial planning, and financial management.
• Governance: Familiarity with UK charity governance and compliance requirements.
• Problem-Solving Skills:  Ability to deal positively with challenges, be pro-active, have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and demonstrate resilience.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. High level of emotional intelligence, ability to engage and work with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Knowledge of the Refugee and Asylum Sector. Experience of working in the asylum and refugee sector is desirable. Empathy and understanding for those going through the asylum system is essential.
• Values: a strong commitment to social justice and to the charity’s mission and values.

Candidates must have right to work in the UK. Applications from people with lived experience of the asylum system are particularly encouraged.