Chief Executive Officer

Who we are

There are nearly a million people in the UK who live with a form of dementia, and despite the progress being made in the search for a cure, it is unlikely to come quick enough to help them. For these people, what’s essential is to find the best way of living with their dementia.

‘Our Dementia Choir’ began as part of a documentary created for BBC1 in 2018. The two-part series saw acclaimed actress Vicky McClure take us on a deeply personal journey where she sets out to discover the true extent of music’s power in combatting dementia.  Vicky knows only too well the cruelness of dementia having helped care for her grandma who died in 2015.  Vicky also saw the amazing effect the music had in calming her down as well as giving glimpses of the old “Nana”. 

Today, we work with carers and volunteers to hold regular rehearsals for choir members, each living with dementia.  The Choir gives regular performances, and is involved in a range of community projects. As a leading voice on the power of music for people living with dementia in Nottingham, the Charity’s aim is to bring the power of music to other communities and organisations within the UK.

About the role

Our Dementia Choir is seeking a dynamic, compassionate, experienced CEO to lead the team supporting the choir and the charity as it moves into a new stage of development.

As an experienced CEO, you will be responsible for the day to day running of the charity, adherence to the requirements of the charity commission as well as ensuring the charity delivers on its mission and vision – ensuring operational excellence to support all choir members and their carers.

This role requires a leader with a proven track record of excellent people skills, organisational management, clear understanding of charity governance and correct procedures, creative thinking and highly effective collaboration and organisation. You will be a team player and have the ability to foster a positive, inclusive and productive organisational culture within the team as well as across the organisation as a whole.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Lead the development and execution of the strategic plan; ensuring the Charity's vision and objectives are implemented, clearly documented and effectively communicated to all relevant stakeholders.

Identify, build and maintain relevant opportunities for partnerships and collaborations that enhance the Charity's impact and reach.

Operational Management

Maintain a detailed understanding and responsibility of all key workstreams, activities and related processes across the Charity. 

Ensure compliance with current policies, regulatory standards and procedures, particularly the Charity Commission and ICO.

Team Leadership and Development

Inspire, motivate, and mentor team members and volunteers, encouraging them to foster the same in their practices. 

Create a collaborative work environment where all employees can flourish, are motivated and feel a sense of purpose.

Programme and Project Management

Lead the effective delivery of the Charity’s current programmes and partnerships, whilst working with the Engagement Manager to identify new partnerships and development opportunities.

Stakeholder Engagement

Represent the Charity externally where relevant and appropriate, shaping its image and reputation through engagement with partners in the statutory, private, and voluntary sectors. 

Develop and embed a stakeholder engagement strategy to strengthen relationships.

Financial Management

Ensure the financial health and sustainability of the Charity and manage the day-to-day finances of the Charity.

Create and implement a fundraising plan that will consider identification of diversifying income streams, have documented plans and related timelines, to secure financial support for the Charity and  future initiatives.  

Policy and Advocacy

Advocate for policies that support the charity’s mission and goals. 

Engage with local policymakers to promote the Charity's strategic vision.

Communication

Manage the Charity’s brand and ensure regular communication about the delivery of services and client feedback.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our Dementia Choir strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where everyone can be themselves. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff, encouraging applications from individuals regardless of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, or belief.

We are looking for someone who can;

• Champion the charity’s mission.
• Champion supporting those affected by dementia through the power of music.
• Adhere to and lead on the implementation of the charity’s policies and procedures.
• Work with the Board to develop the Charity in its next phase of development.
• Take responsibility for their learning and development for those in the team and the whole organisation.
• Deliver their work professionally to deadlines and at a high level.
• Lead on furthering a culture of inclusion and collaboration,

Person Specification and Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Minimum of 2 years experience in a senior leadership role within the charity sector.
• High level of understanding of charity compliance and governance.
• Have a good understanding of dementia, its impact on people living with the condition and those who care for them.
• Previous experience in financial planning, bidding and budgeting.
• Experience of developing and implementing organisational strategies and adapting action plans.
• Significant experience in fostering and promoting team and partnership working, and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• A strategic thinker with strong business acumen, a vision to driver the charity forward, but most importantly a people first leader.
• An adaptive leadership style with the ability to influence others and balance complex workloads.
• A clear and concise communicator who engages and supports a positive organisational culture.

Desirable: 

• Degree level or further training in relevant areas such as management, leadership, finance, governance.
• Ability to create an inclusive culture, building diverse teams and ensuring EDI strategy is embedded.

The post will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal Records Check, from either the Disclosure and Barring Service (England & Wales), Disclosure Scotland Check (Scotland) or AccessNI (Northern Ireland).

Further Information

Hours: 35hrs (to be worked flexibly – to be agreed depending on schedule of the Charity)

Location: Hybrid