Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Refuge’s work has never been more important. When the first safe house for women and children opened in Chiswick in 1971, domestic abuse was largely seen as being black eyes and broken bones, something which happened behind closed doors. Now, it is recognised that domestic abuse can take many forms and can be more complex and difficult to spot. It can include abuse via technology, economic abuse, coercive control, emotional abuse and sexual abuse.

Over the past two years, we have had some significant successes at Refuge. At our core, we are the largest single provider of specialist domestic abuse services for women and their children across the country. We run the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, the gateway to frontline services. Every two minutes, someone turns to Refuge for help. As well as our frontline services, we also advocate and campaign for policy and legislative change.

We are seeking a new CEO to advance the organisation's mission and impact. We are looking for a CEO for Refuge that is a visionary and strategic leader, who is passionate about ending domestic abuse and empowering survivors. Refuge is already a leading force in the sector, but we know we can do more to create positive change and make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence.

The new CEO will lead the development and delivery of the strategic plan for the organisation at a pivotal time in our history. Continuing to raise our external profile, they will develop and leverage strategic partnerships that further our mission as a feminist force for good. They will drive the organisation to long-term financial sustainability and relentlessly nurture a culture that is kind, inclusive, compassionate, open, empowering, bold and never shies away from the challenges ahead.

You will have experience in a similar leadership role, preferably within the not-for-profit sector, overseeing complex organisations. Experience in both leading and delivering substantial change is crucial. You will have a strong grasp of business planning principles and risk management, including service delivery risk. A proven track record of setting and achieving strategic and operational targets is essential.

Please note this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.