Senior executive jobs

Lead a nationally significant youth development and outdoor learning programme that changes young lives at sea.
Join Tall Ships Youth Trust in a senior leadership role shaping pathways, partnerships and life-changing opportunities for young people across the UK.

Tall Ships Youth Trust is looking for an exceptional Director of Youth Development & Outdoor Learning to lead and grow our youth development offer at a pivotal moment in our strategy. This is a rare opportunity to combine mission, leadership and commercial thinking in a role that directly expands opportunities for young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds.

You will shape the journey young people take with us, from their first voyage to longer-term development, training, employment and progression opportunities.

Through a combination of outdoor learning and sail training frameworks you will engage educational and youth leaders, apprenticeship providers and sector corporate partners to establish multiple pathways for young people in the UK. You’ll identify and create networks across the UK with education and youth development clients, outdoor learning providers and national organisations that offer leadership and development opportunities for young people. Ensuring that our three-voyage programme and space in between is employed as their preferred option for the personal and social development of the young people that they are responsible for.

This includes trading income generation for groups and individuals, while also supporting fundraising by developing business in geographies and communities that align with geographically restricted funding secured by the Trust.

You will also lead Tall Ships Youth Trust on its journey towards appropriate Kite marks, accreditation and quality marks to establish our credentials in the youth development and outdoor learning sectors. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced international advocacy professional to lead our global engagement strategy as our inaugural Head of Advocacy. You will be joining us at a pivotal moment on our mission as we continue to develop and implement our international engagement strategy and launch a new Global Institute for the 1001 Critical Days. As our Head of Advocacy you will elevate our influence on the global stage. You will work with our senior team to drive international advocacy and engagement with policymakers, parliamentarians, international organisations, and strategic partners. Your work will help us to position babies – and the 1,001 critical days – at the heart of global policy agendas.

To apply please click on the redirect to recruiter button. 

Do you have proven experience of working in an advice related environment, where there has been a focus on financial and housing issues, plus a real desire to help improve people’s financial health? Then join Shelter as a Senior Partnerships Manager and you could soon be responsible for managing our innovative Breaking the Cycle programme.

About Breaking the Cycle

Breaking the Cycle is an innovative access-to-banking programme led by Shelter, designed to help people with no fixed address take a vital step out of homelessness by gaining access to basic banking services. Delivered in partnership with HSBC UK and a nationwide network of charities and local organisations, the programme supports vulnerable individuals—including those experiencing rough sleeping, seeking asylum, or escaping domestic abuse—to become financially included. Recognised by HM Treasury as a key initiative within its 2025 Financial Inclusion Strategy, Breaking the Cycle is now expanding through a 12-month pilot with five major high street banks, alongside UK Finance, representing over 300 firms across the sector.

About the role

The Senior Partnerships Manager will lead and shape the expansion of the Breaking the Cycle programme at Shelter, providing strategic direction and overseeing relationships with key financial institutions including HSBC UK, Barclays, Santander UK, Nationwide Building Society, Lloyds Banking Group and NatWest Group. Responsible for delivering a high-profile expansion pilot in collaboration with UK Finance and HM Treasury, the role combines senior stakeholder management with programme leadership—driving growth, managing risk, and ensuring strong governance and safeguarding.

Leading a team of Partnership Executives, the postholder will oversee onboarding of new partners, refine processes, negotiate complex agreements, and ensure effective delivery across a diverse charity network. They will also play a key role in promoting the programme through campaigns and external engagement, while delivering robust reporting, identifying future growth opportunities—including digital expansion—and securing long-term investment and impact.

About you

We’re looking for a confident and collaborative professional with proven experience managing complex, multi-partner programmes or projects across diverse organisations. You’ll bring a strong understanding of financial inclusion or similar initiatives, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders—from senior leaders to frontline delivery teams.

Comfortable presenting both in-person and online, you’ll also have experience chairing steering groups and driving alignment across partners. You’ll be a team player who works effectively with internal colleagues to deliver wider organisational goals, and you’ll be confident using a range of IT tools, including Microsoft Office and reporting systems, to manage, track and communicate impact.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

How to apply 

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit your work history and a supporting statement. Please provide specific examples of how you meet the criteria in the 'About you' section of this advert, following the STAR format, and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviours below throughout your responses:

• We work together to achieve our shared purpose
• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Interim Chief Executive – Twins Trust 

6-month contract | 28–37 hours per week (flexible) 

Twins Trust is the leading UK charity supporting families with twins, triplets and more. Following the successful launch of a new brand, website and membership proposition, we are seeking an experienced Interim Chief Executive to provide confident leadership during an important period of transition and organisational development.

Hours: 28–37 hours per week (flexible ) 
Salary: c.£80,000–£85,000 FTE 
Location: Predominantly remote, with travel to London and occasional UK travel as required 
Contract: 6 months 
Start date: Late July 2026 

This is an exciting opportunity to build on strong organisational foundations, leading a talented senior team while helping the charity maximise recent investment in its brand, digital presence and membership offer. Success will be measured through strengthening leadership, empowering teams, increasing engagement and income opportunities, and further raising Twins Trust's profile with partners and stakeholders across the sector. 

We're looking for someone with: 

• Successful experience as a Chief Executive or senior organisational leader

• A track record of leading organisations through transition and change

• Strong people leadership skills, with experience building high-performing teams

• Experience working with Boards and strong knowledge of charity governance

• Sound financial management and strategic planning experience

• Excellent relationship-building, influencing and ambassadorial skills

• A collaborative, approachable leadership style and a commitment to supporting staff to succeed.

How to Apply  

Please submit your CV via the Prospectus website. 

Please include your availability and earliest start date in your CV.  

Closing date: Thursday 2nd July 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is strongly encouraged. 

Interviews with Twins Trust: Week commencing 6th July 2026. 

Are you an experienced charity leader ready to drive strategy, sustainability and frontline impact for an organisation supporting vulnerable young people experiencing social/emotional/domestic difficulties in school?

Mentor link is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead our Stourport based charity into its next phase due to the retirement of the Founder and CEO. Strengthening financial resilience, governance, partnerships and service impact whilst delivering high-quality, mentoring support.

This is a pivotal senior leadership role with full strategic and operational accountability.

About Mentor link

Mentor link supports vulnerable young people experiencing social/emotional or domestic difficulties in schools across the West Midlands. Based in Stourport on Severn Worcestershire the position is full time  circa £60k per annum and permanent subject to 3 months’ probation.

Please see the full job description attached

We are seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to guide First Step into its next chapter, following the announcement of the planned retirement of our current CEO after 11 years of dedicated service.

You join us at an exciting and transformative time. We are actively driving the organisation forward, focusing on long-term sustainability while ensuring we never lose sight of the families who rely on us.  We are looking for a CEO who shares our values, inspires others and can lead with vision, compassion and determination.

This is a hands-on, outward-facing role, leading from the front, championing First Step’s profile within the community and igniting the interest of existing and potential supporters and donors. You will need to:

• Inspire, energise and direct the First Step team of staff and volunteers, to consistently deliver outstanding support for families of children with special needs and or disabilities
• Foster a positive and proactive culture that embodies excellence and compassion at every level
• Shape and communicate a strong strategy and vision, ensuring that every aspect of our work aligns seamlessly with First Step’s objectives and values
• Actively seek out and embrace new possibilities to expand and enhance services, driving innovation to ensure the organisation continues to make a meaningful difference to the community

As we follow the recruitment requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education we do require a fully completed application with a full education and working history with any gaps explained.  A supplimentary CV can also be provided for additional information, but not in place of a fully completed Application Form.

At First Step, safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is at the core of everything we do. Working closely with children, parents, staff, volunteers, and the wider community, we are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive. Our team is vigilant and proactive to identify and address any concerns, and to follow our robust procedures whenever there is a belief that a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk of harm.

We are equally passionate about championing equality and diversity in our employment practices and the services we provide. First Step embraces inclusion, celebrating the unique perspectives and talents that each individual brings to our organisation. We actively encourage people from all backgrounds – regardless of race, gender, disability, age, marital status, sexuality, religion, background, or personality – to play a key role in building vibrant, sustainable communities. Our commitment is rooted in recognising and valuing the strengths diversity brings to our team and our wider community.

Please note: You will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of safety and trust.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in growing a major donor programme that directly supports life-changing eye care services in the Holy Land. You will work closely with the Executive Director, UK (EDUK) and senior leadership, including the CEO and Trustees, to contribute to the long-term sustainability of a respected and impactful international charity.

As part of a small, ambitious and collaborative UK team, you will play a major role in shaping and developing the major donor programme, building meaningful relationships with supporters and seeing the tangible impact of your work on patients and communities.

The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG) is a UK-registered charity delivering expert eye care to the people of the Holy Land, regardless of ethnicity, religion or ability to pay. It operates through two locally-registered charities to provide services in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

Lead Daybreaks Trust as Chief Executive Officer and strengthen operations, governance and income to improve the lives of retired greyhounds.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 29th June.

Salary: £40,000 per annum. We are ideally seeking someone on a full-time basis; however, there may be flexibility around working pattern for an exceptional candidate. This could include consideration of a 0.8 FTE arrangement, with salary and working arrangements to be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate.

Daybreaks Trust is a specialist Birmingham charity dedicated to the care, well-being and rehoming of retired racing greyhounds. Since Daybreaks Kennels were established in 2006, the charity has found over 3,400 loving homes for ex-racing greyhounds, supported by a committed team of staff, trustees, volunteers, adopters and supporters.

This is a significant moment in Daybreaks Trust’s development. In recent years, the charity has enjoyed a period of sustained financial performance. It has also recently received a significant financial legacy, which provides an important opportunity to invest in future capacity, resilience and impact.

Daybreaks Trust is now appointing a Chief Executive Officer to provide operational leadership, strengthen governance and work closely with the Board, staff and volunteers to shape the next chapter.

We are looking for an operationally strong, values-led leader who can manage the whole charity, oversee finances, support income generation and ensure the organisation remains well-run, compliant and focused on improving the lives of retired greyhounds.

Applications for this role close at  9 a.m. Monday 29th June.

For further information about the role and to register your interest, please visit the Peridot Partners page and contact our advising consultants.

Purpose of the role

As Deputy CEO of Leeds Older People’s Forum, you will play a pivotal leadership role in driving our mission to ensure older people in Leeds have the opportunities, choices and support they need to live the life they want. 

Working closely with the CEO, you will shape organisational strategy, influence policy and system change, and build strong partnerships with decision‑makers, funders and our third sector member organisations. 

What’s involved? 

The Deputy CEO will support the CEO drive LOPF’s mission and lead delivery of its key outcomes for older people in Leeds. The role combines strategy, influence and leadership, including:

• Shaping and delivering LOPF strategy and developing new ideas that improve the lives of older people.

• Influencing policy and system change by building strong relationships with decision‑makers and ensuring the third sector has a voice at city‑wide boards.

• Supporting and strengthening our third sector members through learning, grant‑making, network support and helping members access funding.

• Responsibility for managing staff, budgets, projects and funder relationships.

• Ensuring impact, keeping work aligned to LOPF’s priorities and involving older people and member organisations in everything we do.

Skills and experience

The skills and experience we are looking for include:

• Senior leadership experience with strong strategic thinking and decision‑making skills.

• Excellent relationship‑builder able to influence policymakers, funders and partners.

• Strong understanding of the third sector and the diverse needs of older people.

• Proven operational management, including staff leadership, budgets and project delivery.

• Confident communicator who can represent LOPF and engage stakeholders effectively.

• Change‑focused mindset, able to innovate, improve and respond quickly to emerging issues.

• Values‑driven, with a genuine commitment to improving life for older people.

Please note this role is fixed term until March 2028 subject to identifying further funding

Senior Direct Marketing Executive

Salary: £48,396- £55,644 per annum + benefits

(We normally offer a starting salary at the start of the range)

Based: Islington, London – hybrid working

Closing date: Sunday 28th June 2026

Location: Islington, London. We aim to create an environment where everyone can contribute to the best of their abilities. Our hybrid working approach brings together the benefits of both office-based and remote working in an inclusive way. For this role, you’ll be expected to work from our Islington office at least 40% of the time each week. Reasonable adjustments will be made to support individual needs.

Greenpeace UK is an independent national/regional organisation within the global Greenpeace campaigning network, which acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. The global network of Greenpeace organisations comprises 26 independent national/regional Greenpeace organisations with presence in over 55 countries across Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, as well as a coordinating and supporting organisation, Greenpeace International.

This role is perfect for an experienced direct and digital marketer passionate about engaging people to support our mission to halve emissions and restore biodiversity. You will support the development of specific one-off donation strategies. You’ll be responsible for the development and implementation of complex fundraising campaigns, designed to inspire new and existing supporters to give one off gifts through a range of channels and products, from email and mailing appeals to digital ads and merchandise.

Job requirements

In a typical week you could:

• Draft a multi-channel engagement plan and supporter journey for an upcoming campaign that inspires new and existing supporters to donate one-off gifts
• Write, build, send a fundraising email reacting to a current event - reviewing the great performance and then influencing colleagues to make space to prioritise a reminder email next week.
• Brief a designer on the creation of a new t-shirt, and a content creator to generate ideas on ways to promote it to our target audience
• Collaborate with our Data, Insights and Web team to review the tests we plan to run in the next quarter, building in new ideas you generate together into our Direct Marketing and Email testing roadmap.
• Lead on a mailing project that spans multiple teams, liaising with our print partner and fulfilment house to deliver to print deadlines and manage the follow up communications to thank donors.
• Actively championing anti-racist values – tailoring your approach to those with different perspectives, and helping Greenpeace to reach a broader more diverse audience.

About you

You will love autonomy and will enjoy working collaboratively across the fundraising department and wider organisation. You’ll already have plenty of marketing experience to bring, and you’ll be able to take a strategic approach to delivery, independently taking on a key area of the direct marketing programme. You’ll be fully responsible for the assessment of the fundraising campaigns that you lead, and you’ll be focused on optimising performance to deliver income to power our fundraising and our campaigns.

Essential criteria for success                                                                                         

• Leads multi-channel direct marketing campaigns - Proven, hands-on experience in strategising, developing, and leading complex, multi-channel direct marketing campaigns to generate income. Specifically through mass email and mail campaigns and digital journeys.
• Makes data driven decisions - Able to analyse and interpret campaign performance data across multiple channels, forecasting and tracking results, and drawing out meaningful insights and translating them into clear recommendations to improve future results.
• Delivers an exceptional supporter experience - Proven ability to lead on the development of engaging fundraising creative that inspires a target audience to donate
• Organisation and prioritisation - Proven ability to manage competing demands across multiple projects with limited capacity, including how they make and communicate prioritisation decisions and see tasks through to a clear outcome.
• Collaborative and uses influence - Able to demonstrate a time they have successfully brought others round to their point of view, showing skills in persuasion, clear communication, and navigating different perspectives constructively.
• Committed to Diversity and Anti-Racism - Can give concrete, personal examples of how they have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and anti-racism in their work

We give you

You’ll be encouraged to develop both personally and professionally, taking advantage of the wide range of learning and development opportunities available to our staff. We offer great benefits such as a generous pension scheme, subsidised lunches, free yoga and a wealth of well-being resources, just to name a few. Take a look at our Work for Greenpeace pages to find out more about what it’s like to work for us and why you should apply.

Our commitment to diversity

We acknowledge that people from certain backgrounds are under-represented in environmental and campaigning organisations and we’re committed to doing what we can to correct this.

One of our Anti Racism Plan objectives is to proactively achieve stronger representation of people of colour, particularly within leadership positions, and we have recently published ambitious race representation targets. 

As part of our commitment to increasing representation of people from underrepresented communities in the environmental sector, we are piloting a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) as a new approach to make our recruitment more equitable. If you identify as a person of colour, you can choose to opt in to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

We will be aiming to offer everyone who opts into the scheme and meets the essential criteria a first stage interview. While we fully intend to honour this, exceptionally high application volumes may affect our capacity. If so, we will communicate clearly and keep candidates informed as we continue to learn and improve.

To apply

For further information including the job description, please download the applicant information pack. Please ensure to save this file to your computer for future reference. Once the job listing has closed you will no longer be able to access it online.

We recommend taking a look at this document that contains top tips for filling out your application, complied by our recruitment team.

If you have any questions, please email us. Please note that this email address is only for information. All applications have to be filled out on the website and cannot be submitted via email.

Greenpeace UK is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or any other category protected by law

Closing date: Sunday 28th June 2026

Deputy CEO and Creative Director Role

We are looking for a Deputy CEO/Creative Director to working alongside the CEO/Creative Director to contribute to the artistic vision, creative, entrepreneurial and strategic leadership of the charity.

For over 40 years, the organisation has co-created inclusive, artistic opportunities with diverse communities.

This work enhances wellbeing and celebrates culture and heritage. 

We call this Art for a Reason.

Position: Deputy CEO / Creative Director Role

Location: Manchester/Hybrid (3-4 days in the office, with one day being a Wednesday)

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Salary: £43,869 plus a 7.5% employer pension contribution

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Wednesday 8 July at 5pm

Interview Date: Thursday 16 & Friday 17 July

The Role

In this pivotal role, the Deputy CEO/Creative Director is responsible for working alongside the CEO/Creative Director to contribute to the artistic vision, creative, entrepreneurial and strategic leadership of the charity. Line managed by the CEO/Creative Director, you will lead on daily operations including governance, fundraising, marketing, embedding EDI across all aspects of the company’s operations and contribute to artistic programming to achieve our project objectives and strategic targets.

You will deputise as ambassador for the organisation and foster strong stakeholder relationships and will build relationships with the current major funders including the Arts Council England (the charity is not an NPO), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Garfield Weston Foundation. On occasion, you may be required to deputise for the CEO/Creative Director.

About You

We are looking for a leader with a proven track record in creative/cultural leadership, who can contribute to the implementation of an artistic programme, oversee complex budgets, and foster productive relationships with a Board of Trustees. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are embedded in the work with communities experiencing inequality, exclusion or barriers to participation.

About the Organisation

Join a dynamic participatory arts charity based in Rochdale, dedicated to using creative practice as a catalyst for social change. For over 40 years the organisation has co-created inclusive, artistic opportunities with diverse communities that enhance wellbeing and celebrate culture and heritage.  We call this Art for a Reason. Through a range of initiatives from Art for Wellbeing to community-led festivals, the team provide opportunities for people to explore their heritage, find their voice, and experience the transformative power of the arts. The vision is for a world where everyone has access and opportunities to create, participate and belong.

We particularly encourage applications from individuals who live in Rochdale and/or identify as being of the global majority, disabled, neurodiverse and/or LGBTQ+/and or non-binary communities. The successful candidate will be offered the post subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.

You may also have experience in areas such as Programme Coordinator/manager, Learning and Engagement, Director, Creative Director, Operations Director, CEO, Director of Creative, Joint CEO, Deputy CEO, Assistant CEO, Chief Exec, Assistant Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Exec. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

The People Matter Trust is a Christian Charity based in Eastbourne helping job seekers reach their full potential.  The organisation gained the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2022 and is Matrix accredited.  The Board of Trustees are seeking to recruit a Director of Operations to take up a position that will become vacant due to retirement during the second half of 2026.  The post will be full time (35 hours per week).

This key senior management role is responsible for the operational delivery of services, in line with the Christian ethos and values of People Matter. The Level 6 CIAG (or equivalent) qualified post-holder will hold responsibility for overseeing the delivery, management and reporting of funded contracts, managing the team of advisers, and overseeing all Careers, Information, Advice and Guidance services.

The salary for this post is £36,000 per annum.

Under the 2010 Equality Act, schedule 9, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the Senior Management Team (CEO and Director of Operations), and Board of Trustees to be practising Christians, to ensure the protection of our strong Christian ethos and values.

People Matter is an inclusive employer.  However potential applicants should be aware that our office premises are located on 2nd floor of a multi-occupancy building with no lift and we are unable to accommodate wheelchair users.

Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on Friday 3rd July 2026

Interviews will be held during the period 20th to 21st July 2026.

Director / Chief Executive – CPRE Sussex

Location: Sussex-based or genuinely Sussex-commutable, with flexible / hybrid working and regular travel across the county

Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 FTE, pro rata

Contract: Permanent, 3–4 days per week

A rare chance to shape the future of Sussex’s countryside.

About CPRE Sussex

CPRE Sussex is the countryside charity for Sussex. An independent county charity and part of the wider CPRE network, we have a respected county-wide voice and strong local roots, alongside the support of national CPRE.

Our work brings together planning influence, campaigning, membership, volunteering, events and practical countryside projects. From responding to major developments and local plans to building public support through communications and community activity, CPRE Sussex plays a visible role in shaping the future of place across the county.

This is a significant moment for the organisation. Following a period of change, new staff capacity and recent investment, CPRE Sussex is building on growing confidence, a stable financial platform and renewed momentum. The next Director / Chief Executive will help translate that foundation into greater influence, stronger cohesion and more sustained impact.

As our next Director / Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Work with trustees to turn CPRE Sussex’s mission into clear priorities, practical plans and measurable outcomes.

• Governance & Finance: Provide confident oversight of governance, compliance and reporting, while ensuring resources are directed to the greatest effect.

• Operational Leadership: Lead a small, part-time and distributed team with clarity, pace and good judgement.

• Income Generation: Strengthen membership, supporter engagement and fundraising to build a more resilient, diversified income base.

• Community & Partnerships: Build trusted relationships with communities, partners, local authorities, public bodies, elected representatives and volunteers.

• Brand & Profile: Act as a visible and credible public voice for CPRE Sussex on planning, countryside and environmental issues, and position us as the leading countryside charity for Sussex.

• People & Culture: Maintain alignment and focused, constructive working relationships across trustees, staff, volunteers and external supporters.

• Change & Development: Help shape the next phase of organisational development following a period of transition and growth.

Who you are

• A seasoned senior leader with strong commitment to CPRE Sussex’s mission and purpose.

• A credible external representative, comfortable engaging with media, decision makers, partners and supporters.

• Experienced in leading people, projects or organisations through change and transition.

• A thoughtful communicator with sound judgement, diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills.

• Confident working with boards or trustees and supporting robust governance.

• Commercially aware, with an instinct for membership, supporter development and financial sustainability.

• Organised, practical and able to direct finite resources to where they will have greatest impact.

• Experience of campaigning, planning, environmental or public policy work would be highly desirable, alongside strong digital confidence and/or charity fundraising exposure.

Why CPRE Sussex?

• You will be joining a respected Sussex charity with genuine relevance to planning, land use and countryside protection.

• There is strong momentum to build on, including a stable membership base, recent public profile growth and visible practical projects.

• The organisation has substantial reserves and recent investment in capacity, providing a strong platform for the next phase.

• You will work with a committed board, engaged staff and active volunteers who care deeply about the charity’s future.

• This is a rare opportunity to shape both an organisation and the wider countryside debate across Sussex.

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

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 at 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.

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.

The Head of Performance and Improvement is a new role that will lead our work to drive excellence in our grant making in England. They will play a critical role in ensuring our grant making is not only delivered, but understood, improved, and aligned with our purpose. This team helps us answer key questions about our grant making:

Are we doing what we said we would? How well are we doing it? What have we learned? And what should we do next? 

The Head of Performance and Improvement ensures our grant making is evidence-informed, insight-driven, and continuously evolving.

Partnering with the Head of England Operations and working closely with senior leaders, you will ensure performance insight informs improvements to our grant making as well as feeding into decision-making, and strategic direction. It’s a role that connects information and delivery, helping us fund with confidence and learn with purpose.

Key responsibilities may include: 

• Funding Development and Delivery 
• Directorate coordination of improvements to our grant making
• Performance Management & Management Information
• Learning & Continuous Improvement
• Grant making Risks & Issue Spotting
• Audit, Oversight & Compliance
• Leadership Collaboration & Strategic Alignment 

Interview details:

• Date: Week Commencing 20 July 2026
• Format: Online
• Location: UK-Wide 

We have a hybrid approach to working. Work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The role can be based at any of our UK offices: Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, and Newtown. 

We will be hosting a briefing session on Monday 6th July, 12pm. To register for the session or for any questions about the recruitment process, please email the recruitment team.

How to apply: 

Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (1000 words) with the following criteria, we will use this to score your application. 

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience of leading a multi-disciplinary team. 
• Experience of embedding and establishing performance management frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of the funding cycle and implementing grant making best practice.
• Extensive experience of engaging effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with an ability to communicate complex information to all levels of the business.
• Ability to build strong relationships, influence a range of stakeholders and build buy in to bring about changes for users and customers.
• Strong planning, priority setting and organisational skills within a complex environment.
• Forward-thinking and solutions-focused, able to balance immediate operational needs with long-term strategic goals. 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ​

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)