Lead one of the world's oldest and most influential human rights organisations
Chief Executive
Salary: £93,600 per annum
London | Hybrid working
Our client is one of the world's oldest human rights organisations. For almost 200 years, it has worked to end slavery in all its forms, partnering with survivors, civil society, governments and businesses to influence laws, policy and practice that create lasting systemic change.
As our client enters an exciting new chapter, they are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead the organisation through its next phase of impact.
This is a rare opportunity to lead an internationally respected organisation at a pivotal point in its journey. With a renewed strategic direction, a committed Board and an experienced senior leadership team, the successful candidate will build on strong foundations to strengthen organisational capability, foster a high-performing culture and maximise the organisation's impact in an increasingly complex global environment.
Working closely with the Board, staff, partners and supporters, you will provide strategic, financial and organisational leadership while acting as a compelling ambassador for the organisation. You will build trusted relationships across government, philanthropy, civil society and business, ensuring the organisation continues to influence policy, practice and public understanding of modern slavery.
We are interested in hearing from leaders who bring:
• Significant executive leadership experience, with responsibility for organisational strategy, people, finance and fundraising.
• A track record of leading organisational development, building high-performing teams and leading positive cultural change.
• The ability to build trusted relationships, influence senior stakeholders and represent an organisation with credibility and impact.
• Experience of securing sustainable income and developing strong funding partnerships.
• Strong financial and strategic judgement, balancing long-term ambition with effective operational delivery.
• A commitment to the organisation's mission and the leadership qualities to inspire people, build confidence and deliver lasting impact.
Whilst an understanding of the organisation's mission is important, our client is first and foremost seeking an exceptional organisational leader. Applications are welcomed from candidates both within and beyond the modern slavery sector who can demonstrate the leadership capability to guide the organisation through its next chapter.
This is an opportunity to lead an organisation with a remarkable history, work alongside exceptional colleagues and partners, and help shape a future where everyone can live free from slavery.
To find out more about the role and how to apply, please view the appointment brief located below the advert on the Prospectus website.
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: Sunday 23rd August
Prospectus interviews: Weeks commencing 17th August and 24th August
Engagement calls with the Interim CEO: 7th and 8th September
Board panel interviews (in person): Monday 14th September
Please note this role is being advertised as ‘New Partnerships Executive’ but upon appointment the job title will be ‘New Corporate Partnerships Executive, Retail’.
Interviews will be taking place Monday the 17th of August.
Are you results driven, with a commercially aware approach, a ‘can-do’ attitude, lots of creativity and innovation, and experience of working in retail buying & merchandising or retail-related Corporate Partnerships - or a genuine interest in working within this field? Then join Shelter as a New Corporate Partnerships Executive - Retail and you could soon be playing a vital role at the heart of our fundraising directorate.
About the role
An ideal opportunity for someone who is interested in a career in corporate fundraising or charity retail, you’ll play a key role in developing Shelter’s retail presence and raising vital funds. You’ll be responsible for enabling stock donations from major retailers and helping research and develop new relationships with businesses to generate stock and secure their expertise on a pro-bono basis.
Thinking strategically, identifying new opportunities, and bringing ideas and concepts to life through written proposals and pitches to businesses in order to generate support for Shelter – all are aspects of a role that will also see you ensure the smooth running of our Stock Generation administration processes and help the Senior New Corporate Partnerships Manager (Retail), with day-to-day activities.
About you
As well as being keen to develop a career in charity retail and fundraising, you also feel passionate about working with companies to help tackle homelessness. What’s more, you believe you have what it takes to plan and source new stock generation opportunities and develop new acquisition tactics and campaign ideas that will engage retailers. You will have the ability to generate creative and imaginative proposals and take the initiative to develop new relationships with brands and retailers.
An understanding of the sustainability agenda for businesses and ability to apply commercial and financial principles to improve business performance would be a definite advantage. We’re also looking for someone friendly and personable, with strong relationship building skills who can manage a busy workload, work well as part of a team and is proficient using Microsoft Office applications and databases.
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.
About the team
Shelter’s mature fundraising team has seen continuous year on year growth. The directorate generates over £65m gross income, of which a high percentage is unrestricted, giving us an exceptional level of investment flexibility. This particular role sits within our High Value Partnerships division, which includes Philanthropy, Trusts & Foundations, Legacies, and Corporate Partnerships fundraising specialists. It will also see you work closely with colleagues in a Retail team that’s responsible for a network of 77 charity shops and boutique stores that are the face of Shelter on the high street.
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 are open to risk and learning from our experiences
- 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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


