City Year UK - Chief Executive vacancy
We’re looking for a visionary new leader to take City Year UK into its next chapter. As our current CEO prepares to move on after seven incredible years of leadership, this is a thrilling moment — an opportunity to shape the future of a movement that’s changing lives. With strong foundations in place, we’re ready to grow our impact, invigorate and expand the delivery of our programmes, and raise our voice even louder in support of children and young people across the UK, as a flagship programme for the UK Year of Service.
We challenge 18 to 25-year-olds to tackle educational inequality through a year of full-time social action. As mentors, tutors and role models in schools, they support pupils growing up in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the UK
Position: Chief Executive
Location: Hybrid (London, Birmingham or Manchester, with travel to an office typically twice a week)
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £85,000 - £100,000 per annum
Duration: Permanent
Closing Date: 10 am on Monday, 14 July 2025
The Role
As Chief Executive, you will be the driving force behind our next chapter of growth, innovation, and impact. Working closely with the Board of Trustees and a dedicated Senior Leadership Team, you will establish strategic direction, expand our reach, and ensure long-term financial stability. You’ll be a champion for innovation, a builder of innovative partnerships, and a compelling advocate for the power and potential of a UK Year of Service.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a mission-driven, values-led organisation at a moment of genuine momentum — a chance to elevate youth voice and leadership and be an integral part of the change that our young people are creating every day.
About You
We are looking for an inspiring leader who is passionate about unlocking the potential of young people, championing educational equality, and driving lasting change. You’ll bring a strong track record of strategic leadership and fundraising in the charity sector, along with the vision and energy to lead City Year UK into an ambitious new chapter. Skilled at building powerful partnerships, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and championing an inclusive, purpose-driven culture, you’ll also be a dynamic fundraiser, ready to support the growth and diversification of our income so we can expand our impact even further.
We offer a competitive package that reflects the significance of this role and values the unique skills and experience you will bring to lead our organisation into its next chapter.
If you want to make a real difference and believe that young people can change the world, we want to hear from you!
To apply for this role, please provide the following documents:
- An up-to-date CV
- A supporting statement answering the following questions, max 250 words per question:
1) Why is City Year UK’s mission important to you, and how would your skills and experience help us achieve it?
2) City Year’s work is dependent on partnership funding from schools, corporate supporters and philanthropy. What track record do you have of leading organisations and developing partnerships with similar requirements?
Employee Benefits
As an organisation, particular emphasis is placed on fairness, well-being, and inclusion and offers a range of benefits for staff, including:
- Annual leave: 25 days per annum, rising to 28 days, plus 3 Christmas Grace days
- A matched pension scheme with 4% standard employer contributions and matched up to 5%.
- An organisational culture that values its employees and places particular emphasis on fairness and transparency.
- Sector-leading training, with qualifications up to master's degree level funded under the apprenticeship levy. Day 1 flexible/home/part-time working options 2 Volunteering days per year - pursue a project you’re passionate about 2 Wellbeing days per year
- A comprehensive wellbeing service designed to support the overall wellness of employees Interest-free travel season ticket loans
- Interest-free bike loans under the “Cycle to Work Scheme”
- Interest-free loans to assist employees with welfare or financial hardship
- Enhanced sick pay for up to 6 weeks
- Free eye tests and £20 off glasses with Specsavers
Other areas of experience may include CEO, COO, CFO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive, Managing Director, Director, Head of, Deputy CEO, Deputy Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Executive.
Please note NFP People are advertising this role on behalf of our client.
About the role:
Imperial College London is seeking a dynamic and strategic fundraising leader to join our Advancement Division as Deputy Director of Development (Trusts, Foundations & Corporates). This pivotal role will lead the development and execution of a high-impact fundraising strategy, aligning with Imperial’s ambitious new campaign, Science for Humanity. You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of philanthropy at one of the world’s leading universities.
What you would be doing:
- Leading the strategy and delivery of philanthropic income from Trusts, Foundations, and Corporates in the UK and globally.
- Cultivating and stewarding high-value relationships with institutional funders, aligning their interests with Imperial’s strategic priorities.
- Driving fundraising for entrepreneurship initiatives including the Enterprise Lab, Advanced Hackspace, and White City Incubator.
- Collaborating with senior academics and administrative leaders to develop compelling funding proposals for complex, multi-year projects.
- Managing and mentoring a high-performing team, setting ambitious goals and supporting their professional growth.
- Contributing to the wider university fundraising strategy and campaign planning.
What we are looking for:
We’re looking for a visionary and experienced fundraiser who can:
- Demonstrate a strong track record of securing major gifts (seven and ideally eight figures) from Trusts, Foundations, and Corporates.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders at the highest levels.
- Extensive senior-level fundraising experience.
- Strong understanding of donor stewardship and relationship management.
- A collaborative, self-motivated, and detail-oriented approach.
- Communicate with clarity and impact—both in writing and in person.
- Lead and inspire a team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
- Navigate complex organisations and manage multiple priorities with precision and professionalism.
What we can offer you:
- The opportunity to shape a major philanthropic campaign at a world-class institution.
- Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
- Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further Information
This is a full-time, open ended role based at the White City Campus, with travel to other Imperial campuses/meetings as required.
Please click the apply button to find out more.
Closing date: 6 July 202