CEO

Emerge; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A Christian youth charity in Bradford is seeking a compassionate CEO to lead initiatives that inspire hope and drive change for young people. The ideal candidate will have senior leadership experience, a deep understanding of community needs, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. This full-time role offers a chance to make a significant impact during a transformative period for Bradford as the City of Culture 2025.

Benefits

5% pension

Opportunity to make a significant impact

Qualifications

• Active, lived Christian faith expressed in practice.
• Understanding of urban, diverse community realities.
• Ability to influence and inspire others.

Responsibilities

• Champion the charity’s ethos and vision.
• Oversee impactful youth work across various programs.
• Build partnerships with schools and community stakeholders.
• Ensure financial sustainability and excellent governance.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Strong communication

Strategic thinking

Financial management skills

Compassionate leadership

Job description

CEO Emerge (Christian Youth Charity)

Bradford Full-time £39,862 £42,839 + 5% pension Permanent

Lead with purpose. Inspire hope. Shape the future of youth work in Bradford.

Emerge is a Christian youth charity with over 30 years experience supporting young people across Bradford s BD4 communities. Through schools-based intervention, community youth work, mentoring and creative programmes, we help young people build confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose.

We are now seeking a dynamic, compassionate, faith-filled CEO to lead us into our next season of growth and impact.

About the CEO Role:

As CEO, you will:

• Champion Emerge s Christian ethos and vision for lasting change in young people s lives
• Lead and empower an experienced staff team, nurturing a relational and learning-focused culture
• Oversee impactful youth work across community hubs, schools contracts and targeted programmes
• Build strong partnerships with schools, funders, churches and youth sector networks
• Guide financial sustainability through sound budgeting, grants, contracts and fundraising
• Ensure excellent governance, safeguarding practice and operational standards
• Represent Emerge confidently across the city and beyond

This is a role rooted in presence and relationship: leading from the front, listening deeply, and inspiring others.

About You:

We re looking for someone who:

• Has senior leadership experience in youth work, community work or the voluntary sector
• Has an active, lived Christian faith expressed naturally in leadership and practice
• Understands the realities young people face in urban, diverse communities
• Brings strategic thinking, strong communication, and the ability to influence and inspire
• Is confident with finances, budgets, reporting and organisational stewardship
• Is compassionate, reflective, organised and energised by making a real difference
• Some evening and occasional weekend work is required.

Why Emerge?

You ll join a passionate, committed team serving one of the youngest, most diverse cities in the UK at a moment of real opportunity as Bradford steps into its role as 2025 City of Culture. This is a chance to lead work that is relational, hopeful and deeply transformative.

Apply

If you have the leadership skills and drive to be successful in this new CEO position, we would love to hear from you. APPLY NOW for immediate consideration.

Closing date

12 noon, Friday 5th December

Interviews: New Year, in person in Bradford.