Chief Executive

Dyslexia Scotland; Larbert; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dyslexia Scotland is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead our national charity and deliver the 5-year strategy, Working Towards a Dyslexia-friendly Scotland. You will guide governance, secure funding, and inspire staff, volunteers and branches across Scotland, ensuring inclusive outcomes for people with dyslexia.

The role requires strategic vision, financial stewardship, and outstanding communication as you collaborate with a proactive Board and diverse partners to advance the

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience, with evidence of developing and delivering strategy and translating ambition into organisational results.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, planning, sustainability and resource decisions.
• Experience of generating and diversifying income and building relationships with funders, partners, donors or other sources of investment.
• A strong personal commitment to inclusion, equity and social justice, with lived experience influencing priorities and decisions.
• Track record of leading, developing and motivating people, building positive cultures and leading through change.
• Understanding of governance, risk and accountability, with experience working with a Board or equivalent body.
• Evidence of building relationships with senior stakeholders and influencing beyond organisational boundaries.
• Excellent communicator with credibility to represent the organisation publicly.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of Dyslexia Scotland’s 5-year strategy, Working Towards a Dyslexia-friendly Scotland.
• Lead the charity’s overall leadership, working with a supportive Board, staff, volunteers, branches, members and partners.
• Represent Dyslexia Scotland publicly and communicate complex issues clearly to build support for the organisation.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategy delivery

Financial acumen

Fundraising

Governance

Stakeholder relationships

Communication

Job description

Dyslexia Scotland is an award-winning, sector-leading organisation that champions the exceptional value of dyslexia to Scottish society. Full-time national roles rarely emerge and are highly sought after in our high performing team. Our current CEO is retiring after nineteen successful years of leadership, creating an important opportunity for the right candidate to deliver our ambitious plan for a dyslexia-friendly Scotland. We welcome applications from candidates with the drive and compassion to fulfil this vital leadership role.This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced individual to lead the delivery of our new 5-year strategy, Working Towards a Dyslexia-friendly Scotland. You will join an established team with a clear purpose and a national profile.Dyslexia Scotland is an established national membership organisation that aims to inspire and enable people with dyslexia to reach their potential while working towards a dyslexia-friendly Scotland. Based in Stirling with a small staff team of nine (eight full-time equivalent), we have a network of 19 volunteer-led local branches across Scotland offering support at a grassroots level, as well as two Dyslexic Adult Networks. Around 150 volunteers play a vital and valued role in our work, involved in a wide range of national and local roles, including the President, Ambassadors, Board of Directors and Council.

Experience Required:

• Significant senior leadership experience, with evidence of developing and delivering strategy and translating ambition into organisational results.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience of budgetary oversight, financial planning, sustainability and making sound decisions about organisational resources.
• Experience of generating and diversifying income, and developing strong relationships with funders, partners, donors or other sources of investment.
• A strong personal commitment to inclusion, equity and social justice, with the ability to ensure that lived experience meaningfully influences organisational priorities and decision-making.
• A track record of leading, developing and motivating people, building positive organisational cultures and successfully leading through change.
• A strong understanding of effective governance, organisational risk and accountability, with experience of working constructively with a Board or equivalent governing body.
• Evidence of building effective relationships and partnerships with senior stakeholders and influencing beyond organisational boundaries.
• An excellent communicator with the confidence and credibility to represent Dyslexia Scotland publicly, communicate complex issues clearly and build support for the organisation’s purpose.

Desirable Experience:

• Knowledge and understanding of dyslexia and inclusive practice and the experiences of people with dyslexia.
• Experience of influencing public policy or practice.
• Knowledge of the Scottish policy and public-service environment.
• Experience within the third sector, public or purpose-led sectors.
• Experience of working with or alongside people with lived experience and with volunteers to shape organisational strategy or services.

Additional information

This is a hands-on role within a small, ambitious national organisation. The successful candidate will be comfortable taking responsibility for the overall leadership of the charity while working collaboratively with a supportive Board, staff, volunteers, branches, members and partners.A Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme Check is required for this post.Our privacy policy for job applicants is on the Job Vacancies page.Scottish Charity No: SC 000951 Company No: SC153321