Chief Executive Officer

Amnesty International UK; Camden Town; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading human rights organization in the UK is seeking a visionary CEO to lead with courage and integrity. This role requires an inspiring leader with deep strategic fundraising experience, a strong communicator, and the ability to unite diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate will navigate complex challenges while shaping the future of human rights advocacy. This is a crucial opportunity to make a significant impact during a pivotal moment for human rights.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a complex environment.
• Ability to inspire and nurture high-performing teams.
• Financial acumen to navigate dual structure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and unite members, activists, and staff.
• Shape the future vision and strategy of the organization.
• Build alliances and communicate Amnesty's story effectively.

Skills

Cultural competence

Strategic fundraising

Emotional intelligence

Strong communication

Collaborative leadership

Job description

Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver in November, and the Selection Panel will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post in mid-December, following which, interviews with Amnesty International UK will take place. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

This is an extraordinary role, demanding both courage and vision. We are seeking a CEO who can be a steadying force and a strategic fundraiser, able to lead with cultural competence and integrity.

You will bring the breadth and depth of leadership experience needed to step confidently into a complex environment and, from the very start, unite members, activists, boards, staff and the wider global movement. You will be a visionary strategist who looks beyond short-term challenges and helps shape Amnesty's future over the next decade, ensuring the organisation remains bold, relevant and sustainable, balancing movement-building with financial stewardship.

As a people-centred leader, you will bring emotional intelligence, resilience and the ability to inspire confidence, nurture a high-performing team, creating a culture of psychological safety and bringing people together in a polarised world. You will be a powerful communicator and ambassador, comfortable holding external space, building alliances, and telling Amnesty's story with clarity and conviction.

Your financial acumen will allow you to navigate our dual structure, steward resources responsibly, and find innovative ways to grow income. Above all, you will lead as an inspiring and collaborative change-maker: someone who listens deeply, respects diverse voices and leads democratically, while still taking clear, pragmatic decisions.

This is a pivotal moment for human rights and for Amnesty International UK. Around the world, authoritarianism is rising, press freedom is shrinking, surveillance is expanding, and inequality is deepening. In the UK, regressive protest laws, the Illegal Migration Act, systemic racism and hostile welfare systems show how urgently rights must be defended. At the same time, funding pressures across the non-profit sector make this fight more challenging, and more vital, than ever.