Chief Executive Officer

JR United Kingdom; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization is seeking a Chief Executive for the newly established Thurrock Youth Zone in Tilbury. This role offers a unique opportunity to build and lead a transformative movement for the youth, emphasizing community engagement and resilient leadership.

Benefits

Mentorship from an experienced Openings Manager

Access to OnSide’s national network

Ongoing professional development

Immersive placement in an existing Youth Zone

Peer support

Responsibilities

• Lead the launch and growth of a flagship Youth Zone.
• Act as a local ambassador, bridging stakeholders.
• Build the first team and shape organizational culture.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic agility

Operational agility

Fundraising

Commercial acumen

Inclusion commitment

Community engagement

Resilience

Adaptability

Job description

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Join a Transformative Movement: Become the Chief Executive of Thurrock Youth Zone

Location: Tilbury, Thurrock

Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 (depending on experience) + Benefits

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for empowering young people and transforming communities? Do you thrive in dynamic, start-up environments and want to make a lasting impact in a place that truly needs it?

Thurrock Youth Zone is seeking its founding Chief Executive-a bold, values-driven leader to bring this brand-new, purpose-built facility to life in Tilbury. As part of the national OnSide network, this Youth Zone will be a beacon of opportunity, inclusion, and inspiration for thousands of young people.

About the Role

As CEO, you will:

• Lead the launch and growth of a flagship Youth Zone engaging with the communities that will benefit from it.
• Act as a local ambassador, building bridges across diverse stakeholders-from funders and local authorities to young people and their families.
• Build and embed the first team – shaping the culture, strategy, and operations of a high-impact organisation from the ground up.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome candidates from all sectors-charity, public, private, education, health, and more-who bring:

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills
• Strategic and operational agility
• Fundraising and commercial acumen
• A deep commitment to inclusion and community engagement
• Resilience and adaptability in a start-up environment

What You’ll Get

• A 3-4 month immersive placement in an existing Youth Zone
• Mentorship from an experienced Openings Manager
• Access to OnSide’s national network and central support services
• Ongoing professional development and peer support

Why Thurrock?

• This is more than a job-it’s a chance to lead a movement. Thurrock Youth Zone is fully capitally funded and already has a number of Founder Patrons (who offer revenue funding) in place. The role offers a rare opportunity to build something sustainable and impactful from the very beginning. You’ll play a key role in uniting a diverse community and shaping the future for generations of young people.