Chief Executive Officer

North East Autism Society; Chester-le-Street; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization is seeking a dynamic and compassionate Chief Executive to lead its mission in supporting autistic individuals and their families. The role involves providing inspiring leadership, overseeing operational decisions, and engaging with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will possess significant leadership experience in health, social care, or education, with strong people management and strategic development skills. This is a unique opportunity to impact and grow the charity's mission further.

Qualifications

• Experience in health, social care, or education sectors of considerable scale.
• Ability to inspire high-performing teams of staff and volunteers.
• Proven track record in developing robust strategies and leading change.

Responsibilities

• Provide authentic leadership to advance the charity's vision.
• Promote the charity with key external stakeholders.
• Ensure financial health through cost-effective management.
• Support the Board of Trustees with relevant governance information.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to shape the future of NEAS.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

People leadership skills

Strategic development

Networking skills

Negotiation skills

Job description

The Organisation

The North East Autism Society (NEAS) is seeking a dynamic and compassionate Chief Executive to lead the organisation into its next chapter. For over 45 years, NEAS has empowered autistic children, young people, adults, and their families across the North East. Nigel Wright is proud to support NEAS in finding a CEO who will champion its mission and values with authenticity and purpose.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to lead a well-established, values-driven charity with a strong reputation and ambitious plans for the future. As CEO, you will :

• Provide visible, inspiring, compassionate, and authentic leadership to the charity in the delivery of its vision, strategic direction, and implementation of plans.
• Represent and promote the charity with key external stakeholders including statutory partners and representatives of other relevant organisations.
• Lead and support the Senior Management team taking responsibility for operational decisions.
• Preserve the overall ongoing financial health of the charity through ensuring that diverse income streams are in place and cost‑effective management to ensure long‑term sustainability.
• Work in partnership with the Chair to support the Board of Trustees, ensuring they receive timely, relevant advice and information to fulfil their governance responsibilities.

You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues across the organisation—from frontline staff to the Senior Management Team and Trustees—to shape the future of NEAS. Your leadership will ensure the charity continues to innovate and grow, while remaining firmly rooted in its core purpose.

About You

We’re looking for a proven senior leader with :

• Prior successful senior leadership experience in a health, social care or education settings, whether in the public or private sectors - of considerable scale and complexity
• Outstanding people leadership skills with experience of inspiring passionate, high performing teams of staff and volunteers.
• Experience of developing robust strategies and leading substantial change and development.
• Possessing entrepreneurial experience in successfully developing business opportunities from concept to realisation. Overseeing its ever‑expanding portfolio of interests, to ensure a new sustainable income stream.
• Strong ambassadorial, networking and negotiation skills and the gravitas, ability, and presence to promote our mission with confidence and authority, through the full range of media and social networks.

You’ll be an approachable, collaborative leader who inspires trust and brings people together to achieve meaningful impact.