Chief Executive Officer

Dalgarno Trust; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A community organization in London is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead its strategic direction and oversee financial management. The ideal candidate will engage with the local community and foster partnerships with public and private sectors to drive impactful initiatives. Strong leadership skills and experience in managing diverse teams are essential. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of residents in a vital community setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic leadership within a community-focused environment.
• Proven ability to manage finances and fundraising activities.
• Strong network-building and partnership development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization's strategic direction and governance.
• Manage the charity's finances and develop sustainable income streams.
• Strengthen partnerships with various sectors and represent the charity publicly.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Governance knowledge

Financial management

Income generation

Community engagement

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

We are seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead one of London’s most vital community organisations into its next chapter. Based in North Kensington, the Dalgarno Trust is a lifeline for many of its 6000+ local residents living in one of the most underserved and diverse areas within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. As the only community centre in the neighbourhood, it tackles long standing community needs, from health inequalities to digital exclusion, vibrant youth programmes, a busy weekly foodbank, and inclusive wellbeing initiatives. The CEO will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of this anchor institution, driving strategic growth while remaining deeply connected to the needs and lived experiences of the community.

This is an opportunity to lead a charity where you not only have direct visibility of the impact, you will also have multiple opportunities to be involved with making a real change to the lives of others. The CEO will be responsible for steering the organisation’s strategic direction, building sustainable income streams, and strengthening partnerships across the public, private, and voluntary sectors. With oversight of a dynamic workforce, including full-time, part-time, sessional staff, and volunteers, the CEO will ensure high quality service delivery, encourage innovation, and foster a resilient, inclusive culture. As the public face of the Dalgarno Trust, they will represent the charity in borough-wide forums, advocate for policy change, and amplify the voices of all its beneficiaries.

Dalgarno Trust is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and developing a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and can thrive. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. We actively encourage individuals who have a passion for equity and a strong ability to oversee and manage the multiple elements of a thriving and busy community centre where one day is never the same as the next.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Work with the Board of Trustees to set and deliver the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities.
• Provide clear, evidence-based advice and recommendations to the Board, ensuring effective governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Position the charity as a recognised leader in tackling inequality and poverty in the borough, particularly the North Kensington area.
• Maintain financial oversight taking a strategic approach to managing Dalgarno Trust’s finances in a sustainable way – ensuring adequate reserves are maintained.
• Ensure effective short, medium, and long-term financial planning is in place throughout the different levels of the organisation. Provide effective scrutiny by working with Dalgarno Trust’s accountants and finance personnel.

Income Generation & Fundraising

• Lead a sustainable income generation strategy, including accessing trust and foundation fundraising, corporate sponsorships, statutory grants, and social enterprise opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with funders and donors to maximise opportunities for growth and diversification of income.
• Ensure effective financial management, monitoring, and reporting of a c.£750k annual budget.

Partnerships & Place-Leadership

• Develop and maintain partnerships with voluntary, public, and private sector organisations to aid joint delivery of services.
• Represent the Dalgarno Trust in local strategic forums, influencing public policy and service design to reflect community needs.
• Strengthen the charity’s role as an anchor organisation and hub for community activity and leadership.

Please see the job description attachment for further responsibilities. If you would like to have an informal discussion with the CEO about Dalgarno Trust and the role, please get in touch with Esma Dukali via email, refer to JD PDFfor contact details.

Applicants are invited to submit an up to date CV and supporting letter (max of 1500 words), explaining how you meet the requirements on the person specification within the job description. Interviews are expected to be held on 27th November.