Chief Executive Officer

Attenti; Kendal; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused charity is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive to lead efforts in protecting the Lake District and Cumbria. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong background in campaigning, stakeholder management, and fundraising. This role requires exceptional communication skills to effectively engage with diverse partners and stakeholders. Commitment to the charity's mission and passion for the region is essential. The position offers an opportunity to maximize impact and support the charity's strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of campaigning and advocacy.
• Significant experience in stakeholder management.
• Sophisticated understanding of fundraising and income generation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the charity through its next chapter.
• Maximise impact across Strategic Landscape Goals.
• Inspire and empower a dedicated team.

Skills

Campaigning

Influencing

Stakeholder management

Fundraising

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Friends of the Lake District is a confident, dynamic and financially resilient charity dedicated to protecting and enhancing the extraordinary landscapes that make the Lake District and Cumbria so distinctive. Working collaboratively with a wide range of partners, we campaign, influence policy, and take practical action to safeguard these places, rich in nature, culture and beauty for the benefit of communities now and for generations to come.

Our current Chief Executive, who has led the organisation with great success over the past three years, will be retiring this spring. We are therefore seeking an individual with the vision, energy and commitment to build on strong foundations and lead the charity through its next chapter, maximising our impact across our Strategic Landscape Goals.

To be successful, you will bring a proven track record of campaigning, influencing and advocacy, alongside significant experience of complex stakeholder management and partnership working. You will have a sophisticated understanding of fundraising, income generation and a demonstrable record of diversifying income streams. A skilled and empowering leader, you will inspire a highly dedicated team, work effectively with our Board, and engage members, partners, communities and decision‑makers with clarity and confidence.

You will be an exceptional communicator, able to articulate complex landscape and environmental issues clearly, influence senior stakeholders, and act as a credible, expert voice at local, regional and national levels. Above all else, you will bring passion, ambition and a deep commitment to our mission and a love of one of the most spectacular landscapes in England.

Please visit www.attenti.co.uk/FLDCEO via the Apply button to read the appointment brief for more information and details on how to apply.

For an informal and confidential discussion, after having read the appointment brief, please contact our advising consultants at Attenti:

Closing date for applications – Monday 30th March 2026