Chief Executive Officer

PANATHLON FOUNDATION LTD; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity offers the role of CEO to drive strategic growth and lead a high-performing team. The successful candidate will advocate for children with special needs and disabilities, fostering partnerships while ensuring effective operations and fundraising strategies.

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience with team management responsibilities.
• Track record of fundraising and donor cultivation.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans.
• Manage relationships with donors and key partners.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and oversee HR and finance.

Skills

Team management

Fundraising success

Excellent communication skills

Governance understanding

Commitment to equity and diversity

Job description

Panathlon is a national charity that gives children with special needs and disabilities (SEND) the opportunity to engage in competitive sport and leadership opportunities. Operating in every English County, North and South Wales and Northern Ireland, our work changes lives—helping young people build confidence, develop physical and emotional skills and enjoy the joy of competition. With support from major funders, sponsors and national partners, we’re constantly growing our impact—and we need a CEO who can drive our strategy, lead our exceptional team and champion our mission at the highest levels.

As CEO, you’ll be the strategic lead for the charity with some operational oversight too. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, oversee a small but high-performing team, and serve as the face of the organisation for key funders, partners, and stakeholders. Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement long-term plans aligned with our mission.
• Fundraising & Income Generation: Drive major donor pitches, manage key sponsor relationships, and grow revenue through campaigns and events.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate relationships with charitable partners, corporate partners, government departments, national sports bodies, local authorities, and disability groups.
• Marketing & Communications: Oversee PR strategy, digital presence, and communications.
• Governance & Operations: Ensure regulatory compliance, oversee HR and finance, and maintain a strong organisational infrastructure.

We’re looking for a proven leader with a strong track record of strategic leadership and income generation, ideally in the charity, education, or sports sectors. You’ll combine hands-on management experience with the ability to inspire funders, partners, and stakeholders alike.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Senior leadership experience with team management responsibilities Fundraising and donor cultivation success
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Governance and compliance understanding
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and a strong grasp of the social model of disability

Desirable

• Experience in the disability, sport, or education sectors
• Familiarity with public sector partnerships
• Knowledge of fundraising and digital comms platforms