Chief Executive Officer

21 Together; Maidstone; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A local charity is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to provide strategic leadership and oversee operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in senior leadership, financial management, and income generation, with an emphasis on making a meaningful impact in the community. This role offers flexible working arrangements and the potential for part-time or fractional commitments.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive culture

Opportunity to make a difference

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior leadership and strategic planning.
• Experience managing budgets in a grant-funded environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the charity.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and manage resources.
• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Lead fundraising strategies to secure income.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Financial acumen

Excellent communication skills

Experience in income generation

Operational management skills

Knowledge of charity governance

Ability to work empathetically

Job description

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Organisation: 21 Together

Location: Maidstone, Kent (Hybrid working available)

Salary: From £48,561 FTE, dependent on experience

Contract: Permanent or Fixed Term (flexible)

Working Hours: Part-time or Fractional (minimum 3 days per week)

Closing Date: 5th January 2026

Interview Date: Early January 2026

About 21 Together

At 21 Together, we believe every person with Down’s syndrome has the right to live a happy, rich and fulfilling life. Based in Maidstone and working across Kent, we support children and young people with Down’s syndrome, their families, and the professionals who work with them.

The Role

As CEO, you’ll provide strategic leadership, oversee operations, and drive income generation to ensure our long‑term sustainability. You’ll work closely with our committed Board of Trustees, lead a passionate team, and act as the public face of the organisation.

We’re open to part‑time or fractional working arrangements (minimum 3 days/week) to attract the right person.

Job Purpose

21 Together is a local charity based in Maidstone with reach across Kent with the simple aim:

we believe that every person with Down’s syndrome has the right to live a happy, rich and fulfilling life. We are looking to appoint a new CEO, who will drive the realisation of the organisation's Vision and Mission, set forth by the Board of Trustees. Your role is accountable for strategic leadership, financial management, securing fundraising income, establishing direction, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the ‘big picture’, and fostering motivation among staff and volunteers. You will lead a senior team, exemplify organisational values, maintain accountability of stakeholders and staff, monitor key indicators, and facilitate decision‑making processes.

You will oversee the implementation of the charity's objectives as directed by the Board of Trustees, and lead on the development of specific projects where needed, including risk assessments, impact evaluations, and strategic relevance assessments. Additionally, you will act as the primary liaison for the Trustee Board, serving as a spokesperson for the charity, and fostering exceptional engagement with both external and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of the charity’s vision, mission, and long‑term strategy.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for growth, innovation, and increased impact in service delivery and income generation.
• Foster a clear organisational direction, supported by strong leadership and team alignment.

Governance & Compliance

• Work closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees, providing timely and accurate information to support strategic decision‑making.
• Ensure full compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, including the Charity Commission, Companies House, and GDPR.
• Uphold high standards of governance and accountability across the organization.

Operational Management

• Oversee the day‑to‑day operations, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of all services.
• Lead and support staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing organisational culture.
• Manage risk, resources, and operational planning to support the charity’s sustainability and resilience.

Financial Management & Income Generation

• Ensure financial sustainability through robust budgeting, forecasting, and financial oversight.
• Lead and support fundraising strategies across grants, donations, partnerships, and commercial activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, funders, and sponsors, ensuring transparency and stewardship.
• Explore and implement new income streams to diversify funding.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

• Act as the public face of 21 Together, representing the charity at external events, with media, and to key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with families, partners, funders, and the wider community.
• Advocate for high‑quality, inclusive services for individuals with Down’s syndrome.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact

• Set and monitor KPIs to measure performance and impact across all areas of work.
• Report clearly and accurately to the Board, funders, and external stakeholders.
• Lead on mechanisms for gathering and responding to feedback from service users.
• Embed a culture of learning, reflection, and continuous improvement.

Person Specification

Skills, Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience in senior leadership and strategic planning.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets in a grant‑funded environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with families and professionals.
• Experience of developing and delivering impactful services for a diverse community.
• Proven track record in income generation, including fundraising, grants, and partnerships.
• Strong operational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop high‑performing teams.
• Knowledge of charity governance, regulation, and working effectively with a Board of Trustees.
• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sectors such as health, education, and social care.
• Ability to work empathetically and sensitively with vulnerable individuals and families.

Desirable

• Knowledge or lived experience of Down’s syndrome and associated support needs.

Personal Attributes

• Integrity, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
• Resilience, adaptability, and calm under pressure.
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Passion for the mission, values, and community of 21 Together.

About You

• An experienced leader with a strategic mindset.
• Financially astute, with a track record of managing budgets and securing income.
• A confident communicator with excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
• Committed to inclusion, learning, and supporting vulnerable communities.
• Desirable: Experience or understanding of Down’s syndrome and/or learning disabilities.

What we offer

• Flexible working (minimum 3 days a week).
• Hybrid arrangements available.
• Supportive and values‑led culture.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful, visible difference.
• Apply via LinkedIn.