Chief Executive Officer

North East Autism Society; North East; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organisation in North East England seeks a dynamic Chief Executive to lead its mission-driven work in supporting autistic individuals. The successful candidate will have extensive senior leadership experience in health or social care, demonstrating outstanding people management skills and a track record in strategy development. Responsibilities include providing authentic leadership, ensuring financial sustainability, and collaborating with a dedicated team to further the charity’s impact.

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in health, social care or education.
• Experience in inspiring high performing teams.
• Track record of developing strategies and leading change.
• Entrepreneurial experience in developing business opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspiring leadership and strategic direction.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to advance the charity's mission.
• Support the Senior Management team in operational decision-making.
• Ensure financial health and sustainability through diverse income streams.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

People leadership skills

Strategic development

Networking and 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 Group 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 adviceand 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.