Chief Executive Officer

Gorse Hill Studios; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive youth and community arts charity in Trafford, Manchester, is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership, oversee operations, and ensure effective program delivery. The role emphasizes empowering young people, necessitating strong leadership and financial management skills. The successful candidate will champion youth voices and advocate for community engagement. This is a full-time position with a competitive salary range of £49,282 - £54,495 and supports some remote work options. Applications close on 19 January.

Qualifications

• Must have senior leadership experience in the youth or charity sector.
• Proven ability to manage finances and generate income.
• Effective communicator with stakeholder engagement experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the charity's long-term strategy.
• Oversee budgeting and financial management.
• Ensure high-quality, youth-focused program delivery.
• Inspire and manage staff, fostering a positive culture.
• Act as the primary ambassador for the charity.

Skills

Senior leadership experience in charity or non-profit sector

Strong financial management skills

Proven success in fundraising or income generation

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement

Knowledge of safeguarding practices

Experience leading teams

Strategic leadership experience

Job description

Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £49, 282 - £54,495 per annum

Location: Gorse Hill Studios, Trafford, Manchester (Some remote working will be considered)

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

About Gorse Hill Studios

Gorse Hill Studios is a dynamic and ambitious youth and community arts charity. At the heart of our organisation is a belief that all young people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. We work with young people to build confidence, creativity and community connections, ensuring they have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive.

We believe that creativity can transform lives, and we are committed to placing young people at the centre of everything we do. Their voices, ideas and experiences help shape our programmes, partnerships and strategic direction.

We are entering an exciting phase of growth and development. Our team currently includes 20 core staff and a wider network of volunteers and creative practitioners, delivering a diverse portfolio of youth arts sessions, community engagement projects, creative wellbeing initiatives and partnership‑led activity with local schools and organisations. The CEO will play a pivotal role in leading this portfolio, strengthening our impact, championing youth voice and ensuring young people continue to shape our future direction as we move into the next chapter of our development.

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic, compassionate and visionary leadership, ensuring Gorse Hill Studios delivers its mission to empower and inspire young people. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will hold overall responsibility for the organisation’s performance, culture, operations and long‑term sustainability. This role calls for someone who demonstrates strong strategic insight with the ability to influence and inspire others, using emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership to build positive internal and external relationships.

A fundamental part of this role is your commitment to embedding young people’s voice in decision making. You will champion their perspectives, ensuring programme development, strategy and organisational culture reflect the needs and aspirations of the young people we serve.

You will also be an ambassador for the charity, building trusted relationships with young people, partners, funders and the wider community. This role requires a leader who is values‑led, resilient and passionate about supporting young people through the arts and creative engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Lead on the development and delivery of the charity’s long‑term strategy, with young people meaningfully involved
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and governance requirements, including Charity Commission expectations and safeguarding duties
• Provide clear, timely reporting to the Board
• Support the Board to operate effectively

Financial Management and Income Generation

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning and responsible management of all funds
• Lead a diverse income generation strategy
• Identify sustainable opportunities for organisational growth

Operational Management and Programme Delivery

• Oversee day to day operations and ensure systems are effective
• Ensure programmes are high quality, inclusive and reflective of young people’s needs and feedback
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, or ensure robust safeguarding practices across the organisation

People Leadership and Culture

• Inspire, support and lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team
• Champion a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture
• Oversee recruitment, wellbeing and performance management

External Relations and Advocacy

• Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Gorse Hill Studios
• Build strong relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders
• Advocate for and with young people locally and nationally
• Represent the charity confidently at events and in the media

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, youth, arts or wider non‑profit sector
• Strong financial management skills
• Proven success in fundraising or income generation
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices in youth settings
• Experience leading teams and developing positive organisational cultures
• Strategic leadership experience

Desirable

• Experience in the youth arts or creative community sector
• Understanding of the Trafford community landscape

Values and Commitment

We are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals who share these values and are passionate about empowering young people.

An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Application Details

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter.

Closing date: 19 January

Interview date: 23 January at Gorse Hill Studios

Interviews will include a stakeholder panel and a formal interview.