Chief Executive Officer

Talantir; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance

Pension

Flexible hours

Remote work

Free parking

Job summary

Talantir invites applications for a Chief Executive Officer to lead a respected charity focused on protecting and celebrating Cambridge’s landscapes, heritage and nature. The role is based in Cambridge with hybrid working (1 day home) and full-time hours.

The CEO will balance governance, strategy, external advocacy and staff leadership to drive impact across greenspaces, historic properties, and civic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent higher professional qualification in management or a related field.
• Experience managing a senior team and leading a charity or similar organisation.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a senior team and to develop partnerships.
• Excellent communication across diverse audiences and strong networking skills.
• Experience in strategy development, budgeting, and influencing at high levels.
• Knowledge of habitats or built heritage is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Inspiring and supportive leadership across the charity and staff.
• Develop and deliver strategy and oversee governance and finance.
• Build external partnerships, advocate for the charity, and influence local policy.
• Oversee energy, land, and property management while prioritising impact.
• Lead staff development, culture, and cross-team collaboration.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Financial management

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Team management

Negotiation

Town planning

Project management

IT proficiency

Education

Degree in management or related field

Job description

Chief Executive Officer

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to take on the executive leadership of a highly respected and effective charity working within and around Cambridge.

Join a charity that aims to protect, enhance and celebrate the landscape, heritage and nature that make Cambridge a special place, for today and for generations to come.

Position: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Cambridge/Hybrid (1 day per week working from home)
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (part-time or job share considered)
Salary: £65 - £75k dependent on skills and experience.
Contract: Permanent

Benefits

• 33 days annual holiday entitlement pro rata, includes allowance for Bank Holidays.
• Pension contribution of up to 5% of gross pay.
• Flexible delivery of hours.
• Remote working options.
• Free on-site parking

Closing Date: 5pm on Monday 13 April.

The Role

This charity is a small but complex organisation. It owns greenspaces, nature reserves and historic properties that welcome thousands of visitors every year; it runs a busy outdoor education and events programme and delivers civic initiatives such as the Blue Plaque scheme for Cambridge; it is a driving force in the Cambridge Nature Network; it responds to hundreds of planning proposals that could have a harmful impact on Cambridge’s landscapes, nature or special character and runs major campaigns when needed. It combines hands‑on land and property management with being a highly respected and effective voice influencing the sustainable development of Cambridge.

The CEO is responsible for ensuring that all green spaces and historic buildings in the charity’s care are protected and enhanced, and that the influence on the development of the greater Cambridge area is as strong as it can be. Balancing demands across all areas of the charity’s work is a major part of the role, informed by a strategy and strategic plan that guides prioritisation and focus in any given year. You will play a primary role in local advocacy, influence and the development of external partnerships and opportunities, and support the staff team in delivering the other areas.

Main areas of responsibility

• Inspiring and Supportive Leadership
• Strategy Development and Delivery
• People and Organisation Development
• Finance and Governance
• Influence and Advocacy

About You

With sound finances and a small but effective staff team, we are looking for an inspirational and supportive leader who has the experience and knowledge required to help the charity flourish and rise to the opportunities and challenges of the coming years.

• Degree or equivalent higher professional qualification, in management or a subject relevant to the role.
• Experience managing a team at a senior level.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a senior team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills across multiple audiences.
• Proven ability to network, advocate and positively influence at a high level.
• Experience of collaborative and partnership working to achieve more impact.
• Good professional understanding or experience of managing either natural habitats or built heritage, or both.
• Experience in strategy development and delivery, turning an ambitious vision into actionable plans.
• Experience of developing projects and project management, delivering practical outcomes to time and to budget.
• Experience in budgeting and financial management across multiple work areas.
• An understanding of town planning issues and the English development process, or willingness to learn.
• A good negotiator who can listen, influence, respond and follow up appropriately.
• High levels of self‑awareness, emotional intelligence and empathy.
• Competency with a range of IT software and communications mechanisms.

Our ideal candidate will live within Cambridge or the surrounding region and have had senior management experience in a relevant organisation.

A full clean driving licence and proof of the right to work in the UK are required for this role.

About the Organisation

The charity cares for the green setting of Cambridge and its most valuable landscapes and is working to enhance and connect them for nature and people. They inspire people of all ages to get outdoors and help them to enjoy, learn about and get involved with their local environment, heritage and culture.

You may also have experience in roles such as CEO, Chief Exec, Managing Director, Head of Operations, Deputy CEO, Deputy Chief Exec, Chief Executive Officer, Department Head, Head of.