Chief Executive Officer

Devon in Sight; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization focused on sight loss is seeking an experienced Chief Executive Officer to lead its operations in Exeter. This permanent, full-time role involves strategic planning, operational leadership, and financial management, with responsibilities including developing the charity's vision and managing fundraising strategies. Applicants should possess strong leadership skills, be an empathetic communicator, and have a background in charity work. The position offers a competitive salary of £46,500 and additional benefits such as annual leave and flexible working options.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working options

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

Free car parking space

Qualifications

• Experience in operational leadership in a charity.
• Strong financial insight and ability to manage budgets.
• Natural communicator with skills in networking and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the charity's vision and strategic priorities.
• Oversee service delivery and compliance with standards.
• Manage budgets and fundraising strategies.

Skills

Leadership in charity setting

Empathy and communication

Financial management

Networking

Strategic planning

Job description

Devon in Sight (The Devon County Association for the Blind) was established in 1925 and has a long and proud history of serving people who are blind and partially sighted and their families in Devon.

Our aim is to support people on their sight loss journey by focusing on our four key service areas of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), Independent Living, Health & Wellbeing, and Influencing Change (Making Devon a better place for people affected by sight loss to live and work).

The Role:

As our long‑standing Chief Executive Officer prepares for retirement, we are seeking an experienced senior manager to take over the leadership of this dynamic and innovative charity.

The Chief Executive Officer will be based at the charity's head office in Splatford, Exeter. You will be responsible to the Board of Trustees and will represent, promote and support the charity, whilst ensuring the smooth running of all aspects of operations and future growth.

You will need to work flexibly and strategically to assist the organisation to achieve its strategic priorities, develop and grow. We are looking for someone who is a confident and empathetic manager with previous experience gained within a charity setting.

You will be a natural and inspiring communicator, equally confident in networking with our stakeholders, talking to the people we support and writing compelling content. In addition, you will be computer literate and financially astute, able to work with a Board of Trustees, attend their meetings and provide them with timely and accurate information.

Job Type: Permanent, Full‑time (37 hours per week).

Location: Unit 3, Splatford Barton, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XY

Salary: £46,500.

Other Benefits:

• Annual Leave entitlement is 25 days per annum plus statutory bank holidays. Additional leave days are awarded after 2, 5 and 10 years service.
• Some flexible, remote working can be negotiated.
• A pension scheme that includes a 3% employer contribution with the option of joining our Salary Sacrifice Scheme to increase this.
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• A nominated free car parking space at our current premises.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy & Governance: Developing and implementing the charity's vision, mission, values and strategic priorities in partnership with the Trustees.
• Operational Leadership: Overseeing service delivery, maintaining our Matrix Standard Accreditation, monitoring services we provide to ensure they are always to a high standard.
• Financial & Fundraising: Managing budgets, maintaining compliance, and leading fundraising strategies (Individual Trusts & Grants, Legacies, Community and Corporate Fundraising and Legacy management).
• Compliance & Risk: Ensuring the charity strictly adheres to statutory, legal (GDPR, Charities Act, Companies Act), and safeguarding requirements.
• Partnerships & Advocacy: Acting as the "voice of blind and partially sighted people in Devon", building relationships with key stakeholders across the Health & Social Care and Third Sector.
• People Management: HR, recruitment, managing and supporting staff and volunteers.

How to Apply

If you are a supportive and proactive leader, passionate about making a real difference to the lives of people affected by sight loss across Devon, we want to hear from you!

For a full application pack, including job description, application letter and application forms, please visit our website.

Interviews will be held on the 15th and 16th January 2026, in person, at our head office in Kennford, Exeter.