Chief Executive Officer

Ysjsu; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

York St John Students’ Union (YSJSU) is seeking a confident Chief Executive to guide the charity through renewal, strengthening student voice, and a strategic partnership with York St John University.

You will lead with rigour and empathy, build financial sustainability, empower staff, and foster an inclusive culture where every student can participate and thrive.

Experience in a Students’ Union or higher education is welcome; candidates from other mission-driven settings are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• You will be a credible, thoughtful leader who can build trust, make sound decisions and bring clarity during change.
• You will have led teams and managed complex relationships, ideally across organisational boundaries, with financial oversight experience.
• Experience in a Students’ Union or higher education is welcome, but candidates from other charities or purpose-driven settings will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Build an open, constructive and effective relationship with York St John University, while safeguarding the Union’s autonomy.
• Embed equality, diversity and inclusion, removing barriers to engagement and access to services.
• Work with the Chair, trustees and elected Presidents to agree a clear strategy and measurable delivery plan.
• Support staff through change and build an inclusive, confident organisational culture.
• Strengthen financial sustainability and develop income that supports student priorities.

Skills

Senior leadership

Relationship building

Financial acumen

Data insights

Inclusion & representation

Job description

Lead York St John Students’ Union through its next chapter, strengthening student voice, organisational sustainability and a vital University partnership.

We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer to lead the charity through an important period of renewal. Working with students, staff, trustees and York St John University, you will strengthen the Union’s voice, build a constructive partnership and help shape a clear direction for the future.

We are looking for an experienced and collaborative leader with strong judgement, financial confidence and the ability to bring people with them through change. You will be comfortable moving between strategic leadership and the practical realities of a lean organisation.

It will also be important to bring a sense of fun into the workplace as the Union rebuilds its confidence and creates opportunities for students to connect and thrive.

Who we are

York St John Students’ Union (YSJSU) is an independent, student-led charity.

Its mission is to empower students at York St John University to challenge and change the world around them. Through representation, activities, societies, commercial services and opportunities to connect, the Union helps students to belong, have an effective voice and make the most of their time at university.

The Union serves a diverse and changing student community across York and London, working alongside the University while retaining its own charitable purpose and independent student voice.

About the role

This is a significant opportunity to guide YSJSU through its next phase. You will work with Trustees, elected Presidents, staff and the University to refresh the Union’s direction, strengthen organisational foundations and demonstrate the value of its work for students.

Your priorities will include:

• Building an open, constructive and effective relationship with York St John University, while safeguarding the Union’s autonomy.
• Embedding equality, diversity and inclusion, removing barriers to engagement and access to services.
• Working closely with the Chair, trustees and elected Presidents to agree a clear strategy and measurable delivery plan.
• Supporting staff through change and building an inclusive, confident organisational culture.
• Strengthening financial sustainability and developing income that supports student priorities.

Who we are looking for

You will be a credible, thoughtful leader who can build trust, make sound decisions and bring clarity during change.

You will have led teams and managed complex relationships, ideally where you needed to influence across organisational boundaries. You will bring financial understanding and the confidence to oversee budgets, risk and organisational sustainability.

Experience in a Students’ Union or higher education is welcome, but we will also consider candidates from other charities, member-led organisations or complex purpose-driven settings. Most importantly, you will be committed to student voice, inclusive participation and helping an organisation make a practical difference to its community.

The core skills we are seeking are:

• Senior leadership experience and a record of guiding teams through change.
• Strong relationship-building, communication and influencing skills.
• Financial acumen and experience of sound organisational stewardship.
• Using data and student insight to improve services and demonstrate impact.
• Championing inclusive representation and responding to the needs of a diverse student community.

Applications close on Wednesday 25 November at 09:00.

First stage interviews (virtual) will take place on Monday 7th or Tuesday 8th December 2026

Second stage interviews (in person) will take place on Thursday 17th December 2026