Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Webrecruit (Client Branded); Kenn; On-site; GBP 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A charity organization in Kennford, Exeter, is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead and manage operations effectively. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, financial acumen, and the ability to develop strategic partnerships. This full-time role includes a salary of £46,500 and benefits such as 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and a pension scheme. If you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of individuals affected by sight loss, we welcome your application.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working options

Pension with employer contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

Free car parking space

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior management role within a charity setting.
• Ability to work flexibly and strategically to achieve organizational goals.
• Strong communication skills for networking and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the charity’s strategic planning and governance.
• Manage operational services and maintain service delivery standards.
• Oversee financial compliance and fundraising strategies.
• Ensure adherence to legal and safeguarding requirements.
• Advocate for blind and partially sighted people in the community.
• Manage HR processes, recruitment, and support for staff.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Financial management

Communication

Empathy

Job description

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Devon in Sight

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, and 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, and to apply, please click the Apply button shown to be taken to our website.

Closing Date for Applications: Noon on Friday 2nd January 2026

Interviews for this position will be held on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th January 2026, in person, at the Devon in Sight Head Office in Kennford, Exeter.

Other organisations may call this role Chief Executive, Charity Chief Executive, Managing Director, MD, Charity Director, Chief Operating Officer, or Director of Operations.