Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Charity

Apsley Recruitment Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A charity focused on second chances is seeking a CEO responsible for strategic development and operation management. Ideal candidates will have experience working with ex-offenders and in the charitable sector, with a strong background in fundraising, governance, and leadership. The role involves managing staff, ensuring financial health, and delivering on key performance indicators. A degree or equivalent experience is required, along with strong interpersonal and analytical skills. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Experience in working with ex-offenders or those at risk of offending.
• Knowledge of the charitable sector and safeguarding.
• Experience in writing business plans and funding bids.
• Full driving license and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver an ambitious strategy for the organization.
• Manage and coach dedicated staff and volunteers.
• Ensure financial viability through fundraising and bid preparation.
• Monitor project delivery and key performance indicators.
• Oversee governance and safeguarding measures.

Skills

Energy and passion

Empathy

Strong financial skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Education

Degree in a related discipline or equivalent experience

Job description

The Role

Accountable to the Board of Trustees the CEO will have responsibility for the strategic development and running of the organisation, including the management of all staff and volunteers and the building of relationships with important supporters and partners.

This includes

• Developing and delivering an ambitious strategy;
• Managing, developing and coaching our dedicated staff;
• Ensuring the financial viability of our client, including identification of potential funders and the preparation of bids;
• Delivering on the highest standards of governance;
• Oversight of Safeguarding while ensuring the safety of staff, volunteers and Participants;

Monitoring the delivery of projects and key performance indicators and reporting to the Board and to funders, as required.

The Person

Our client's participants are energetic but can have complex needs so we are looking for someone with energy, passion and empathy. A knowledge of the justice system and prior experience of working with ex-offenders or those at risk of offending is required.

As a charity, we are dependent on grants, so the person needs to have personal credibility to build and nurture relationships with current and potential funders and to be tenacious in identifying new potential sources of funding. Ideally, the person will also have a broad personal network and experience in fundraising.

Previous experience of leading and growing an organisation, preferably in the charitable sector is needed, as this is a broad remit covering Strategy, Finance, HR, People Management, Marketing, Governance, Fundraising etc.

High standards of behaviour are essential combined with the ability to act with appropriate discretion and sensitivity.

Skills Profile

Educated to degree level in a related discipline or equivalent experience.

Knowledge of the charitable sector and safeguarding, preferably within the justice system.

Strong financial, analytical and communication skills with good IT skills.

Experience in writing business plans and funding bids

Experience and knowledge of national and local agendas relating to crime, disorder, substance misuse and re-offending.

Full driving license, access to a vehicle and willingness to transport Participants.

Appropriate DBS clearance will be required. Having a criminal record is not a bar to working with this organisation, in fact, lived experience is welcomed.

The Organisation

Our client believes in second chances and has been working with ex-offenders and those at risk of offending to turn their lives around over the past 50 years, thereby reducing the rate of re-offending in Hertfordshire. We deliver our vision through programmes that build capability and confidence, delivered with respect and integrity.

Our flagship programme, TurnAround, provides participants with mentoring support, a range of training and well-being programmes and a host of activities which provide structure to otherwise-chaotic lives. We also work with other local charities to provide individualised and needs-based support.

Our client is well regarded by the Police and Probation services and by other charities within the county dealing with similar participants.