Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Devon in Sight

Devon in Sight; Exeter; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent charity in Exeter is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead its mission of supporting the blind and partially sighted community. You will oversee the organization's operations, manage staff and volunteers, and develop strategic partnerships to enhance service delivery. The ideal candidate has extensive management experience in a charity setting, strong financial acumen, and the ability to inspire a team. This permanent, full-time role offers a competitive salary of £46,500 and various employee benefits including a pension scheme and flexible working options.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible remote working options

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

Free car parking space

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior management within the charity sector.
• Ability to work flexibly and strategically to achieve goals.
• Strong computer literacy and ability to provide accurate reports to the Board.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement charity's strategic priorities.
• Oversee service delivery and maintain high service standards.
• Manage budgets and lead fundraising efforts.
• Ensure legal compliance and risk management.
• Build partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Manage HR, recruitment, and support staff and volunteers.

Skills

Empathetic management

Inspiring communication

Financial management

Networking

Strategic leadership

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, 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.