Chief Executive Officer

Holt Youth Project Limited; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative charity in north Norfolk seeks a dynamic Chief Executive to lead its mission of supporting young people. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the organization, guiding it through its next chapter. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, oversee operations, and engage with the community to foster partnerships. With a focus on delivering impactful programs and ensuring financial sustainability, this position is perfect for someone passionate about youth work and community engagement. Join this award-winning charity and make a real difference in the lives of young people.

Qualifications

• Experience managing teams and working with volunteers in a related organization.
• Passion for engaging with young people and understanding their interests.
• Knowledge of funding streams and ability to engage with funders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic plan and ensure governance and compliance.
• Design and deliver engaging activities for young people.
• Oversee operations, finances, and sustainability through fundraising.

Skills

Team Management

Volunteer Engagement

Financial Management

Safeguarding Knowledge

Community Engagement

Entrepreneurial Outlook

Job description

The Holt Youth Project is an innovative north Norfolk based charity which exists to serve the young people of the local community within and beyond the town of Holt. Since 1986 it has been one of the country’s most imaginative youth projects, responding to local need through the vision of its founder Julie Alford BEM who initially opened her home to young people. The charity later acquired the land and secured funding to build its permanent home in 2004. Today it provides a range of important and much valued services and serves around 400 young people annually at its purpose-built facilities, which include a shop, allotment and sports hall in heart of a residential area of Holt. It has played a vital and often transformational role in the lives of those who have benefitted from its work and services and is well regarded by local businesses and the wider community.

Julie Alford has led the award-winning charity throughout its time and will retire later this year. An exciting opportunity has therefore arisen for a new Chief Executive to take the charity into its next chapter, working closely with staff, volunteers and trustees, building on its successes and developing its facilities and services.

The Role

Reporting to the Chairman and trustees, the Chief Executive will be responsible for:

Strategic leadership & governance: Lead the delivery of the Board’s strategic plan, setting clear objectives and providing regular updates to trustees while ensuring strong governance, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance.

Programme oversight & development: Design and deliver engaging, safe, and developmental activities for young people, using their input and ensuring effective evaluation and impact measurement.

Operational & financial management: Oversee the charity’s day-to-day operations, finances, facilities, and resources, exercising sound financial control and ensuring sustainability through fundraising and grant income.

Community & stakeholder engagement: Be an advocate for the charity, developing partnerships, promoting its work across Norfolk, managing communications and social media, and maintaining strong relationships with schools, supporters, and the wider community.

People leadership: Build and support a team of staff and volunteers, fostering a positive culture, ensuring training and development, and encouraging a shared commitment to the charity’s mission.

The Candidate

· Experience of managing teams and working with volunteers and trustees within a comparable or related organisation (young people, education, charities) with a track record of success.

· An evident and demonstrable passion for working with young people and the empathy to engage with their interests and activities.

· An entrepreneurial outlook with the ability to manage income and identify commercial opportunities.

· Full and up to date knowledge of safeguarding and the legal responsibilities of working with the age range which the charity serves.

· Knowledge of funding streams and the ability to engage with funders (including trusts and foundations and local authorities).

· The ability to develop, manage and motivate a small team and to work closely with others.

How to Apply

Holt Youth Project has engaged Wild Search to support them with this appointment. For more information please download the full brief at: https://www.wildsearch.org/opportunities/2025/5/7/chief-executive-holt-youth-project

Deadline for applications: 9 June.

Short list interviews: 3 July 2025 at Holt Youth Project. Visits will be arranged prior to the formal interviews.