CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Principal Connections Limited; Dublin; On-site; EUR 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

ISPCC, Ireland's leading child protection charity, is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to provide visionary, values-led and financially disciplined leadership. You will drive the delivery of the Better, Happier, Safer Strategy 2025-2028, expand national reach and ensure measurable improvements for children and families.

The role requires senior leadership experience, strong fundraising expertise and ability to manage diverse income streams, budgets and governance structures, while engaging with

Qualifications

• Senior executive with proven track record leading complex organisations.
• Ability to inspire high-performing teams and deliver multi-year strategies.
• Strong governance, risk management and board engagement capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the Better, Happier, Safer Strategy 2025-2028.
• Strengthen financial resilience and diversify income streams.
• Cultivate relationships with government, funders, corporate partners and key stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Fundraising

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Job description

Established as one of Ireland's leading child protection charities, ISPCC is dedicated to protecting childhood and ensuring every child has the right to a better, happier and safer life. Through its nationally recognised Childline service and wider programmes, the organisation provides vital support to children and young people, guided by its mission to reach every child so they know help is available, for any reason, at any time.

With an ambitious Better, Happier, Safer Strategy 2025-2028, ISPCC is focused on extending its national reach, strengthening measurable outcomes and championing innovation in child protection, digital wellbeing and online safety. Underpinned by a commitment to safeguarding, public trust and financial sustainability, the organisation is entering an important phase of strategic development and growth.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer will provide visionary, values-led and commercially disciplined leadership, with overall responsibility for the strategic direction, organisational performance and long-term sustainability of ISPCC. Working closely with the Board and Leadership Team, the successful candidate will lead delivery of the Better, Happier, Safer Strategy 2025-2028, strengthening national awareness, expanding access to services and ensuring measurable improvements in outcomes for children and young people.

A central priority will be strengthening financial resilience, diversifying income generation and enhancing ISPCC's competitive position within an increasingly challenging fundraising environment. The Chief Executive Officer will inspire, motivate and unite colleagues around a shared vision, fostering a high-performing, innovative and purpose-led culture while ensuring strong governance, operational effectiveness and financial accountability.

As the organisation's principal ambassador, the successful candidate will cultivate influential relationships with government, funders, corporate partners and other key stakeholders, bringing political astuteness and sound judgement to complex external engagements. They will work collaboratively with the Board to deliver the current strategy, while identifying opportunities for innovation, responsible digital transformation and future strategic development to ensure ISPCC remains responsive to the evolving needs of children and families.

REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate will be an accomplished senior executive with a proven record of leading complex organisations, inspiring high-performing teams, delivering multi-year strategies and achieving sustainable organisational growth and measurable impact. They will demonstrate strong financial and commercial acumen, experience of managing substantial budgets and diverse income streams, and the ability to strengthen fundraising capability, diversify revenue and ensure long-term financial sustainability. A sophisticated understanding of governance, risk management and effective Board engagement is essential, together with strong intellectual capability, political awareness and exceptional stakeholder management skills.

Experience within the charity, social impact, health, mental health, child protection or public service sectors would be highly advantageous, particularly where this includes significant fundraising, income generation or organisational transformation responsibilities. Applications from accomplished leaders in other sectors who can demonstrate relevant transferable experience will also be welcomed. Above all, the successful candidate will be an authentic, compassionate and inspirational leader, combining strategic vision, emotional intelligence, decisiveness and reflective judgement with the ability to engage, motivate and bring people through change. They will demonstrate an innovative and forward-thinking approach, personal resilience and an unwavering commitment to children's rights, safeguarding and positive social impact.

• Our client is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.