Chief executive jobs for the Animal sector

Lead the next 60 years of animal welfare at Wythall by joining the sanctuary as Chief Executive.

Location: Hybrid / Wythall, Worcestershire (at least 3 days per week onsite)

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 27th July 2026

About Wythall Animal Sanctuary

Since 1968, Wythall Animal Sanctuary has provided safety, care and second chances to animals in need.

We are an independent, non-destruct animal sanctuary with a proud history, a strong local reputation and a deeply committed community of employees, volunteers, supporters and donors. From our multi-acre site near Solihull, we rescue, rehabilitate and rehome and provide sanctuary to dogs, cats, rabbits and ponies. We provide lifelong care to animals who cannot be rehomed and operate boarding kennels that generate important commercial income.

We are now looking for a Chief Executive Officer to help us build on these strong foundations and lead the charity into its next chapter.

About the role

As our CEO, you will work in close partnership with the Board translating long-term vision into clear priorities, measurable outcomes and practical delivery plans.

The Board is looking for someone who will bring insight and constructive challenge, rather than simply agree with an established position. You will use evidence, financial understanding and operational knowledge to help determine what is achievable and where investment will make the greatest difference and when priorities need to change.

This is not a role that will operate at a distance from the organisation and you will need a willingness to become involved in delivery.

The person we are looking for

We are looking for an ambitious, values-led and commercially astute leader who can combine vision with practical delivery.

You might already be an established Chief Executive, or you may be an experienced senior leader ready to take on your first CEO appointment. Previous experience within animal welfare is welcome but is not essential.

This is a working animal sanctuary. It can be busy, unpredictable and occasionally messy. We need a CEO who is equally comfortable shaping long-term strategy with Trustees, as navigating operational challenges and engaging directly with employees, volunteers and the animals in our care.

Please click on the link to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you will find full details of the role and how to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 27th July 2026.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Strength and Learning Through Horses (SLTH) is a London-based charity transforming the lives of vulnerable young people through equine-assisted therapy and education services. 

As Chief Executive, you will lead the organisation into its next chapter. Reporting to the Board, you will bring operational leadership, drive organisational development, grow and diversify income, oversee site development, strengthen governance, and oversee financial performance, planning and sustainability. You will also act as ambassador, building partnerships and profile.

Essentials:

• Significant senior leadership experience (CEO, Deputy CEO, COO or equivalent) in the charity, education, health, youth or social care sectors
• Strong background in operational excellence, strategy, governance and organisational development
• Experience representing an organisation externally and leading diverse teams
• Demonstrable financial stewardship, working knowledge of day-to-day HR policies and processes, and an understanding of safeguarding responsibilities

Benefits:

• Flexible working 
• Opportunity to lead a high-impact, specialist charity 

This role will suit a senior leader with a track record in growth, income generation and team leadership, who is bold, ambitious and passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable young people. Are you ready to scale impact while protecting what makes a charity special?

Please see the candidate pack for full details. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact: Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment.

Location: Greengates Stables, Mays Lane, Barnet, EN5 2AQ / hybrid - 3 days a week on-site

Closing date: Thursday 6th August 2026
Charisma vetting interviews will be completed on a rolling basis. 
Please note: the SLTH interview process with be 3 stages, with the final 1 or 2 candidates invited back for an on-site visit, which will involve the whole staff team and young people/professionals/parents and carers.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

• DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & DELIVERY – operational leadership, service delivery, change and impact

Dogs for Good brings people and dogs together to make life possible. Since 1986, the charity has been dedicated to advancing the life-changing possibilities of the connection between people and dogs, supporting individuals, families and communities affected by disability, autism, dementia, mental ill health and other complex needs. 

Through assistance dog partnerships, family-focused workshops and the community dog programme, Dogs for Good helps people access the world with greater confidence, independence and connection. By 2028, the charity aims to support over 6,000 people each year through the life-changing bond between people and dogs. 

Dogs for Good is now seeking a Director of Operations & Delivery to provide strategic and operational leadership at a pivotal moment for the organisation. The successful candidate will own the continued delivery and implementation of Dogs for Good’s new operating model, translating strategy into clear, co-ordinated operational plans and ensuring services remain effective, sustainable, impactful and of a consistently high standard. 

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Significant operational leadership experience, ideally gained in a multi-service or complex delivery environment, alongside demonstrable experience of leading change across teams or services. 
• An analytical, data-driven and confident approach, using insight to inform decisions, assess performance and support continuous improvement. 
• Experience of translating strategy into practical operational plans, managing budgets and resources, and producing high-quality reports and analysis for senior leaders and Boards. 
• A calm structured and reflective leadership style, with the ability to lead through others, foster collaboration and support people to build confidence, capability and ownership. 

As you will be working with vulnerable people, you will be required to undergo a DBS check. This will be renewed every 4 years.

Please see the candidate pack for full details.

For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact: Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director at Charisma Charity Recruitment.

• Location: The Frances Hay Centre, Banbury OX17 2BS / hybrid working
• Closing date: Sunday 26 July 2026
• Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by EOD on 5 August 2026, prior to shortlisting on 6 August 2026.
• Interviews with Dogs for Good:
  • First stage interviews will take place online: w/c 10 August 2026.
  • Second stage interviews will be held in person and include a tour of the site: w/c 17 August 2026. 

We welcome and encourage expressions of interest from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

We are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact the Charisma Operations Team. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and who meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

We're looking for a Strategic Operations Manager to lead RSPCA Warrington, Halton and St Helens, taking full day-to-day responsibility for the branch and reporting directly to our board of trustees.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we take steps to secure the future of our branch. 

Our current team is small but dedicated, with an established Management Team who oversee our kennel and cattery facility, a foster network and rehoming programme, a dedicated staff animal care team and volunteer programme, and income generation.

This work can be emotionally demanding, both for the team and for anyone leading it, and we're looking for someone who can support people through that while keeping the branch moving towards its goals.

We want to hear from people who are ready to take on full operational responsibility for a charity at an important point in its development, and who can bring both the financial and people skills to help us get there.

The full role profile is attached to this listing, with a complete breakdown of responsibilities and the person specification. In summary, we're looking for someone with:

• A track record of leading and managing teams through change, with experience of income generation, budget management and financial reporting
• Line management experience, including performance review and development, and the confidence to handle difficult conversations with care and consistency
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust quickly, ideally backed by experience in animal welfare, the charity sector, a federated charity structure, and/or reporting to a board of trustees
• An empathetic, decisive and commercially minded approach to leadership, with the resilience to support a team through emotionally demanding work

We welcome applications from candidates looking to take a step up in their career, where the right attitude and clear potential are evident.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV along with a cover letter setting out the skills, experience and behaviours that make you a strong fit for this role, and answer a short set of eligibility questions as part of your application.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview which will include a short presentation based on a brief provided in advance.
We anticipate interviews will take place WC 31st August and/or WC 7th September 2026. Please indicate in your application if you do not have availability during these weeks. 

What We Offer

• Excellent remuneration package
• Full uniform and job-related equipment
• 28 days annual leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Full time or four days per week considered
• Up to one day per week working from home
• A supportive and engaged board with clear delegation and decision-making parameters
• A talented and committed team ready for strong leadership
• Genuine scope to shape the direction of the organisation at a pivotal moment
• A meaningful mission with real impact across Warrington, Halton and St Helens

Ready for your next step in fundraising?

If you’ve already had a taste of fundraising, marketing, or client services and you’re looking for an opportunity where you can learn quickly, elevate your career and help charities make a bigger impact, we’d love to hear from you.

At Pebblebeach, we're a boutique fundraising agency based in Brighton, helping brilliant charities raise more money so they can change more lives. For over 18 years, we've chosen to stay proudly boutique, building long-term relationships with our clients and creating a workplace where everyone knows each other, everyone's ideas matter and people genuinely enjoy coming to work.

Thanks to growing demand from our clients, we're expanding our team and looking for someone who shares our passion for great fundraising and wants to grow alongside us.

Why join us?

This isn’t your typical fundraising support role.

Working alongside our experienced fundraising consultants, you’ll gain hands-on experience across fundraising campaigns, client relationships, business development, marketing, project management, CRM and AI-powered ways of working.

As Pebblebeach grows, we hope you will too. We’ll support your development through mentoring, practical experience and a targeted training, giving you the opportunity to build a career in fundraising.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll play a key role in supporting our team and our charity clients by:

· Coordinating fundraising campaigns and consultancy projects.

· Supporting new business, proposals and client relationships.

· Delivering marketing activity and communications.

· Managing our HubSpot CRM and keeping data accurate.

· Researching fundraising opportunities and preparing presentations.

· Helping improve our systems, processes and use of AI.

No two weeks are the same - we are constantly learning, innovating and adapting - and that’s how we like it!

Who we’re looking for

You’ll probably have around 6–12 months’ experience in fundraising, marketing, customer service, client services, sales, administration or another office-based role.

More importantly, you’ll be someone who is:

· Curious, organised and eager to learn.

· Great with people and a confident communicator.

· Happy juggling different projects.

· Passionate about helping charities succeed.

· Looking for a long-term career where you can grow.

What you’ll get

· Mentoring from experienced fundraising professionals.

· Exposure to every part of a fundraising consultancy.

· A targeted training and development.

· Hybrid working from our Brighton office.

· A genuinely supportive, collaborative team.

· Great coffee, too many biscuits and the occasional visit from our office dogs.

A note about applying

As a people-centred business, we believe recruitment should be personal.

We won’t use AI to screen or shortlist applications—every application will be read by a real person.

In return, we’d love you to write your application yourself rather than relying on AI. We’re much more interested in hearing your voice, understanding what motivates you and getting a sense of who you are than reading something perfectly polished.

If you’re invited to interview, you’ll meet people who genuinely care about people, and we’ll communicate with every candidate we interview throughout the process.

How to apply

Please visit the Pebblebeach Fundraising website to read more about the role and download an application form.

Closing Date: 12pm Friday 31st July

Interview Date: Thursday 6th August

Bring your curiosity, your enthusiasm and your own voice. We’ll bring the support, the opportunities and the chance to build a rewarding career helping charities make the world just that bit better.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – Principal Gift Manager
Location: Options for role to be site-based (Buckinghamshire or East Yorkshire) or a hybrid contract with regular UK travel for donor meetings and team events.
Salary: £60,000 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, whose mission is to see a time when no deaf person feels alone, is seeking a Principal Gifts Manager responsible for identifying, cultivating and stewarding high-value donors to the charity giving £100,000 plus.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has been creating life-changing partnerships between hearing dogs and deaf recipients since 1982. As well as acting as an ear to their partners and alerting them to sounds, the charity’s clever and expertly trained dogs help deaf people to live life with confidence and independence, whilst providing love, companionship and emotional support.

Following a strategic review, the charity is now looking to build a new Income Generation Directorate to enable it to transform many more lives across the UK. This role will be critical to help Hearing Dogs reach their goals to significantly grow and diversify income.

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, the post-holder will work closely with senior leaders, trustees and senior stakeholders to solicit high-value gifts, typically of six and seven figures, and to build and deepen long-term relationships between donors and the charity. You will be responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of potential and current principal-level donors, as well as delivering exceptional stewardship journeys that demonstrate the impact and value of donor support.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in securing major gifts at the six-figure level or above, ideally in a principal or transformational giving context. You will be skilled at building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals, as well as being experienced at developing and delivering complex donor strategies and bespoke giving propositions. Finally, you must be a collaborative team player with strong project management and communication skills.

This is an exceptional opportunity to play a leading role in scaling transformational philanthropy at a charity which is changing people’s lives every day, where you have the flexibility of working remotely or spending time at Hearing Dogs’ stunning bases in Buckinghamshire or Yorkshire, with friendly and passionate staff and their four-legged friends.

If you want to lead the pack and help deaf people live well with hearing loss, please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 27th July, 9.00 am. 

Compassion in World Farming International is a global movement transforming the future of food and farming. Join us in shaping powerful donor engagement and experiences that help end factory farming. 

Associate Director, Global Donor Experience & Engagement 

Role type: Permanent; full-time or part-time hours considered, minimum 0.8 FTE

Location: Godalming, UK (hybrid working pattern 2x days in the office per week). The office is located close to Godalming station, with direct trains from/to London Waterloo in approximately 45 minutes. 

Salary: £65,000 -£70,000 per annum (depending upon skills and experience)

About the role  

As our Associate Director, Global Donor Experience & Engagement, you’ll lead the development of our fundraising narratives, storytelling, high-impact communications, digital media and events across digital and offline channels, ensuring a consistent and powerful donor experience at every touchpoint. 

This is a new role and a member of the Fundraising Senior Management Team. You’ll need to be a strategic partner, who is able to make an early impact, which will help to enable our fundraising teams to strengthen donor relationships, increase engagement and create the conditions for sustainable and transformational income growth.

As our Associate Director, Global Donor Experience & Engagement you’ll be responsible for (but not limited to):

• Lead global fundraising engagement strategy- Shapingclearobjectives, plans and success measures that align with organisational priorities and fundraising ambitions.
• Strengthen supporter engagement and stewardship- Developing persuasive cases for support, donor communications, engagementplansand experiences that deepen long-term relationships.

• Shape brand,propositionsand content- Ensuring fundraising engagement is audience-led, compelling, values-led and rooted in CIWF’s mission and case for support.
• Lead and collaborate across teams- Leading a newly formed team and working closely with Fundraising, Communications, the CEO Office, internationalcolleaguesand external partners.
• Use insight to improve performance- Using data,feedbackand evaluation to improve supporter experience, engagementactivityand continuous improvement.

About you 

To succeed in this exciting role, you will need to have significant previous experience at a similar level in fundraising communications, donor engagement, events, marketing or supporter experience, ideally within a charity or not-for-profit setting. You’ll need to be a confident strategic leader with exceptional storytelling and editorial skills, a strong understanding of donor motivations and supporter journeys, with the ability to translate organisational strategy into compelling fundraising narratives. 

Skills and experience you’ll need to bring as our Associate Director, Global Donor Experience & Engagement:

• Senior-level experience in fundraising communications, donor engagement, events or supporter experience within a charity or not-for-profit setting.
• Proven ability to develop persuasive cases for support, donor propositions and supporter communications that translate strategy into compelling fundraising narratives.
• Strong understanding of donor stewardship, supporter journeys,retentionand long-term relationship building.
• Excellent editorial,copywritingand storytelling skills, with strong audience awareness,creativityand attention to detail.
• Experience leading and developing teams, managingbudgetsand working with external agencies,suppliersor specialist partners.
• Ability to use data,insightand evaluation to shape communications, improve engagement and support performance improvement.
• A demonstrable commitment to CIWF’s mission, values and ethical approach to fundraising and partnerships.

If you don’t meet every requirement but believe you could thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Why join us

This truly is an opportunity to help shape a new global function, influence how supporters experience our mission, and help build the long-term relationships that power Compassion’s work for animals, people and the planet.

We offer a supportive, flexible workplace with a strong focus on wellbeing and development, including: 

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays 
• Health Cash Back Plan and 24/7 GP access 
• Employee Assistance Programme and MHFA support 
• Premium Calm App subscription 
• Electric car schemeavailable
• Defined contribution pension scheme 
• Enhanced discretionary sick pay 
• Hybrid working model (role and location dependent) 
• Free onsite parking and office next to mainline station 
• Cycle Benefit scheme and other savings options 
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities 

How to apply and key dates

If you’re ready to make a global impact, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the Person Specification. To support a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we kindly ask that you do not include a photo in your CV. Please note that we may begin interviews on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. 

Closing date: 12pm Wednesday 22 July 2026

1st Stage (Teams) Interview: Anticipated week commencing 27 July 2026

2nd Stage (Face to Face at HQ) Interview, with task: Anticipated week commencing 3 August 2026

“Join us in building a more compassionate future for animals, people, and the planet.”

About Compassion 

Compassion in World Farming International is a leading global organisation working to end factory farming. Founded in 1967 by British farmer Peter Roberts, we’ve spent over 50 years driving change, successfully campaigning to ban cruel practices such as barren battery cages, veal crates, and sow stalls across the UK and Europe. 

Our work combines advocacy, campaigning, and collaboration with policymakers and businesses to promote animal welfare and sustainable food systems. We envision a future where animals are treated with compassion, and farming supports both people and the planet. To learn more about our mission, culture, and opportunities, please explore our Candidate Pack, and Careers Page. 

To comply with legal requirements in the UK and internationally, all applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the country where the role is based. Compassion in World Farming is absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background.  We value diversity and live experience and acknowledge the underrepresentation of people from certain backgrounds, both within our organisation and across the sector.  We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, whether these be of ethnicity, gender, identity, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation or other.

Director of Income Generation (Fundraising), Membership & Engagement

Bangor, North Wales – Hybrid

Up to £60,000 (dependent on skills and experience) 

Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week)

Closing Date – 10th August 2026
First Stage Interview – 20th August 2026
Second Stage Interview – 2nd September 2026

Lead the future of nature in North Wales

Can you build the relationships, influence and income needed to drive nature's recovery? Are you an inspiring senior leader with the ambition to drive transformational growth?

These are exciting times, and we’re looking for a Director of Income Generation (Fundraising), Membership & Engagement to drive the next phase of growth for our organisation!

You will deliver ambitious, sustainable income growth while deepening audience engagement and enhancing organisational profile, ensuring we have the resources, relationships and reputation needed to achieve our mission at scale.

This is a varied and influential role, leading fundraising, membership, marketing, communications and audience engagement. You will drive growth across a diverse range of income streams, develop high-value partnerships, strengthen our brand and supporter experience and use insight and innovation to maximise impact and long-term sustainability. You will also lead and inspire a high-performing team while acting as a senior ambassador for the organisation.

The role will be hybrid (after settling in period) and we have office facilities available in Bangor or Aberduna.

Who we are looking for

• Proven success in multi-stream income generation
• Senior leadership experience
• Development and delivery of income growth strategies
• Strategic leadership and organisational decision-making
• High-level stakeholder engagement and influencing
• Demonstrable success in building and managing high-value partnerships
• Ability to build and lead high-performing teams
• Strong commercial acumen and results-driven approach
• Experience of managing substantial budgets, income targets and financial performance

This role may particularly appeal to senior leaders currently working as a Director of External Relations, Director of Partnerships, Director of Development or in a similar strategic leadership position, who have responsibility for income generation, stakeholder engagement, membership growth, communications and external partnerships.

Welsh language skills are not essential for this role but are highly desirable. We expect the successful candidate, if not already fluent, to be committed to learning Welsh and to demonstrate a strong understanding of and support for Welsh culture, which is integral to our work in land management and nature recovery.

We are proud to offer a wide range of benefits including:   

• 32 days of holiday per year, including statutory Bank Holidays, which increase by one day for each fully completed year of service up to a maximum of 38 days. 
• Salary Exchange Pension (6% ER contributions – 6% EE contributions) 
• Life Assurance (2x salary) 
• Learn Welsh on us 

Applicant Information Session

To help prospective applicants learn more about this exciting opportunity, we will be holding a Webinar on Monday 27 July 2026 between 6:00pm to 7:00pm.

This session will provide an opportunity to:

• Learn more about the role and its responsibilities.
• Understand why this is a critical new role for the Trust.
• Hear about the vision and ambitions for the position.
• Ask any questions you may have

About StreetVet

StreetVet is a fast-growing national charity, committed to providing free, accessible veterinary care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness and to keeping pets and owners together to maintain their unbreakable bond. StreetVet relies on its team of over 500 vet and nurse volunteers in 23 locations around the UK to provide free veterinary treatment, funded by grants, corporate and private donors and partners. Since inception in 2016 the charity has treated nearly 3,500 pets and has won numerous awards including the Vet Trust Award for the Most Trusted Veterinary Charity, Purina Better with Pets Prize and Homeless Link Excellence Award for Excellent Support.

About the role

Duration: Permanent

Reporting to: Head of Marketing & Fundraising

Key Contacts: Colleagues, volunteers, external stakeholders, corporate partners, donors, prospects and other supporters

Location: Fully remote, with regular UK travel including evenings and weekends

Hours: 37.5 work week (flexible working available)

Holiday: 25 days per year plus national holidays

Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 depending on experience

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Fundraising Manager to join our team. The role will report to the Head of Marketing and Fundraising and will be responsible for developing and implementing the fundraising strategy, driving forward all aspects of fundraising, including building corporate charity of the year partnerships, individual giving, major donors,
trusts and foundations, legacies and community fundraising.

The successful candidate will be a core member of the Central Team, working closely with the Marketing Team to develop and deliver income for the charity.

 
This role will have budgetary responsibility to achieving a revenue target in financial year 26/27 of £1.5 million, whilst building a sustainable income stream for the long-term with Yr on Yr growth. Key priorities include increasing the Individual Giving and Regular Giving donor database, donor and fundraiser stewardship, organising fundraising events, and securing grants and sponsorships.

For more information about the role, please see attached job description.

Closing Date: Close of business Thursday 16th July 2026 (applications may close earlier depending on response).