Chief executive jobs for the Animal sector

A bit about the role

We’re looking for a Managing Director to lead the next chapter of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, shaping the strategic direction and operational excellence of a fast-growing national charity dedicated to protecting, celebrating and rehabilitating serving and retired police dogs across the United Kingdom.

As the organisation’s sole employee, you will be at the heart of everything we do, driving strategy, operations, marketing & communications, and fundraising with autonomy, ownership, and purpose. You will take responsibility for the charity’s day-to-day running, long-term planning, and the delivery of initiatives that improve the welfare and care of serving and retired police dogs, including through our newly established National Association of Police Dog Handlers.

You will build and maintain strong relationships with supporters, trustees, partners, and the policing community, and you will ensure that our operational processes, beneficiary support, campaigns, and income generation all run smoothly and effectively.

The role requires flexibility, including attending events, ceremonies, and engagements across evenings and weekends each month. You’ll work closely with our Board of Trustees and volunteers, collaborating to ensure the Foundation continues to grow sustainably while staying true to its mission.

A bit more detail

In this role, you can expect to…

Lead and deliver organisational strategy

• Develop and execute the Foundation’s long-term strategic plan with the Board of Trustees.
• Ensure strong governance, compliance, risk management, and effectiveness across all areas.
• Report regularly to the Board with performance updates, insights, and recommendations.

Oversee day-to-day operations

• Manage all core operations, ensuring processes are efficient and aligned to organisational needs.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting, ensuring responsible management of charitable funds and long-term financial sustainability.
• Maintain high-quality case management and beneficiary support for serving and retired police dogs.
• Uphold and refine policies on safeguarding, data protection (GDPR), welfare, and service delivery
• Coordinate volunteers and support the Trustee Board with administrative and operational needs.

Drive marketing, communications & supporter engagement

• Develop and implement the charity’s marketing and communications strategy across digital channels, campaigns, newsletters, and public outreach.
• Plan and deliver compelling content that raises awareness and strengthens engagement with supporters and partners.
• Maintain brand consistency and ensure all messaging aligns with the mission and values of the Foundation.
• Campaign development, storytelling, and digital engagement, including optimising the website and CRO to drive digital donor engagement, acquisition, and retention.

Lead fundraising & income generation

• Develop multi-channel fundraising strategies across individual giving, campaigns, corporate partnerships, grants, events, and digital fundraising.
• Build and nurture donor and partner relationships with professionalism and warmth.
• Identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities with creativity and strategic focus.
• Manage income forecasting, budgeting, and financial oversight to support long-term sustainability.

Represent the Foundation at events

• Attend and support events, ceremonies, police dog engagements, fundraising activities, and partner visits (including evening and weekend commitments).
• Build meaningful relationships across policing, welfare groups, supporters, and the canine community.

A bit about you

• You’ve held a senior leadership role in a charity, nonprofit, mission-driven organisation, or commercial equivalent.
• You are highly organised and comfortable running an organisation end-to-end as the sole employee.
• You bring experience across marketing, communications, digital engagement, and charity campaigning.
• You have demonstrable experience in fundraising and donor stewardship.
• You are an excellent communicator and storyteller who can inspire supporters, partners, and trustees.
• You enjoy building relationships and are confident working with external stakeholders, including policing partners.
• You’re proactive, hands-on, and comfortable switching between strategic planning and day-to-day delivery.
• You are flexible and willing to attend events across evenings and weekends.
• You have a full UK driving licence.
• You’re passionate about animal welfare, policing communities, and the mission of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation.

A bit about us

Founded in 2020, The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is a national charity dedicated to supporting serving and retired police dogs across the UK. We believe that these exceptional working dogs deserve protection, recognition, and the highest standard of care during their service and throughout retirement. We provide financial support for veterinary treatment, raise awareness of the vital work police dogs do, and campaign for improved welfare standards.

Through the dedication of supporters, volunteers, and policing communities, we’ve grown rapidly and we’re just getting started. This role will help drive the next chapter of our mission to protect the paws that protect us.

A bit about what we offer

• Salary - £60,000 - £65,000
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Hybrid – Monday, Wednesday and Friday (Office – Hertfordshire) - Tuesday/Thursday (WFH)
• Training & development opportunities
• Pension scheme (5%)
• The chance to shape a growing national charity with real impact
• Regular interactions with police dogs

Chief Executive Officer

We’re looking for an experienced and inspiring leader, with significant experience at senior executive level, to become the new Chief Executive (CEO).

Are you a strategic thinker who can accelerate the charity's impact and deliver on its mission while navigating the evolving policy backdrop?

If you are a natural leader who will continue to build on the strength of our high performing team, then we would love to hear from you!

Position: Chief Executive (CEO)

Location: remote and will require you to have a safe and secure space to work from home. There will be frequent travel within Britain, including overnight stays.

Hours:  37.5 per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £74,624 per annum

Benefits Include:  25 days holiday, plus Christmas day through to New Year’s Day paid, plus 6 days of floating holidays (in lieu of public holidays). Flexible approach to hours of work. Pension contribution of 3%, one-off contributions toward the cost of an ergonomic office chair and toward purchases of essential devices, monthly home working allowance, plus an annual contribution toward the maintenance and/or replacement of the essential devices.

Closing Date: 9am Wednesday 10th December 2025.  We reserve the right to interview candidates and close the ad ahead of the closing date, should a strong candidate be identified.

Online interviews will be held on Monday, 5th January 2026.

In-person interviews will be held in London on Monday, 12th January 2026.

All shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Wednesday 17th December 2025. If you have not heard from us by this date, please accept our thanks for applying and assume that you were not shortlisted on this occasion.

Job offers will be subject to two satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK.

About the Role

Reporting to the board, the CEO holds key relationships with the board of trustees and 18 employees, exerting an influential and expert thought-leadership presence with key partners across the environmental sector from NGOs and practitioners to policy makers. You will be confident and proactive in engaging with new and existing major donors and funders.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Strategic Leadership
• Operations
• Human Resources
• Finance and Fundraising
• Governance
• Policy

About You

You will thrive in environments that are dynamic, fast-paced, collegiate and ambitious, and be able to demonstrate experience of inspiring and motivating internal and external teams through periods of growth and change

We are looking for a leader who has energy, passion and commitment for the role, a person aligned with the charity’s values and inspired by its values, mission and vision.

You will have experience of:

• Working at senior executive level, preferably having run an organisation before as Executive Director, Chief Executive or equivalent, in the charity, conservation or environmental sectors.
• Working collaboratively and effectively with teams and boards of trustees.
• Identifying, cultivating and maintaining productive relationships with a range of stakeholders and partners, from government bodies to community organisations to potential and existing donors.
• Developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating strategic and operational plans.
• Proven ability to inspire, lead and motivate teams to achieve strategic goals, fostering a strong culture of collaboration.
• Building an inclusive intercultural environment where staff of all backgrounds and abilities can thrive.

To apply please upload a 2pp CV and 1pp covering letter explaining your interest and suitability for the role. Please note, we can only accept candidates with the right to work in the UK.

About the Organisation

Join a nature restoration charity, restoring beavers to regenerate our landscapes. Beavers were once a common and influential part of the British countryside, and as such, the team wants to reconnect people to this part of our heritage.  We provide practical solutions to help people co-exist with beavers. We influence legislation that rebuilds ecosystems and strengthens our resilience in this ecological and climate crisis.

Our small charity is run by a small but committed team with a diverse skill set and extensive experience in beaver ecology and restoration. Across Scotland, England and Wales, our decentralised structure keeps us close to the communities we support and ensures the work we do is effective and sustainable.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in the environmental sector including people of colour, disabled people, those from low-income backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities and all other protected characteristics.

You may have experience in roles including CEO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive Officer, COO, CFO, Deputy CEO, Deputy Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, Head of.  #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

The Executive Director has overall responsibility for TOLFA UK’s fundraising, financial management, marketing and communications, and personnel, to implement its mission of providing vital and preventative healthcare to India’s ownerless animals and those belonging to low-income owners, as well as educating communities in their welfare and value 

Initially  a salary of £19,000 per year for 24 hours per week; both the hours and salary could potentially increase based on the organisation’s income and financial assets 

A minimum 18-month commitment is expected; longer is preferred 

Reporting to the Board of Trustees
 

Responsibilities 

• Proactively diversify and sustainably increase TOLFA UK’s fundraising, such as: 

• Submitting grant proposals and reports to trusts and foundations 

• Cultivating individual donors and major donors 

• Using TOLFA UK’s donor database to raise funds more effectively 

• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to develop the strategy of TOLFA UK, which will include becoming a more impactful organisation with increasing revenue and additional staff 

• Provide the vision and leadership to ensure the implementation of TOLFA UK’s strategy 

• Maintain excellent communication with the Board of Trustees, including providing monthly reports 

• Lead, motivate, and evaluate other staff, freelancers or consultants of TOLFA UK 

• Oversee TOLFA UK’s finances, collaborate with a bookkeeper to create and monitor budgets and ensure strong financial controls are in place, and promptly notify the Board of Trustees of any concerns. Lead on oversight of processes such as submission of year end accounts with third party accountancy partners. 

• Liaise with TOLFA India, including to understand their funding needs and obtain content for communications and fundraising 

• Manage TOLFA UK’s public communications, such as enquiries from the public and the media 

• Fill other roles and complete additional tasks as needed
 

Person Specification 

• UK Based 

• Demonstrated leadership skills which are necessary to expand TOLFA UK

• Proven success in fundraising

• Proven success in leading fully remote teams 

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with donors, trustees, staff, collaborators, and others 

• Excellent administrative skills including organization and attention to detail 

• Demonstrated efficiency, versatility, and ability to complete tasks within deadlines, when working independently and remotely. Strong ability to manage simultaneous ongoing tasks, projects or deadlines. 

• Strong writing skills, including writing in diverse styles and for diverse audiences 

• Demonstrated passion for animal welfare 

Please note that early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the advert if we find the right candidate before the closing date of 12th Dec.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home (CDCH) to recruit its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The CDCH has been providing care and support to vulnerable animals in our community for over 80 years. We work across Gloucestershire and support over 1,000 animals each year living in our community.  We find wonderful families for pets who need a new home and provide access to veterinary treatment for pets living with financially vulnerable families through our subsidised veterinary clinics, ensuring no animal suffers because of cost.

As COO, you will:

• Oversee operations, including the CDCH centre, retail and fundraising as well as project delivery, finance, human resources, IT, customer service, and facilities.
• Translate the Board’s strategic vision into actionable plans and upgrade daily procedures.
• Lead a high-performing team.

If you are inspired and excited by what CDCH does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Operating Officer

Salary: Up to £75,000 p.a.

Location: Gloucestershire

Employment term: Permanent / Full Time

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about CDCH, the COO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 5th January 2026

Both CDCH and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Accountant to oversee the charity’s day-to-day financial management and reporting.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Accountant will play a key role in maintaining accurate accounts, preparing management reports, and supporting the annual audit and budget processes. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys working across all aspects of charity finance, from daily transactions to strategic financial planning.

About The Child Beale Trust

The Child Beale Trust operates Beale Wildlife Park, a 350-acre charitable wildlife park and estate near Pangbourne. The charity’s objectives are the advancement of recreation, conservation, education and biodiversity. The Park welcomes thousands of visitors each year and is home to a wide range of animals, gardens and visitor attractions.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records using QBOL.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and capex/cashflow forecasts.
• Administer and submit VAT returns, liaising with our external VAT advisor where required.
• Oversee budget tracking and forecasting for all departments, working closely with budget holders.
• Prepare year-end accounts and liaise with external auditors.
• Support the CEO and trustees with financial reporting and board papers.
• Manage payroll and pension administration (payroll itself is outsourced).
• Oversee the purchase order and approval process (using ApprovalMax).
• Ensure compliance with all charity and statutory financial regulations.
• Support the development of financial systems and processes to ensure on-going overall efficiency.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by experience.
• Strong experience in management accounting and financial reporting.
• Good working knowledge of QBOL (or similar accounting software).
• Experience preparing year-end accounts and working with auditors.
• Excellent Excel skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain financial information clearly.
• Ability and desire to contribute to positive work environment.

Desirable:

• Experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Knowledge of charity VAT and restricted/unrestricted fund accounting.
• Experience in fund raising and Gift Aid management/optimisation.

Working Arrangements

• Option of a hybrid role with flexibility to work from home, but a minimum of 50% of hours must be worked on site at Beale Wildlife Park.
• Immediate start available, with a handover from the current Accountant to ensure a smooth transition.

Start Date: Immediate – full handover provided

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged.

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a new and high-impact role, shaping how Greyhound Trust engages the public, tells its story, and builds lasting support for the thousands of greyhounds we help each year.

As PR & Marketing Manager, you’ll join our newly formed Income Generation and Engagement Team — a dynamic group driving innovation, brand growth, and audience engagement across the charity. Reporting to the Head of Income Generation and Engagement, you’ll have the freedom and trust to review our current approach and design a fresh, strategic programme of marketing and PR activity that truly reflects our values, our mission, and our ambitions.

With 50 years of history, Greyhound Trust has long been at the heart of helping retired greyhounds find loving homes. As the charity evolves to meet the changing landscape, this role will be pivotal in driving a step-change in how we communicate — raising awareness of the growing homing challenge, inspiring new audiences to get involved, and supporting our vital income generation work.

You’ll bring at least three years of proven experience in both strategic and hands-on PR and marketing — from planning and content creation to media relations, digital engagement, brand development and taking a lead on key events, such as Crufts and our annual Great Greyhound Gathering.

You’ll understand how effective PR and marketing can both protect and enhance a charity’s brand while also supporting income generation and engagement goals. You’ll bring the confidence and experience to balance these priorities and work collaboratively to achieve them.

Confident working across multiple audiences and channels, you’ll combine creative storytelling with data-driven insight to deliver measurable impact.

As a national charity, based in Surrey, but represented across the UK via a developing branch network (often volunteer led) you will need to have experience of working with a large and diverse range of passionate and knowledgeable stakeholders. 

This is a role for a person who enjoys variety, autonomy, and responsibility — someone who can balance strategic thinking with a willingness to get stuck in and make things happen. In return, you’ll find a supportive, collaborative team and the chance to see the direct results of your work: more people understanding, supporting, and opening their homes to retired  greyhounds.

Salary range £38k - £40k

The role is full time, located at the National Greyhound Centre, Horley with occasional travel to branches across the UK.

Occasional working from home when appropriate.

No Agencies please.

Dog Aid Scotland is a well-established Scottish dog welfare charity (SCIO) based in Edinburgh, founded in 1956.

Dog Aid Scotland is a dynamic and successful charity which operates at the heart of the challenges facing dog owners throughout Scotland. We believe the role of Director is a great opportunity for a motivated and innovative individual, ideally with a successful background in the charity sector, to put their mark on shaping our future.

We want to meet candidates who are similarly passionate about animal welfare and can demonstrate significant experience leading and developing a strong and effective team. Your work ethic, initiative and flexibility will define you.

 Dog Aid Scotland is seeking an experienced, strategic, and compassionate Director to lead the charity into its next phase of growth and impact. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Director will provide overall leadership and direction for the charity, ensuring operational excellence, financial sustainability, and effective stakeholder engagement.

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic oversight and practical involvement in day-to-day activities. You will be an ambassador for Dog Aid Scotland, representing the organisation externally, engaging donors and supporters, and promoting our mission at events and within the community.

Details:

• £55,000 - £60,000 annual salary, depending on exerience
• Hybrid, 35 hrs per week
• Office is located in Edinburgh. 

Benefits:

• Mobile phone
• TOIL system
• On-site parking, with electric car charger

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Proven track record in a senior leadership role within a charity, non-profit, or purpose-led organisation.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, reporting, and strategic financial planning.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
• Experience in marketing, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relations.
• Understanding of governance, compliance, and working effectively with a Board.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A genuine passion for animal welfare and alignment with Dog Aid Scotland’s mission.

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience of charity governance or service on a Board.
• Understanding of Scottish charity legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of animal welfare, rescue, or rehoming sectors.

Closing date: 5th December

1st Stage Interview: Week beginning 15th December. This will involve a presentation followed by Q and A.