Executive support officer jobs

For 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers.

We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Brief role description:

Reporting to the CEO, this pivotal role will ensure the smooth running of a fast-paced executive office. As a key support to the CEO and SMT, the PA will manage schedules, oversee correspondence, and drive efficient administrative processes. They will coordinate meetings, board papers, and governance tasks, while also supporting operational planning and event logistics. This role requires exceptional organisation, discretion, experience in minute taking and the ability to anticipate and respond to the needs of a dynamic leadership environment. The PA must also embody and uphold the charity’s values - Expert, Passionate, Resilient, Supportive, Open and Honest, and Collaborative - in all aspects of their work.

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​Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Please visit the Charity Website.

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Do you have previous experience supporting senior executives or board-level professionals? Are you a proactive problem-solver with the ability to anticipate needs and take initiative? Do you have experience in minute taking, excellent organisational skills with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities? Have a look at the Job Description attached.

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​What’s in it for you? Check out the Benefits sheet attached.

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If Discretion and Professionalism are your middle names, submit your CV and Cover letter by Monday, 5 May 2025.

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​Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. 

​If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

​We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

Following a successful 12-year tenure by the current Chief Executive Officer, South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association (SYEDA) is seeking a new leader to guide the organisation into its next exciting chapter.

Rooted in lived experience and developed over three decades, SYEDA is a leading regional charity offering support to individuals affected by eating disorders, along with their carers and the professionals who support them. The organisation has recently secured a major five-year contract, along with additional grant funding, to expand both its clinical services and early intervention work, including innovative programmes in schools and community settings.

This opportunity calls for a forward-thinking, emotionally intelligent, and strategic leader with the vision and capability to build on a strong foundation—enhancing reach, influence, and impact across the region.

As CEO, you will:

• Lead SYEDA’s strategy and vision, working closely with a committed Board and team
• Oversee the delivery of clinical and preventative services, ensuring high standards of care, access and innovation
• Support and develop the staff team (~20 people), embedding a culture of inclusion, learning, and wellbeing
• Drive income generation and ensure financial sustainability
• Represent SYEDA regionally and nationally.

About you:

You’re an experienced senior leader with proven experience in people management, strategy, and operational delivery. You understand the importance of good governance and inclusive leadership. Ideally, you’ve worked in or alongside the NHS or charity sector, and you bring passion for health/social care, EDI, and recovery.

Why join SYEDA?

· To become part of a specialist charity with a growing national profile, a financially stable, and with ambitious plans for future growth.

· To join and promote a warm, collaborative culture with a strong commitment strong commitment to incorporating lived experience at all levels of the organisation.

· For an opportunity to shape support for some of the most underrepresented individuals in the mental health field today.

Overview of the International Chief Support Officer

The International Chief Support Officer will assume responsibility for all central operational functions across the organisation, namely HR, Finance, Facilities, Technology and Data. 

This position will ensure that the organisation’s distinct Christian identity, operational excellence and resource efficiency, is maintained globally.  

We have the pleasure of partnering with Youth Connect South West, an independent non-profit charity dedicated to supporting young people in Bath, Northeast Somerset and parts of Dorset.  They offer a wide range of opportunities for young people aged 11-25, both universal and targeted, to help them thrive.

Their comprehensive support includes youth work, alternative education, personalised 1-1 assistance, and valuable career advice and guidance. They have multiple locations including the Bath City Centre Youth Space, Radstock Youth Hub and Southside Youth Centre, and are committed to providing accessible services that cater to the diverse needs of our youth.

Youth Connect South West are now looking to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer, who is strategically focused, combining strong business acumen with expertise in the young people's sector providing both targeted support and alternative educational provision along with youth work and community activity.  This combination will enable the CEO to understand the unique needs and opportunities within this field, driving the charity's growth and development.  The CEO leads a Senior Management Team and is responsible for ensuring outstanding and compliant governance across all aspects of the charity.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within the charity sector, in a related field
• Demonstrated success in business development and fundraising 
• Experience in strategic planning and implementation 
• Clear and inspirational leadership and management skills
• Flair and engagement with supporters and internal and external stakeholders and building effective partnerships at senior level
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and practices

The new Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for the day to day running of the Charity.  To provide effective leadership and direction for the organisation. To have full responsibility for the effective management and development of all services connected with the Charity, and to be responsible for the standard of support provided to all those using their services.  The successful candidate will instil the positive culture of the organisation and motivating the team to achieve fantastic results.  You will be a problem solver who understands the bigger picture and will be able to demonstrate this through your experiences.  You will be able to develop highly effective partnerships, be an active listener, excellent communicator and be an ambassador for the charity. 

If you feel you have the values and skills to succeed in this role, we very much look forward to hearing from you. 

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. All applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement. 

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. 

Closing date for applications: 8th May 2025

1st interview date with Youth Connect South West: 21st May 2025 (in-person)

2nd interview date with Youth Connect South West: 29th May 2025 (in-person)

We are delighted to be working with The Talk About Trust, to appoint their next Chief Executive Officer.  The Talk About Trust is a charity, dedicated to helping young people to make safer choices around alcohol and other substances.  Supporting young people aged 8-25, they provide advice, workshops and resources via schools, children’s homes, pupil referral units, youth and sports clubs. They train teachers and youth workers, empower parents and carers and provide diversionary activities for young people. 

This is an ideal opportunity for a senior leader with strong track record of visionary leadership, managing budgets and organisational risks and performance, who has a genuine desire and passion to improve the life chances of children and young people. 

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within the charity or community support sector
• Demonstrated success in business development and fundraising 
• Experience in strategic planning and implementation 
• Clear and inspirational leadership and management skills
• Flair and engagement with supporters and internal and external stakeholders and building effective partnerships at senior level

The successful candidate will also be experienced in diversifying income and implementing sustainable strategies that enhance the charity's financial resilience and long-term viability.  You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences, via social media, press and public relations, including press & media interviews and advocacy.  You will demonstrate a clear vision, commitment and drive to take the charity forward.

If you understand early intervention, prevention and health education, and ideally, the knowledge of effective practises in drug and alcohol education for young people, we would like to hear from you.

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. 

For any further information, please contact Sandra Smith, Charisma Charity Recruitment.  Applications should be made via the Charisma Charity Recruitment website and include your CV and supporting statement.

Location: Must be able to work from the Dorset Based Office on a regular basis 

Closing date for applications: 25 May 2025

First interview: 11 June 2025

Second interview: 20 June 25

Are you passionate about empowering people to overcome exclusion, isolation, destitution and poverty?

Our client is an award-winning charity based in Manchester providing legal immigration advice, representation and support to people seeking asylum, refugees, children and vulnerable adults across the North West. They have a strong reputation regionally and nationally for the high-quality legal representation, support and hope to provide to people experiencing immigration injustice and their experience across 35 years. The charity also supports services to people at risk of homelessness and destitution, and to unaccompanied children and young people.

They work in collaboration with others to influence local and national policies on immigration and provide training to increase understanding of the immigration system and its impact on people in the North West and nationally.

Chief Executive
Location: Hybrid, with 3 days per week working from the office/ across Manchester.
Salary: up to £75,000 full time equivalent.

They are now looking for a new Chief Executive to build on the great work of their retiring, long-term CEO, to lead the charity into its next phase of development. This will include leading an organisational review, ensuring they have the right structures in place that support staff to continue to provide exceptional quality services, as well as a crucial voice for those they work with.

The new CEO will also build close relationships with their funders, government bodies, politicians, partner agencies and supporters to ensure they can maximise new opportunities and influence policy and systems change through their high-quality experience and evidence.

They are seeking those with the following skills areas:

• Sound strategic experience within an organisation of a similar complexity, with senior leadership experience or managing multi-disciplinary teams of over 10 people.
• A track record in developing organisations based on the needs of their clients.
• Experience of operational effectiveness and providing staff with the necessary support and infrastructure to deliver high quality services.
• Experience of raising the profile of an organisation.

Successful candidates will bring a strong empathy for the enormous challenges faced by their clients and a passion for ensuring those who are marginalised are fully supported to achieve their full potential.

Our client is committed to providing equal opportunities for all staff and volunteers regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, ethnicity, marriage or civil partnership, religion or belief which are “protected characteristics” under the Equality Act 2010.

They are also committed to provide equal opportunities to refugees and asylum seekers and applications are particularly welcomed from those with refugee lived experience.

For further information and to apply to this role, please visit the microsite by clicking 'Apply via Website'.

Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: Tuesday 6th May 2025
First stage interviews with Prospectus: 12-16th May 2025
Engagement meetings with client: 27th May 2025
Panel interviews with client: 28th and 29th May 2025

We are looking for a Chief Executive with exceptional leadership skills and a proven track record in delivering sustainable change initiatives for The University of St Andrews’ Students’ Association.

Location: St Andrews, Fife (on site 3 days per week)

 Applications close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 7th May

Who we are

Every student at St Andrews is automatically a member of The University of St Andrews’ Students’ Association (aka Your Union).

We work to support students through three broad categories: Representation, Activities and Spaces.

We are the central hub for student groups, activities and events, always aiming to make students University experience the best it can be.

Your Union exists to support students through their studies, share opportunities, and help them celebrate their achievements. A lot of what we do is run by students for students, this includes our six elected Sabbatical Officers (due to change to five) who represent students and are the face of Your Union. We are led by The Students’ Association Board.

About the role

We are now at a crucial moment for the Students’ Association, with new funding secured and a clear operational plan in place.

We seek a Chief Executive to lead this next phase of our journey, delivering our goals of improved support, enhanced services, and stronger representation for all our members—ensuring that our work has a lasting impact on the student experience and the wider university community.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a Chief Executive with exceptional leadership skills and a proven track record in delivering sustainable change initiatives. The ideal candidate should possess emotional intelligence, the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and the resilience to bring change to fruition.

Additional benefits

The University of St Andrews Students’ Association is committed to promoting diversity and equality for all and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from women and people with marginalised gender identities, people with disabilities, and people from the global majority.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 7th May.

Are you a charity leader with a passion for promoting and supporting breastfeeding across the UK?

A unique opportunity has arisen within a national breastfeeding charity to lead the organisation through an exciting new phase of development.

The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) is looking for an inspiring and dynamic new chief executive in our first ever paid leadership role. This role will bring together trustees, staff and volunteers to build and develop the work of the charity in pursuit of our vision:  to create an environment where women and families are supported to have a positive breastfeeding experience, and lactation is valued.

You will have significant experience in a leadership role within a charity or healthcare setting, and will lead on the implementation of our new organisational strategy. The CEO will provide both strategic leadership and operational management, and develop a sustainable income generation plan to secure the long-term future of the charity.

As the public face and spokesperson for the organisation, you will have excellent communication skills, along with the broader skills and experience needed to collaborate with a diverse and complex volunteer team.

The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to the ABM’s ethos and values and solid experience in a senior leadership role.

Following 13 highly successful years our current CEO, Liz Ballard, has decided to step down.

As we celebrate our 40th year, we are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to take forward our ambitious strategy for nature and people. 

The role of CEO offers a unique opportunity to lead a passionate team and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, from local communities to policymakers and businesses. We’re looking for someone who understands the challenges and opportunities for a wildlife charity today, has a track record of strong leadership, and shares our deep commitment to safeguarding nature for future generations.  

We are looking for a leader who can inspire, collaborate, and motivate others to take action in support of our vision. 

If you are driven by the belief that nature should be accessible to all, and that we have a responsibility to protect and restore it, we encourage you to consider applying for this important role. 

Our client is an education charity that empowers young people aged 9 to 15 to recognise and challenge all forms of prejudice through learning about Anne Frank, antisemitism and the Holocaust. 

Their mission is to educate, empower, and inspire young people and communities to build a more inclusive and compassionate society, free from all forms of prejudice. The support they have received, including Her Majesty the Queen recently becoming a Royal Patron, reflects the importance and relevance of their work.

Chief Executive Officer
Location: London NW5 (minimum 3 days in office)
Salary: Circa £90,000

As they approach the centenary of Anne Frank’s birth, they are seeking a visionary Chief Executive to lead the Trust into its next strategic phase—expanding their reach and deepening their impact.

This is a unique opportunity to lead:

• A mission-driven organisation with national reach, working with thousands of young people in schools
• A passionate, experienced team and committed Board
• A charity with significant growth potential

They are looking for a leader who has: 

• Resolute dedication to challenging antisemitism and prejudice in all its forms
• A strategic, entrepreneurial and empathetic mindset, values led, with the capacity to inspire their team and stakeholders, and a track record of increasing income and impact
• The ability to engage with a wide range of audiences—from government, major donors and media to educators and community leaders

Our client actively welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring their work remains inclusive and relevant to those affected by all forms of discrimination.

For further information about this exciting opportunity, and to find out how to apply, please visit the dedicated microsite by clicking 'Apply via Website'.

Application deadline: Sunday 11th May (midnight)

Would you like to make a difference to Bristol’s mental health?

Are you skilled at leading teams of mental health professionals? Can you foster an environment where colleagues can flourish? Can you approach challenges with energy and expertise, and steer a busy and specialist organisation with confidence?

If this sounds like you, then we'd love to hear from you.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to...

• Steer an established, award-winning charity at an important moment in its evolution
• Lead a passionate and driven team of specialist psychodynamic professionals
• Engage in clinical work (where appropriate) alongside leadership duties

About Us

We are passionate about God’s mission and eager to see more people become followers of Jesus. For over 225 years, CMS has been at the forefront of global mission, living out the gospel of Jesus, seeing lives changed and communities transformed across the globe.

Founded by William Wilberforce and other members of the Clapham Sect group of activists in 1799, today CMS supports hundreds of people and partners in mission working together across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and the UK displaying the love of Jesus to many people who might not have believed he was for them.

Context

With mission no longer being a “West to the rest” endeavour, and as Christianity has flourished in parts of the majority world, we have undertaken a prayerful review of our organisation. We have rediscovered and been re-inspired by the pioneering spirit of our founders. We believe our calling for this time is to the “edges”: to the edges of society, the edges of church and to the edges of our comfort zones. To that end, we have been aligning our organisation and focus to play a catalytic role in facilitating movements of mission to and from these edges through our new “hub” approach to mission and often working with partners in the wider Anglican Communion.

The Role

We are looking for a collaboratively-minded and empowering CEO to take this new approach and focus to mission forward, to promote it to this generation, to the Anglican Communion and beyond. With a strong senior leadership team, committed board and annual income of around £8m, you will lead our strategic development, implement the agreed plan to 2027, and build the financial sustainability of CMS for the decades ahead.

We are therefore looking for a mission-hearted leader of integrity with a strong strategic ability, deep theological understanding, mature Christian faith and an ability to build relationships and compellingly share the amazing way that God’s Kingdom is coming to the edges through CMS.  

If this sounds like you, please see the application details attached. Closing date 9th May.

CEO

Aberlour Child Care Trust

£112,000

Stirling

Aberlour Child Care Trust, known as Aberlour Children's Charity, is one of Scotland's leading children's charities, dedicated to supporting vulnerable children, young people, and families.  It operates across urban and rural communities in Scotland and is one of the largest, most established children’s charities in the country. This year it celebrates 150 years of providing a wide range of services, including support for children with disabilities, assistance for families affected by substance misuse, early years intervention, residential care, and help for young people transitioning out of care.

We are now seeking an outstanding Chief Executive to build on a proud legacy and to lead Aberlour’s ongoing development. Our next Chief Executive will be an inspiring, values-driven leader, who embodies compassion and respect. Leading a talented senior team, they will provide sound stewardship of the charity’s resources and reputation and will work closely with the Board of Trustees to steer the next phase of our development.

Principal Responsibilities

• Working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, the Senior Leadership Team and staff, develop and ensure the effective implementation of a vision and strategy for Aberlour that satisfies the core purpose.
• Provide advice and support to Board Members to ensure that the Board fulfils its corporate and statutory requirements.
• Develop and implement an annual business plan and budget that provide a framework for the achievement of organisation objectives.
• With the Chair and Committee leads, develop a reporting schedule covering all key performance indicators for Board discussion and decision.
• Build relationships with politicians, the media and government officials to advance the aims of Aberlour.
• Lead and manage the executive team, ensuring their professional performance and development needs are addressed.
• Maintain effective networks with all principal supporters and stakeholders. This will require an ambassadorial role on behalf of Aberlour, attending events, speaking on platforms and being the face of the organisation. At all times seek opportunities to expand and promote the role of Aberlour.
• Be cognisant of risks and changes in the external environment that could impact on Aberlour.
• Develop processes to ensure continuous business improvement through the implementation of effective quality management and risk systems.

For a confidential discussion please contact Catriona Mackie or Lauryn Pringle at Aspen People.

How to Apply

To apply, please upload your CV and cover letter (as one document). Applicants will be shortlisted for interview by matching the details given in their CV and covering letter, as one document, against the job description. We would therefore ask applicants to provide clear evidence to show how your experience, skills and knowledge match those requirements as well as why you are interested in the role.

Please note that you will receive an automatic acknowledgement of your application – if you do not receive this please contact Nicole Don at Aspen People.

Recruitment Timetable

We have provided below a note of all the critical dates within this recruitment campaign which we hope will help you plan your diary:

Closing date:Monday 5th May
Interviews: Wednesday 11th June

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Shropshire Youth Support Trust (SYST) to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

SYST is a registered Charity that provides a wide range of support for young people in Shropshire, including Telford and Wrekin, aged between 16 – 30 years, who are not in education, employment, or training.

SYST supports and empowers young people across Telford & Wrekin, Shropshire to identify their unique strengths and passions, whilst giving them the tools to sustain emotional and financial independence.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to guide our organisation through a time of change and opportunity.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Lead, motivate and manage SYST in a manner which supports the charity’s vision, mission and values.
• Represent SYST as an ambassador across the wider industry and at key events in an engaging and compelling way.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for growth.
• Develop and implement SYST’s strategy

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for empowering young people, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive

Salary: £55,000 p.a.

Location: Telford, Shropshire

Employment term: Permanent or Interim contract

How to apply:

If you would like to receive an information pack on how to apply, please send a CV in confidence to Nick Shanks at Harris Hill via the apply button.

For an informal and confidential conversation about the position, please contact Nick at the above address with your contact details, and suitable times to chat.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 9th May 2025

Both SYST 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 partnerships.