Chief Executive Officer

Are you passionate about heritage, architecture, and community? Do you have the leadership skills to protect one of the UK’s most iconic garden suburbs while steering a forward-thinking, community-focused organisation?

The Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust (HGST) is seeking a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead the Trust into its next chapter. Since its founding in 1968, the Trust has been dedicated to preserving the architectural integrity and unique character of Hampstead Garden Suburb, a stunning model community conceptualised in the early 20th century by Dame Henrietta Barnett. Today, the Suburb remains a landmark of urban planning, known for its architectural richness and environmental harmony, as well as a vibrant and sustainable community for its 16,000 residents.

As CEO, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the Trust, overseeing a dedicated team of experts and ensuring the effective management of the Suburb’s properties, landscapes, and communal areas. You will act as the primary representative of the Trust, engaging with residents, local authorities, and professional bodies to uphold the architectural vision of Hampstead Garden Suburb, addressing the contemporary needs of its community while preserving it for future generations.

Key details:

Role: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust
Salary: circa £80,000
Location: Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, NW11 (4+ days in the office or on the Suburb)
Contract: Permanent, full time, with approx. 25 evenings per year

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Trust, implementing the strategic decisions of the Trust Council and ensuring organisational objectives are met.
• Represent the Trust in all public matters, fostering strong relationships with residents, external partners, and stakeholders, including professional bodies and local government.
• Ensure the Trust's financial sustainability, including effective budgeting, forecasting, and resource management.
• Oversee the Scheme of Management, ensuring alterations to properties adhere to the Trust’s guidelines and contribute to the preservation of the Suburb’s heritage.
• Lead and develop the Trust’s staff, promoting a collaborative and supportive culture that encourages professional growth and operational excellence.

As the successful candidate, you will demonstrate:

• A passion for heritage and conservation, with the ability to navigate complex issues and find innovative solutions to preserve and enhance the Trust’s legacy.
• Proven leadership experience at an executive or senior management level, ideally within a not-for-profit or heritage-related organisation.
• Strong governance and organisational management skills, with experience working with trustees or a similar governing body.
• Excellent financial acumen, with a track record in managing budgets, forecasting, and organisational risk.
• A clear, articulate communicator with experience engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

If you would like to receive an Information Pack for this CEO role with full details, including how to apply, please send an expression of interest and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile in confidence to our consultant, Jenny Hills at Harris Hill, executive at harrishill co uk. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny at the above address with suitable times to talk.

Closing date for applications: 9am Monday, 21st October 2024.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.