Chief Executive

We are looking for a passionate and dynamic Chief Executive to lead the charity through the next exciting chapter and manage the implementation of programmes that enhance the capacity of voluntary and community organisations across Wiltshire and surrounding Counties.

Who we are:

Wessex Community Action is an independent charity, providing infrastructure support to the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector across the Wessex region. Based in Salisbury, we act as advocates for the voluntary sector by connecting, representing and advising voluntary and community organisations. Our aim is to empower organisations and volunteers to deliver positive impact to the communities they serve.

Key responsibilities:

· Strategic Leadership: In collaboration with the Board, the Chief Executive will define WCA’s strategic plan for the next 5 years. Establishing clear deliverable goals, monitoring and reporting on the charities’ impact.

· Change Management: Lead the charity through a period of change as we transition our services and refocus our core purpose and Mission.

· Brand Development: Review WCA’s brand positioning. Aligned to the income and product goals, establish a new brand strategy that clearly represents our position in the voluntary sector.

· Sustainability/Fundraising: Develop and execute a new Income Strategy. Establish a sustainable and diverse portfolio of income generating products that meet the charities expenditure profile and deliver financial sustainability.

· Product development and capacity building: Review & develop WCA’s product offering to improve impact, generate sustainable income and build capacity and capability across the sector.

· Foundation Building: Establish a strong foundation for future service growth. Develop WCA’s operational infrastructure. Modernise WCA’s policies and processes.

· Stakeholder Management: Work closely with a wide variety of key stakeholders across the sector. Identify areas of collaboration, positively influence policy, strengthen existing relationships and ensure WCA maintains its position as the voice of Wiltshire’s voluntary sector.

· Operational management: Direct responsibility of the charity’s core operational processes including financial management, HR, health and safety, compliance, governance infrastructure development and reporting.

· Team Leadership: Lead and develop a skilled and dedicated team who represent WCA

Key Skills:

· Strategy Development: Proven experience developing and executing strategies in the voluntary sector. Including: Brand and product development and successful fundraising expertise.

· Results-Oriented: Strong focus on outcomes, with a track record of delivering tangible results.

· Partnership Building: Demonstrated ability to build strong partnerships, particularly with large and complex statutory organisations. Proven success in forming positive relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders.

· Regulatory Knowledge: Practical understanding of the regulatory environment within which Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations operate.

· Effective Leadership: Ability to provide effective leadership and change management expertise in a challenging and sometimes competitive environment. Experience with cultural and team development.

· Strong Communication: Ability to confidently represent WCA and engage effectively, both verbally and in writing, across all organisational levels.

· Knowledgeable about Funding Sources: Understanding of various funding sources available to VCSEs.

· Organisational Planning: Effectively coordinating tasks, resources, and timelines to achieve desired outcomes.

· Commitment to Inclusion: Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion for all.

We are looking for an individual who thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. You are a strong communicator with a commitment to delivering focused results and sustaining inclusion. If this sounds like you, WCA would love you to apply for the role, where we can get to know your skills and experience further.

Wessex Community Action are committed to safeguarding and safer recruitment procedures including safeguarding questions & scenarios within an interview, requesting appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service checks (where relevant), robust reference processes and a relevant probation period

Please note that candidates must be living in Wiltshire and able to be in the office a minimum of three days a week.