Chief Executive Officer

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary rescues abandoned, neglected, or abused horses and ponies, offering them sanctuary for life. In each of our five peaceful sanctuaries in Devon, we unlock a world of natural, wild beauty where horses, ponies, and people who were struggling can enjoy life again.

Our compassionate and knowledgeable team cares for nearly 200 horses and ponies at our sanctuaries. Additionally, over 400 horses and ponies are rehomed and offered sanctuary at home by our dedicated carers. Sanctuary care is supported by a welfare team assisting owners struggling with the enormous commitment of horse ownership.

Operating across four sites in Devon, we are proud to offer:

·       An Equine Assisted Services program to our local community in Devon. This program provides a range of activities for vulnerable children, young people, and adults involving our rescued horses and ponies - many of whom have also endured adverse life experiences.

·       A small retail network helps support our fundraising and brand awareness, and we have ambitious plans to build on our open days and transform our Coombe Park sanctuary into a permanent visitor centre.

Chief Executive Officer 

Devon, with hybrid working that ensures the best leadership of the charity.

Circa £95,000 per annum 

This is an exciting opportunity to lead an ambitious organisation, keen to continue to grow the scale, reach and impact of our work. Building on our solid financial position, well respected brand and working alongside our highly skilled Board and our passionate team, there are a number of exciting opportunities available to us.  

Our new CEO will develop our new organisational strategy that sees us develop our visitor engagement opportunities, our capital investment, and our equine assisted services. The CEO will realise our ambitions to increase our reach and impact, our commercial opportunities, and our national profile.  

We are looking to appoint a passionate and ambitious leader who brings: 

·       A track record of scaling up organisations, from strategic planning to delivery.

·       Experience of operating at strategic level, with inspirational leadership skills.

·       A commercial outlook, with experience of identifying and implementing new opportunities that drive income.

Whilst we are open to candidates from all sectors and no professional animal welfare experience is needed, we are looking for people who have a passion for animals and will enjoy immersing themselves in the equine sector. 

For further information and to apply to this role, please click the 'apply' button to be redirected to the Prospectus website.

Recruitment Timetable 

Deadline for applications:                                                            Wednesday 14th August 2024 

Interviews with Prospectus:                                                         21-28th August 2024  

Meetings with The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s stakeholders:     w/c 2nd September 2024  

Interviews with The Mare and Foal Sanctuary:                           w/c 2nd September 2024