Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £45,000–£55,000 (depending on experience)
Working Pattern: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Location: Remote but potential hybrid working (some travel and occasional evening and weekend work required)
Holiday Entitlement: 25 days plus bank holidays
Closing Date: Sunday 13th April 2025
Start Date: As soon as possible from Tuesday 6 May 2025
 
The Tolkien Society is seeking an exceptional candidate with strong leadership experience to become its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
 
As CEO, you will consolidate and build on recent growth while ensuring the charity delivers its objectives to advance education and promote research into the life and works of J.R.R. Tolkien.
 
You will act as the public face of the charity, work with and advise the board of trustees in relation to the Society’s activities, and oversee the management and administration of the charity.
 
About The Tolkien Society

The Tolkien Society is an educational charity that promotes the life and works of writer and academic J.R.R. Tolkien, best-known as the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It was founded as a fan club in 1969 and became a registered charity in 1977. Since then it has grown considerably and is about to become a charitable incorporated organisation. Until now run entirely by volunteers, it is looking to enter a new phase of growth as it hires its first staff.
 
Main Responsibilities

Your main responsibilities will be to:

• provide strategic leadership to achieve the Society’s objectives;
• oversee the charity’s day-to-day operations;
• develop and implement a cohesive membership expansion and retention strategy;
• establish new income streams to ensure sustainable growth;
• improve and maintain good corporate governance;
• ensure the charity complies with relevant regulatory and legal obligations;
• manage budgets, financial planning and reporting to ensure strong financial health;
• represent the Society in public engagements, the media, and external partnerships;
• lead and support staff and volunteers, ensuring a positive and effective working environment; and
• foster strong relationships with trustees, members, volunteers and other key stakeholders.

 
We are looking for a candidate who can hit the ground running, so knowledge of the life and works of J.R.R. Tolkien and familiarity with The Tolkien Society are essential.
 
Please download the job description and person specification for full role responsibilities and criteria.
 
Application Process

Please upload your CV and covering letter to our online portal via the ‘Apply Now’ button.
 
Your covering letter should include in no more than two pages of size 12 font:

• why you would like to work for The Tolkien Society;
• how you meet the requirements set out in the job description;
• an overview of your knowledge of J.R.R. Tolkien’s life and works, and your experience with The Tolkien Society; and
• a brief outline of your vision for The Tolkien Society over the next five years.

 
Please note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
 
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in the week beginning Monday 28 April 2025.
 
N.B. You must have the right to work in the UK which we will request at application and interview stage.
 
Data Protection Notice

Your personal data will be stored securely and processed only for recruitment purposes. It will be retained for up to six months after the recruitment process concludes, after which it will be permanently deleted.

The Tolkien Society is an educational charity that promotes the life and works of writer and academic J.R.R. Tolkien, best-known as the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It was founded as a fan club in 1969 and became a registered charity in 1977. Since then it has grown considerably and has recently become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Until now run entirely by volunteers, it is looking to enter a new phase of growth as it hires its first staff. 

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