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- Tasks: Lead a charity focused on improving lives of older people through strategic growth and community impact.
- Company: Join a respected, independent charity dedicated to supporting older individuals in Lewisham and Southwark.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a passionate advocate for older people and create inclusive communities where they can thrive.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in charity or social care, strong fundraising and financial management skills required.
- Other info: We encourage diverse applicants, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, to apply.
We are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead a local, independent, self-funded charity that exists to improve the lives of older people in Lewisham and Southwark, through its next chapter of strategic growth and community impact.
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Location: London, with services based in Lewisham and Southwark (hybrid working available)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 11 May 2025 (we encourage early applications and reserve the right to close the recruitment early should we find the right candidate prior to the closing date)
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a respected, independent local charity that makes a lasting difference to the lives of older people in Lewisham and Southwark. As Chief Executive, you will set the strategic direction, ensure operational excellence, and act as a passionate advocate for older people.
You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, senior leadership team and staff to lead and grow a diverse portfolio of services including health and wellbeing, social prescribing, outreach, advice and day care. Your leadership will ensure the charity remains responsive, financially sustainable, and rooted in the needs of the communities we serve.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing clear, inspiring leadership aligned with our mission and values
- Developing and delivering strategic plans in collaboration with the Board
- Maintaining strong financial oversight and income generation strategy
- Leading and supporting our staff team and dedicated volunteers
- Building effective partnerships across health, social care and the voluntary sector
- Ensuring high standards of service delivery, governance and safeguarding
- Responsible for an annual income and expenditure of around £2.3m-£3m and a workforce of 50-100 staff and volunteers.
About you:
You are a values-driven leader who brings strategic thinking, a collaborative approach and a strong track record of delivering impact. You understand the challenges facing older people and have the credibility to build partnerships across sectors. Positive and proactive, you will have a passion for creating inclusive communities where older people can thrive.
You’ll bring:
- Senior leadership experience in a charity, public or social care setting
- Strong people management and communication skills
- Strong experience in fundraising, income generation, and financial management.
- Experience in financial planning, budget oversight, and driving long-term financial sustainability.
- Proven track record of managing change and organisational resilience.
- A commitment to equity, inclusion and co-production
- Passion for empowering communities and improving later life
The charity is committed to being an inclusive organisation that actively values diversity. The CEO will play a leading role in embedding equitable and inclusive practices across the charity, ensuring that services are accessible and responsive to the needs of all older people in their communities. They welcome applications from individuals with lived experience or backgrounds that are underrepresented in leadership roles, including but not limited to people from Black, Asian and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, and people with experience of socio-economic disadvantage.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Charity CEO, Director of Services, Chief Operating Officer, Head of Strategy, Social Care Leader, Non-Profit Executive, Community Services Director, Chief Executive, etc.
CEO employer: Age UK Lewisham & Southwark
Contact Detail:
Age UK Lewisham & Southwark Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CEO
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the charity sector, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. Attend local events or seminars related to social care and community services in Lewisham and Southwark to build connections that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges facing older people in the Lewisham and Southwark areas. Understanding local issues will not only enhance your credibility but also demonstrate your commitment to the community during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for the charity's strategic growth. Think about innovative ideas for income generation and partnerships that align with the charity's mission, as this will show your proactive approach to leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your experience in managing diverse teams and fostering inclusive environments. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led change and built partnerships across sectors, as these are crucial for the CEO role.
We think you need these skills to ace CEO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Organisation: Before applying, take time to understand the charity's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and community impact to tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Compelling CV: Highlight your senior leadership experience, particularly in charity or social care settings. Emphasise your achievements in fundraising, financial management, and strategic planning to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for improving the lives of older people. Discuss your vision for the charity and how your values align with theirs. Be sure to mention any relevant experience that showcases your ability to lead and inspire.
Showcase Your Commitment to Diversity: Given the charity's commitment to equity and inclusion, make sure to address how you have promoted these values in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've worked to create inclusive environments and empower diverse communities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Age UK Lewisham & Southwark
✨Understand the Charity's Mission
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the charity's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to improving the lives of older people in Lewisham and Southwark.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a CEO, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and implement strategic plans. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully led strategic initiatives, particularly in a charity or social care setting, and be ready to discuss how you would approach this role.
✨Highlight Financial Acumen
Given the financial responsibilities of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with fundraising, budget oversight, and financial management. Share specific examples of how you've ensured financial sustainability in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the charity's growth.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Community Engagement
The charity values diversity and inclusion, so it's important to convey your commitment to these principles. Discuss any relevant experiences you have in creating inclusive communities and how you plan to ensure that services are accessible to all older people in the area.
