CEO in Dumfries

Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway is seeking to appoint an experienced and credible Chief Executive to lead the organisation and continue strengthening the third sector across Dumfries and Galloway. As the region’s Third Sector Interface (TSI), TSDG plays a vital role in supporting charities, community organisations and social enterprises, while ensuring the third sector has a strong voice within local decision‑making and public service reform.

Working closely with community organisations, local government, health and social care and national partners, the organisation helps ensure communities across Dumfries and Galloway are supported by a resilient, sustainable and well‑connected third sector. Following a successful period of organisational development, the Board is now seeking a Chief Executive who can build on these strong foundations. The organisation is well positioned and respected locally, and this role will focus on maintaining stability, strengthening partnerships and continuing to enhance the influence and impact of the third sector across the region.

The organisation operates within a complex and collaborative landscape. This is therefore a highly visible leadership role requiring strong relationship management, strategic leadership and an understanding of how the third sector contributes to community outcomes.

The Role

Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive will provide overall leadership of the organisation, ensuring delivery of its strategic priorities while supporting a strong, collaborative organisational culture. The postholder will represent the third sector across a range of partnership forums, ensuring the sector’s contribution is recognised within community planning, public service reform and wider regional development. The Chief Executive will also ensure the organisation continues to deliver high‑quality services that strengthen governance, sustainability and impact across the local third sector.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic and operational leadership to the organisation and staff team
• Building and maintaining effective partnerships with local government, health and social care, national bodies and community organisations
• Representing the third sector within key partnership structures and policy discussions
• Ensuring the organisation continues to support strong governance, sustainability and good practice across the sector
• Leading the organisation’s financial management and ensuring robust governance and accountability
• Acting as Accountable Officer for funds managed on behalf of partners
• Supporting the development and delivery of organisational strategy with staff and stakeholders
• Acting as a visible spokesperson for the organisation and the wider third sector across the region

The role requires a collaborative and confident leader who can work effectively across complex partnership environments while supporting a strong and sustainable third sector locally.

The Candidate

The Board is seeking an experienced senior leader with a strong understanding of the third sector and the wider public policy environment. You may already be working at Chief Executive level or be an experienced senior leader looking to take the next step into a Chief Executive role.

Proven strategic leadership experience within the third sector, public sector or a related environment

• Strong partnership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work confidently across organisational boundaries
• Understanding of the policy and operating environment affecting communities, particularly within rural areas
• Experience managing teams and leading organisations or services within complex stakeholder settings
• Strong financial awareness and understanding of governance within a charity or publicly funded organisation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to represent the sector in senior forums

A collaborative leadership style, strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to operate effectively within partnership environments will be essential.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to lead an established and respected organisation at the heart of the third sector in Dumfries and Galloway. Working with a committed Board and experienced team, the successful candidate will help ensure the third sector continues to play a vital role in supporting communities, influencing policy and shaping local services across the region. Hybrid working arrangements are in place, with an expectation of regular presence in the Dumfries and Galloway area to support partnership working and organisational leadership.