At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead CPRE Sussex in shaping the future of the countryside through strategic planning and community engagement.
- Company: Join a respected charity dedicated to countryside protection and planning in Sussex.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a committed team and engaged community.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming Sussex’s countryside and influencing local policies.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for environmental issues.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Sussex-based or genuinely Sussex-commutable, with flexible/hybrid working and regular travel across the county.
Salary: £60,000–£70,000 FTE, pro rata.
Contract: Permanent, 3–4 days per week.
A rare chance to shape the future of Sussex’s countryside.
About CPRE Sussex:
CPRE Sussex is the countryside charity for Sussex. An independent county charity and part of the wider CPRE network, we have a respected county-wide voice and strong local roots, alongside the support of national CPRE. Our work brings together planning influence, campaigning, membership, volunteering, events and practical countryside projects. From responding to major developments and local plans to building public support through communications and community activity, CPRE Sussex plays a visible role in shaping the future of place across the county.
This is a significant moment for the organisation. Following a period of change, new staff capacity and recent investment, CPRE Sussex is building on growing confidence, a stable financial platform and renewed momentum. The next Director/Chief Executive will help translate that foundation into greater influence, stronger cohesion and more sustained impact.
As our next Director/Chief Executive, you will:
- Strategy & Impact: Work with trustees to turn CPRE Sussex’s mission into clear priorities, practical plans and measurable outcomes.
- Governance & Finance: Provide confident oversight of governance, compliance and reporting, while ensuring resources are directed to greatest effect.
- Operational Leadership: Lead a small, part-time and distributed team with clarity, pace and good judgement.
- Income Generation: Strengthen membership, supporter engagement and fundraising to build a more resilient, diversified income base.
- Community & Partnerships: Build trusted relationships with communities, partners, local authorities, public bodies, elected representatives and volunteers.
- Brand & Profile: Act as a visible and credible public voice for CPRE Sussex on planning, countryside and environmental issues, and position us as the leading countryside charity for Sussex.
- People & Culture: Maintain alignment and focused, constructive working relationships across trustees, staff, volunteers and external supporters.
- Change & Development: Help shape the next phase of organisational development following a period of transition and growth.
Who you are:
- A seasoned senior leader with strong commitment to CPRE Sussex’s mission and purpose.
- A credible external representative, comfortable engaging with media, decision makers, partners and supporters.
- Experienced in leading people, projects or organisations through change and transition.
- A thoughtful communicator with sound judgement, diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills.
- Confident working with boards or trustees and supporting robust governance.
- Commercially aware, with an instinct for membership, supporter development and financial sustainability.
- Organised, practical and able to direct finite resources to where they will have greatest impact.
- Experience of campaigning, planning, environmental or public policy work would be highly desirable, alongside strong digital confidence and/or charity fundraising exposure.
Why CPRE Sussex?
- You will be joining a respected Sussex charity with genuine relevance to planning, land use and countryside protection.
- There is strong momentum to build on, including a stable membership base, recent public profile growth and visible practical projects.
- The organisation has substantial reserves and recent investment in capacity, providing a strong platform for the next phase.
- You will work with a committed board, engaged staff and active volunteers who care deeply about the charity’s future.
- This is a rare opportunity to shape both an organisation and the wider countryside debate across Sussex.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 13th July 2026.
For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief.
For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Chief Executive Officer in Brighton employer: Campaign to Protect Rural England
CPRE Sussex is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a respected countryside charity dedicated to protecting and enhancing Sussex's natural environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative culture, you will be part of a committed team that values your contributions and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in shaping the future of Sussex’s countryside while enjoying the benefits of a stable organisation with a clear mission and supportive governance.
Contact Details:
Campaign to Protect Rural England Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Brighton
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Campaign to Protect Rural England.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Campaign to Protect Rural England.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Campaign to Protect Rural England.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Campaign to Protect Rural England. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Campaign to Protect Rural England. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Executive Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Campaign to Protect Rural England
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Campaign to Protect Rural England. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
