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- Tasks: Lead the Surrey Hills Society, focusing on fundraising, team leadership, and strategic planning.
- Company: Join a thriving charity dedicated to environmental and community engagement in the beautiful Surrey Hills.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible home-based working and be part of a supportive, purpose-driven team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a beloved charity while making a real impact on conservation and community.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and strong leadership skills are essential; passion for nature is a must.
- Other info: This is a unique opportunity to transition a volunteer-led charity into a professional organisation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Drive the next chapter of the Surrey Hills Society - a thriving countryside charity in the Surrey Hills. Are you an entrepreneurial leader with a passion for nature, community engagement, and sustainable development? Do you want to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a much-loved environmental charity?
The Surrey Hills Society is seeking its first Chief Executive Officer to lead our dedicated team and volunteers, sustain and grow our vibrant membership, and develop long-term funding to support our work across one of England’s most treasured National Landscapes.
About Us
The Surrey Hills Society is a well-established independent charity with a 15-year track record of engaging communities in environmental, cultural, and educational activities. We run 40+ events each year and are closely partnered with the Surrey Hills National Landscape and other local organisations. Our reach and impact have grown significantly in recent years through funded projects like the National Lottery Heritage Fund's Growing Together and the South East Surrey Care Farm Pilot, alongside a strong and active membership. This is an exciting time to join us as we transition from a volunteer-led model to a more professional and sustainable structure—with the CEO at the helm.
About the Role
As CEO, you will lead the strategic and operational development of the Society, with a particular focus on:
- Fundraising & income generation – developing and securing grants, donations, and earned income
- Team leadership – line managing a small staff team and supporting a wide network of volunteers
- Stakeholder engagement – acting as the public face of the Society and deepening key partnerships
- Strategic planning – creating a 3-year vision and business plan for long-term sustainability
- Programme oversight – ensuring delivery of existing and new conservation and community projects
About You
We’re looking for a resourceful, proactive leader who combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You’ll need:
- Proven fundraising experience (grants, trusts, individuals, corporates)
- Leadership skills with experience managing staff and/or volunteers
- Confidence in managing budgets and business planning
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- A genuine passion for the countryside, community engagement, and conservation
Experience with membership models, event programming, or working in a similar community/landscape context would be an advantage.
What We Offer
- Flexible, home-based working (3 days/week)
- A supportive, purpose-driven team environment
- The chance to shape a unique, growing charity at a critical point in its evolution
Chief Executive Officer employer: CharityJob
Contact Detail:
CharityJob Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the charity and environmental sectors. Attend relevant events or workshops to meet potential stakeholders and partners who can support your application and provide insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the Surrey Hills Society thoroughly. Understand their current projects, funding sources, and community engagement strategies. This knowledge will help you articulate how your vision aligns with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your fundraising experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of successful campaigns you've led, including the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved, as this is a key aspect of the CEO role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style by highlighting your experience managing teams and volunteers. Think of examples where you motivated others and fostered collaboration, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead the Society effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Organisation: Familiarise yourself with the Surrey Hills Society's mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your application to reflect their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your proven fundraising experience and leadership skills in your CV and cover letter. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to manage teams, engage stakeholders, and develop strategic plans.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that outlines your passion for nature and community engagement. Clearly articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role of CEO and the Society's objectives.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at CharityJob
✨Show Your Passion for Nature and Community
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for the countryside and community engagement during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to environmental conservation and how it aligns with the Surrey Hills Society's mission.
✨Demonstrate Fundraising Expertise
Prepare to discuss your previous fundraising successes in detail. Be ready to provide examples of grants you've secured, donations you've cultivated, and innovative income generation strategies you've implemented. This will showcase your ability to drive financial sustainability for the charity.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Emphasise your leadership skills by discussing your experience managing teams and volunteers. Provide specific examples of how you've motivated and supported staff or volunteers in past roles, as this will be crucial for leading the Society's dedicated team.
✨Prepare a Vision for the Future
Think about what a 3-year vision for the Surrey Hills Society might look like. Be prepared to share your ideas on strategic planning and how you would approach creating a sustainable business plan. This will demonstrate your forward-thinking mindset and commitment to the charity's long-term success.