At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a passionate team to improve the lives of dogs in our care.
- Company: Chiltern Dog Rescue Society, a dedicated dog rehoming charity.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, pension scheme, and a lovely working environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion in animal welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of dogs and their future homes.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in charity or animal welfare and strong communication skills.
We are looking for a passionate, dog welfare and training literate manager to energise, inspire and lead Chiltern Dog Rescue Society into the future. CDRS is a successful and established dog rehoming charity working from our ‘state of the art’ Rescue Centre near Wendover, Bucks. Our passionate staff, volunteers and members are striving to make life better for our dogs using their kindness and expertise. This is an exciting opportunity to drive the charity forwards and shape it for the future. Will you join us and make life better for dogs?
Location: Bromley Heights Rescue Centre HP23 6LD
Salary: £35-40k
Hours: 40 per week on an agreed rota (includes weekends and bank holidays)
Contract type: Permanent, full-time
Responsibilities
- Be responsible for all aspects of the Charity - dogs, people, facilities, compliance and finances.
- Manage the charity and the skilled staff within it.
- Optimise the rescue of dogs and maintain the high quality of care currently in place.
- Drive the marketing, brand awareness and fundraising of the charity.
- Actively promote high standards of care with the staff and volunteers.
- Support and co-ordinate the volunteers, foster carers and members.
About the team
We have an experienced team of 13 staff in place across the Charity. They are passionate about caring for the dogs and finding suitable loving homes for them in the next stage of their lives.
What we’re looking for
Essential
- A self-starter with a passion for improving the lives of the dogs in our care.
- Proven senior leadership experience in a charity, animal welfare, or similar organisation.
- Strong understanding of animal welfare principles and UK legislation affecting rehoming charities.
- Demonstrated ability in strategic planning, team leadership, and financial oversight.
- Successful track record in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and partnership building.
- Excellent communication, people management, empathy, and decision-making skills.
- Good listening skills and openness to staff proposals, suggestions.
- Utilisation of existing staff experience and qualifications.
- Experience working directly in rescue, veterinary, or kennels environments.
- Knowledge of health and safety and employment law.
Desirable
- Knowledge of marketing, PR, and community engagement strategies.
- Qualification in charity management, business administration, or animal welfare.
What we offer
- 28 days holiday per year plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme.
- Lovely working environment in the Chiltern Hills at our modern rescue centre.
- A fulfilling and fun role rescuing dogs and giving them a better life.
Interested? Here’s how to apply:
Application closing date: 21st June 2026
Interview date: 28th June 2026
Please note, we do not accept applications or speculative CVs from agencies. Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to. If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.
If successful, your recruitment journey will include: anonymised application form and cover letter, in-person interview at the centre. Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.
Please email if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey. We operate a bias-free application process in our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. To assess your application quickly, fairly and objectively, please fully complete the qualifications and work history sections of our online application form. Redacted CVs may be accepted by exception.
We believe being an inclusive, diverse organisation – where we welcome diversity of thought, value individuals’ experience and can reach and partner all areas of society – is crucial if we’re to help more dogs. Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity. There’s a place for everyone at CDRS and we encourage applications from talented people across all communities.
CDRS is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk and protecting anyone that comes into contact with us from harm. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. You may be subject to a criminal record check if required for the role.
Head of Charity in Tring employer: Chilterns Dog Rescue Society
Chiltern Dog Rescue Society is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling and dynamic work environment at our state-of-the-art Rescue Centre in the picturesque Chiltern Hills. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide 28 days of holiday plus bank holidays, a pension scheme, and the opportunity to lead a passionate team dedicated to improving the lives of dogs. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
Contact Detail:
Chilterns Dog Rescue Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Charity in Tring
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the charity inside out! Research Chiltern Dog Rescue Society, its mission, and its values. This way, when you chat with them, you can show your passion for dog welfare and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff and volunteers on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and insights. This will not only give you insider knowledge but also help you make a memorable impression during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life examples that showcase your leadership skills and experience in animal welfare. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in the past and how you can apply those lessons at CDRS.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Charity in Tring
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your love for dog welfare shine through in your application. We want to see your enthusiasm for improving the lives of dogs, so share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your cover letter and application form to reflect the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for someone who understands our mission and can lead us into the future.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application, keep your answers straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see how your skills align with the role.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We might close applications before the deadline if we find the right candidate, so get your application in through our website as soon as you can.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chilterns Dog Rescue Society
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal welfare principles and UK legislation affecting rehoming charities. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project. Highlight how you inspired others and drove positive change, especially in a charity or animal welfare context.
✨Engage with the Team
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to listen and engage with staff proposals. Share how you value team input and how you’ve previously fostered a collaborative environment. This will resonate well with their emphasis on teamwork.
✨Fundraising Focus
Be ready to discuss your track record in fundraising and stakeholder engagement. Prepare specific examples of successful campaigns or partnerships you've built, as this is crucial for driving the charity forward.
