At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community-owned renewable energy projects and drive local climate action.
- Company: Join an award-winning community benefit society focused on clean energy.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to community-led change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of community energy in Staffordshire and beyond.
- Qualifications: Experience in sustainability, strong leadership, and financial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Staffordshire Community Energy is an ambitious and award-winning community benefit society delivering community-owned renewable energy projects that directly benefit our communities across the administrative County and Stoke-on-Trent. We’re driven by a belief that communities can and must play a central role in the transition to a clean energy and secure future. Since 2011, SCE has been delivering clean energy and creating funds for local projects. We currently have five sites with rooftop solar PV totalling 490kWp with another project of 736kWp under negotiation and several school sites under investigation. Our annual turnover is estimated at £340k in 2026/27, and this should increase in future years as new projects come on stream.
With the establishment of Great British Energy and the Local Power Plan promising a £1bn programme of investment in local and community energy, there is huge potential for the sector opening up – SCE intends to be at the centre of the crusade in Staffordshire. We have created this new post to lead the drive to take advantage of the new prospects and maximise the potential.
About the role
- Contribute to strategic leadership of SCE, working with the Board.
- Lead the preparation and delivery of SCE’s long-term vision and business plan.
- Establish and oversee the operations of the organisation, ensuring high quality project delivery and operation, and robust financial management.
- Lead on governance, risk, insurance and commercial oversight on existing and new SCE projects.
- Grow a strong pipeline of community-energy renewable and retrofit projects taking projects from early stage “desk-top” appraisals through to formal investment decisions, construction and commissioning. This includes creation of commercial proposals.
- Lead fundraising and develop new income opportunities to put the organisation on a secure long-term financial future including grant and investment opportunities, encompassing preparation of grant applications and share offer documents.
- Build and nurture relationships with host sites, investors, partner organisations, local businesses and local authorities in Staffordshire.
- Represent SCE publicly and champion the cause of community-led energy.
- Lead and manage a small team comprising a part-time administrator, consultants, contractors and volunteers fostering a collaborative and delivery-focused culture.
- Report to the Chair of the Board and attend Meetings of the Board and appropriate Board Committees (all usually held online).
We have grant funding for the post until the end of 2027 and one of the key challenges will be to secure a sound ongoing financial base for SCE and this post via funding from operations and grants. This is a unique opportunity to shape and grow an ambitious organisation with a strong track record, an experienced Board and an active community base. SCE is looking to play a significant role in Staffordshire’s energy transition, expanding its portfolio, strengthening its membership model and deepening its impact across the County and Stoke-on-Trent. This is expected to include a larger portfolio of onsite solar, both rooftop and ground mount but will also require SCE to actively consider other energy initiatives such as Smart Local Energy Systems, retrofit, energy efficiency and other energy assets such as wind power, heat networks and battery storage.
About you
- An experienced leader with a background in sustainability, community energy, climate action, social enterprise or similar.
- Passionate about community energy and committed to community-led change.
- Financially astute, comfortable with financial models, budgets, reporting, cashflow and grant requirements.
- A strong communicator who can engage a diverse set of stakeholders including local and central government, community groups, and technical partners.
- Collaborative, organised and comfortable operating both at a strategic and operational level.
- Proactive, dynamic self-starter who works independently with confidence to drive progress and deliver results.
- Interested in the detail of delivering and operating a portfolio of renewable energy projects.
- Knowledge of sustainable energy and experience of energy projects.
- Preferably located in or near Staffordshire.
Why join SCE?
- Lead tangible, impactful, local energy and climate action projects.
- Work with a passionate and experienced Board.
- Join us at an exciting time, with the opportunity to shape the role and drive the next stage of our growth and impact on the communities we serve.
- Flexible working arrangements and a values driven environment.
Chief Executive – Staffordshire Community Energy in England employer: Community Energy England
Community Energy England is an exceptional employer for those passionate about community energy and sustainability. With a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative work culture, the organisation offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the sector. As Chair of the Board, you will play a pivotal role in shaping strategic direction and engaging with key stakeholders, all while enjoying the flexibility of a volunteer position that values your expertise and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive – Staffordshire Community Energy in England
✨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 Community Energy 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 Community Energy 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 Community Energy 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 Community Energy England. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive – Staffordshire Community Energy in England
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 Community Energy 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 – Staffordshire Community Energy, 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 Community Energy 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 Community Energy 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!
