At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to transform veterans' lives with assistance dogs and support.
- Company: Veterans With Dogs, a charity dedicated to helping Armed Forces veterans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contribution, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Hybrid role based in Exeter with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a visible leader in a mission-driven organisation making a significant impact.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in charity or social enterprise, strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Veterans With Dogs (VWD) is seeking a dynamic and compassionate Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our charity into its next chapter. This rare and exciting opportunity offers the chance to guide a small, high-impact team at a pivotal stage in the charity's growth.
Location: Exeter (hybrid with regular office presence required)
Salary: £45,000-£55,000 pro-rata (equivalent to £27,000 - £33,000 for 3 days/week) + 3% pension contribution
Contract: Initial 1 year role with opportunity to extend
About Veterans With Dogs
Veterans With Dogs is a UK charity that transforms the lives of Armed Forces veterans living with mental health challenges. Through the provision of highly trained assistance dogs and trauma-informed support, we help restore purpose, independence, and dignity to those who have served. Founded in 2012, our work addresses a vital gap for veterans living with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and complex trauma. Through our award-winning PALS (Partner Animal Life Skills) programme, we help veterans re-engage with life, with the support of a trusted companion by their side.
Following a period of governance transition and renewal, we are entering a new and exciting phase. We are strengthening leadership, systems, and strategy to ensure long term sustainability and greater reach. As we begin this next chapter, we are seeking an experienced, values driven CEO to lead us confidently into this next phase.
The Role
The CEO will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and cultural leadership for Veterans With Dogs. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will oversee the delivery of the charity's mission, ensure operational excellence, develop our long term strategy, and foster a values led and high performing team. This is a hands on, multi-dimensional leadership role, ideal for a calm, pragmatic, and inspiring individual with experience of organisational stabilisation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth. You will be a visible leader at our base in Exeter, while building strong relationships across the veteran, assistance dog, and wider charity sectors.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of an interim plan and longer term organisational strategy
- Translate strategic goals into clear operational priorities and plans
- Foster a compassionate, inclusive, and mission aligned organisational culture
- Act as a credible and inspiring ambassador for Veterans With Dogs with stakeholders, funders, partners, and the public
- Guide the charity through stabilisation and values led, sustainable growth
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all relevant charity law, regulation, and best practice
- Work in partnership with the Board of Trustees, supporting effective governance and reporting
- Implement and embed improvements in HR, finance, safeguarding, IT, and operational systems
- Lead on organisational risk management, ensuring policies and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed
- Oversee day to day operations to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery
- Ensure safeguarding standards are upheld for both veterans and dogs
- Drive continuous improvement in programme quality, delivery, and impact measurement
- Ensure operational systems and data processes are robust, compliant, and fit for purpose
People & Culture
- Lead, support, and nurture a small, dedicated staff team and wider network of volunteers
- Promote staff wellbeing, clear communication, and professional development
- Work with trustees to assess future staffing needs and build leadership capacity
Finance & Sustainability
- Work with trustees and advisors to ensure sound financial management and reporting
- Contribute to financial planning, budgeting, and development of a sustainable reserves policy
- Help diversify income streams, supporting fundraising efforts, corporate partnerships, and individual giving
- Build and maintain relationships with funders, donors, corporate partners, and sector allies
- Collaborate with the fundraising trustee to develop new funding opportunities
- Represent the charity externally with credibility, transparency, and professionalism
- Strengthen partnerships with ADUK, ADI, Cobseo, and other key membership bodies
Person Specification
- Senior leadership experience within a charity, social enterprise, or values led organisation
- Strong knowledge of charity governance, regulation, and trustee relationships
- Experience leading teams through organisational change or stabilisation
- Financial literacy with experience of budgeting, reporting, and planning
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across diverse stakeholders
- A calm, values based, and ethical leadership approach
- Experience in health, mental health, veterans' services, or trauma informed work
- Experience working with boards during periods of strategic or leadership transition
- Fundraising and/or income generation experience
- Understanding of safeguarding best practice (for people and/or animals)
- Lived experience of the military or charity sectors (not essential)
Our Commitment
Veterans With Dogs is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strive to create a supportive, respectful, and empowering workplace. We recognise the value of lived experience and are committed to continuous learning as an organisation.
How to Apply
Apply with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and suitability. If you would like a confidential conversation before applying, we would be happy to speak with you.
Closing date to apply: Friday 13 March 2026
Second interviews (in our Exeter office): week commencing 23 March 2026 TBC
Veterans With Dogs – Chief Executive Officer in Exeter employer: Confederation of Service Charities
The Poppy Factory is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting veterans in their transition to meaningful employment. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer flexible working options and a collaborative work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. Joining our team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values your contributions and provides opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of those who have served.
Contact Details:
Confederation of Service Charities Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterans With Dogs – Chief Executive Officer in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those involved with veterans' services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Be visible and engaged! Attend events related to mental health and veteran support. This not only shows your commitment but also helps you meet potential collaborators and stakeholders who could vouch for you.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the charity's mission inside out. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and share specific examples of how you've led teams through change or growth in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Veterans With Dogs team!
We think you need these skills to ace Veterans With Dogs – Chief Executive Officer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of CEO at Veterans With Dogs. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in charity or values-driven organisations, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for the mission of Veterans With Dogs and how your background makes you an ideal candidate. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention why you want to lead us into our next chapter.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements in organisational change, financial management, and team leadership. We want to see how you’ve made a difference in previous roles, so be specific about your contributions and outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to engage with our organisation from the get-go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Confederation of Service Charities
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Veterans With Dogs' mission and values. Understand how they transform the lives of veterans and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential CEO, it's crucial to articulate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change or stabilisation in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a compassionate and inclusive culture, which is key for this role.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
Expect questions about charity governance and compliance. Brush up on relevant laws and best practices, and be ready to discuss how you would work with the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance and reporting.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Financial literacy is essential for this role. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, financial planning, and income generation. Think of specific strategies you've implemented in the past that could benefit Veterans With Dogs.
