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- Tasks: Lead a transformative charity focused on nature-based education and therapy.
- Company: Wilderness Foundation UK, an award-winning charity dedicated to social change through nature.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Inspire change and lead initiatives that reconnect people with nature.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, strong strategic vision, and passion for nature.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to wellbeing and environmental conservation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Wilderness Foundation UK is an award-winning charity dedicated to transforming lives through nature. They work with young people and adults using nature-based education, wilderness and nature-based therapy, and the conservation of wild places to support wellbeing, resilience, leadership, and long-term social change. Rooted in evidence-based practice and delivered by experienced practitioners, their programmes reconnect people to nature and to themselves, while actively protecting wild environments for future generations. The Wilderness Foundation believe that when people encounter wild nature meaningfully, lives shift and landscapes are safeguarded.
The Wilderness Foundation are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead Wilderness Foundation UK into its next chapter of impact, influence, and sustainability. This is a pivotal leadership role for a values-driven, visionary CEO who can inspire people, shape strategy, and steward the charity’s mission with integrity and ambition. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, senior leadership team, staff, volunteers, funders, partners, and supporters to ensure the organisation thrives operationally, financially, and culturally. The CEO is both the strategic compass and the public voice of the charity, holding the big picture while remaining deeply connected to the people and places at the heart of our work.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Provide inspirational leadership and a clear, compelling vision aligned with the charity’s mission and values
- Develop and deliver a long-term strategy that strengthens impact, reach, and sustainability
- Lead organisational growth while safeguarding programme quality and ethos
- Organisational Leadership
- Lead, motivate, and support a skilled and passionate staff team
- Foster a healthy, inclusive, and high-performing organisational culture
- Ensure robust governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance
- Finance & Sustainability
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and performance to ensure long-term viability
- Drive income diversification through fundraising, partnerships, grants, and trading activity
- Work closely with the Board on financial strategy and accountability
- External Relations & Advocacy
- Act as the principal ambassador and spokesperson for Wilderness Foundation UK
- Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, partners, commissioners, and stakeholders
- Represent the charity within the nature, conservation, wellbeing, and youth sectors
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based nature and wilderness programmes
- Champion innovation in nature-based education and therapy
- Uphold strong monitoring, evaluation, and learning to demonstrate impact
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven experience at Chief Executive or equivalent senior leadership level
- Strong strategic leadership with the ability to inspire trust and commitment
- Demonstrable success in leading and developing organisations, ideally within the charity or social impact sector
- Sound financial acumen, including budgeting and income generation
- Experience working with or alongside Boards of Trustees
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Experience in nature-based education, wilderness or nature-based therapy, conservation, wellbeing, youth work, or related fields
- Fundraising and partnership development experience
- Understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, or therapeutic environments
Personal Attributes
- Purpose‑led, authentic, and values‑driven
- Visionary yet grounded, able to balance inspiration with delivery
- Comfortable leading in complexity and change
- Deep respect for people, nature, and the transformative power of wild places
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Wilderness Foundation UK employer: Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
Contact Detail:
Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Wilderness Foundation UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector, especially those involved in nature-based initiatives. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at interviews, make sure to express why you care about the Wilderness Foundation's mission. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to nature and social change.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their programmes, values, and recent achievements. This will not only help you answer questions but also allow you to ask insightful ones, showing that you’re genuinely interested in leading the charge at Wilderness Foundation UK.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly, so make sure you submit it through our platform. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Wilderness Foundation UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature: When writing your application, let your love for nature and its transformative power shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Wilderness Foundation UK, so share personal stories or experiences that highlight your connection to the natural world.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps, and don’t forget to tailor your application to the specific role of CEO!
Highlight Leadership Experience: As a potential CEO, we’re keen to see your leadership chops! Make sure to detail your previous roles where you’ve inspired teams, shaped strategies, or driven organisational growth. Show us how you can lead Wilderness Foundation UK into its next chapter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Wilderness Foundation UK's mission and values. Understand how they transform lives through nature and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. This shows genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential CEO, it's crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Prepare examples of how you've inspired teams and driven strategic change in previous roles. Highlight your experience in fostering inclusive cultures and managing complex organisations.
✨Demonstrate Financial Savvy
Brush up on financial planning and budgeting principles relevant to charities. Be prepared to discuss your experience with income generation and fundraising strategies. Showing that you can ensure long-term viability will set you apart.
✨Build Connections with Nature
Since the role is deeply connected to nature-based education and therapy, share your personal experiences or insights related to these fields. Whether it’s a project you led or a personal journey, connecting your story to their work will resonate well.
