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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and guide a charity focused on digital training for young people.
- Company: Digital Advantage empowers youth through inclusive digital education and skills development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working days, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital education while fostering an inclusive culture and strong governance.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in a charity or mission-driven organisation is essential.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role based in Manchester City Centre, with a focus on strategic development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester City Centre (On-site only)
Contract Type: Fixed Term (Until July or August 2026)
Working Pattern: 3 days per week
Salary: £60,000 (pro-rata)
Start Date: As soon as possible
About Digital Advantage
Digital Advantage (DA) is a not-for-profit charity delivering industry-led digital training to young people, with a particular focus on inclusivity and those with additional needs. DISC is a specialist college within the charity, offering supported digital education and work-based learning. Together, they empower learners to thrive in the digital economy by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and ambition needed for a successful and independent future.
Role Purpose
The Interim CEO will provide visionary leadership and stability while embedding strong governance practices, supporting board development, and guiding the organisation through the recruitment of a permanent CEO. The role also includes strategic collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team and delivery partners to develop a refreshed constitution, strengthen internal culture, and create a comprehensive 3-year strategy.
Key Priorities
1. Resolve governance structures, improve board objectivity, and redevelop the organisational constitution.
2. Lead the creation of a robust, values-driven recruitment process for appointing a new permanent CEO by 2026.
3. Build a sustainable, healthy organisational culture aligned with our mission and inclusive values.
Key Responsibilities
Governance & Leadership
- Review and strengthen current governance, compliance, and accountability mechanisms.
- Work with Trustees to ensure objectivity, diversity, and effectiveness at board level.
- Ensure all policies, procedures, and the scheme of delegation are both reflective of our values and actively adhered to.
- Submit a monthly CEO report to the Board of Trustees.
- Lead a comprehensive review and redevelopment of the organisation’s constitution with external legal or governance advisors.
- Maintain a strong relationship with the Board, acting as the primary liaison.
Strategic Development
- Collaborate with the COO, CFO, and SLT to co-create and launch a 3-year strategic plan encompassing operations, finance, fundraising, and programme delivery.
- Ensure strategic decisions are informed by stakeholder consultation (staff, young people, funders).
- Identify and develop new income generation opportunities to support the sustainability of the organisation.
Culture & People
- Promote and embed a healthy, inclusive, and values-led workplace culture.
- Provide direct line management to members of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Work alongside our new HR Advisor to shape a resilient and supportive working environment.
Partnership Management
- Strengthen collaboration with our connected delivery partner, SENDCode (Digital Agency).
- Negotiate and agree effective ways of working, shared goals, and accountability frameworks.
CEO Transition Planning
- Lead the full process to recruit and onboard a permanent CEO, including designing the recruitment framework, timelines, and handover plan.
- Work with Trustees and the HR Advisor to ensure a transparent and equitable process.
Person Specification
Essential
- Substantial senior leadership experience, ideally as a CEO or equivalent, in a charity, social enterprise, or mission-driven organisation.
- Deep understanding of good governance, board development, and regulatory compliance.
- Proven ability to manage organisational change and embed strong culture.
- Strong financial and strategic planning capabilities.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience working with or managing delivery partnerships.
- Commitment to inclusion, social impact, and youth empowerment.
Desirable
- Experience in education, digital skills development, or SEND-related sectors.
- Familiarity with the governance framework of a CIO.
Interim Chief Executive Officer employer: Digital Advantage
Contact Detail:
Digital Advantage Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Digital Advantage's mission and values. Understanding their focus on inclusivity and youth empowerment will help you align your leadership style with their organisational culture, which is crucial for the Interim CEO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the charity and social enterprise sectors, especially those with experience in governance and board development. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing organisational change and embedding strong cultures. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead during the transition period.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends in digital education and training, particularly for young people with additional needs. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only show your commitment to the role but also help you engage effectively with stakeholders during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Organisation: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly understand Digital Advantage's mission, values, and the specific challenges they face. This will help you tailor your application to demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your senior leadership experience, particularly in charity or mission-driven organisations. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed governance, organisational change, and strategic planning.
Showcase Your Vision: As the role requires visionary leadership, articulate your vision for the organisation in your application. Discuss how you would approach the key priorities outlined in the job description, such as governance structures and organisational culture.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that directly addresses the key responsibilities and person specification. Use this opportunity to convey your passion for youth empowerment and inclusion, and how your skills can contribute to the organisation's success.
How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Advantage
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As an Interim CEO, your leadership experience is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or organisations, particularly in a charity or mission-driven context. Highlight any instances where you've implemented governance practices or managed organisational change.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Governance
Given the emphasis on governance in this role, it's essential to articulate your understanding of good governance practices. Familiarise yourself with the governance framework of a CIO and be ready to discuss how you would strengthen board effectiveness and compliance within Digital Advantage.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Culture
Digital Advantage values inclusivity and a healthy workplace culture. Prepare to share your vision for fostering an inclusive environment and how you've previously promoted values-driven cultures in your past roles. This will show that you align with their mission and can lead by example.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
The role involves strategic development and planning. Be ready to discuss your approach to creating a comprehensive 3-year strategy. Think about how you would engage stakeholders, identify income generation opportunities, and ensure that strategic decisions reflect the organisation's values and mission.
