Chief Executive in Stirling

Full-time national roles rarely emerge and are highly sought after in our high-performing team. Joining Dyslexia Scotland will provide the right candidate with a career-defining opportunity to make a significant contribution to progressing our ambitious plan for a dyslexia-friendly Scotland. Dyslexia Scotland is an award-winning, sector-leading organisation that champions the exceptional value of dyslexia to Scottish society. Our current CEO is retiring after nineteen successful years of leadership, creating an important opportunity for the right candidate to deliver our ambitious plan for a dyslexia-friendly Scotland. We welcome applications from candidates with the drive and compassion to fulfil this vital leadership role.

Location: Stirling Head Office with travel throughout Scotland

Reports to: The Board of Directors

Hours: 35 hours per week (time off in lieu will be provided for periodic weekend and evening work)

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced individual to lead the delivery of our new 5-year strategy, Working Towards a Dyslexia-Friendly Scotland. You will join an established team with a clear purpose and a national profile. Dyslexia Scotland is an established national membership organisation that aims to inspire and enable people with dyslexia to reach their potential while working towards a dyslexia-friendly Scotland. Based in Stirling with a small staff team of nine (eight full-time equivalent), we have a network of 19 volunteer-led local branches across Scotland offering support at a grassroots level, as well as two Dyslexic Adult Networks. Around 150 volunteers play a vital and valued role in our work, involved in a wide range of national and local roles, including the President, Ambassadors, Board of Directors and Council.

Experience Required:

• Significant senior leadership experience, with evidence of developing and delivering strategy and translating ambition into organisational results.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience of budgetary oversight, financial planning, sustainability and making sound decisions about organisational resources.
• Experience of generating and diversifying income, and developing strong relationships with funders, partners, donors or other sources of investment.
• A strong personal commitment to inclusion, equity and social justice, with the ability to ensure that lived experience meaningfully influences organisational priorities and decision-making.
• A track record of leading, developing and motivating people, building positive organisational cultures and successfully leading through change.
• A strong understanding of effective governance, organisational risk and accountability, with experience of working constructively with a Board or equivalent governing body.
• Evidence of building effective relationships and partnerships with senior stakeholders and influencing beyond organisational boundaries.
• An excellent communicator with the confidence and credibility to represent Dyslexia Scotland publicly, communicate complex issues clearly and build support for the organisation’s purpose.
• Knowledge and understanding of dyslexia and inclusive practice and the experiences of people with dyslexia.
• Experience of influencing public policy or practice.
• Knowledge of the Scottish policy and public-service environment.
• Experience within the third sector, public or purpose-led sectors.
• Experience of working with or alongside people with lived experience and with volunteers to shape organisational strategy or services.

Additional information:

This is a hands-on role within a small, ambitious national organisation. The successful candidate will be comfortable taking responsibility for the overall leadership of the charity while working collaboratively with a supportive Board, staff, volunteers, branches, members and partners. A Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme Check is required for this post.