Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a pioneering environmental charity and shape its future direction.
  • Company: East London Waterworks Park, a community-led charity reconnecting people with nature.
  • Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming urban spaces and fostering community engagement.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for environmental sustainability.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to innovative nature-recovery projects.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced and values-led Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead East London Waterworks Park in this next phase of our development. This is a rare opportunity to shape the first paid executive leadership role in a pioneering environmental charity. The CEO role is wide-ranging and dynamic, and will evolve as East London Waterworks Park grows.

The CEO will provide strategic leadership to help realise our ambition to purchase the Thames Water depot site in East London, while strengthening our capacity to deliver community-led rewilding and nature-recovery projects across London in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders. An important aspect of the role will involve introducing a sustainable staffing model that complements and develops East London Waterworks Park’s existing volunteer ecosystem, and strengthens our culture, vision and values. The CEO will be supported in this work by long-standing volunteers at both trustee board and operational level, who believe in the benefits this organisational change will bring.

About East London Waterworks Park:

East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place. Our work includes:

  • Co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces.
  • Co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long-term community stewardship.
  • Hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.

East London Waterworks Park is a sociocratic organisation, with a decentralised organisational structure and a transparent and collaborative approach to decision making. We have grown organically since 2019, responding flexibly to the challenges we have encountered but always committed to our core vision: creating a new kind of urban green and blue space: one that is ecologically rich, inclusive, and shaped by the people and wildlife who use it. East London Waterworks Park is currently entirely run by volunteers but we recognise the need to transition to a more sustainable structure. We want to introduce paid employees to ensure we can deliver the exciting projects planned in 2026 and beyond.

If this sounds exciting, please review the attached recruitment package.

Chief Executive Officer employer: East London Waterworks Park

East London Waterworks Park is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a pioneering environmental charity dedicated to reconnecting people with nature. With a strong focus on inclusivity and community engagement, the organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values transparency and volunteer contributions, while providing meaningful growth opportunities for employees. Located in East London, this role allows you to make a tangible impact on urban biodiversity and community well-being, all within a supportive environment that champions innovative, sustainable practices.
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Contact Detail:

East London Waterworks Park Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental charity sector, especially those connected to East London Waterworks Park. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Show your passion for community-led initiatives! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, share your experiences and ideas on how to engage communities in nature recovery projects. We want to see your enthusiasm for making a difference!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would approach strategic leadership and sustainable staffing models. We recommend practising your responses with a friend or mentor to build confidence and clarity.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission at East London Waterworks Park. Let’s make a positive impact together!

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer

Strategic Leadership
Community Engagement
Project Management
Sustainable Staffing Models
Collaboration with Stakeholders
Organisational Change Management
Inclusivity
Nature-Recovery Project Development
Volunteer Management
Communication Skills
Co-Design Facilitation
Decision-Making in Sociocratic Structures
Flexibility and Adaptability
Vision and Values Alignment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for environmental work and community engagement. Share your personal experiences that align with our values at East London Waterworks Park.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the CEO role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it relates to our mission of reconnecting people and nature. This shows us you’ve done your homework!

Showcase Your Vision: We’re looking for someone who can think big! In your application, outline your vision for the future of East London Waterworks Park. How would you approach the challenges we face? This is your chance to impress us with your strategic thinking.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us during the process.

How to prepare for a job interview at East London Waterworks Park

✨Know Your Values

As a CEO, your values will shape the organisation's culture. Make sure you understand East London Waterworks Park's mission and values inside out. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can lead by example.

✨Showcase Strategic Vision

Prepare to articulate your strategic vision for the park's development. Think about how you would approach purchasing the Thames Water depot site and what innovative ideas you have for community-led projects. Bring examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to think big and act decisively.

✨Engage with the Community

Since this role is all about community engagement, be prepared to discuss how you would foster relationships with local stakeholders. Share your thoughts on co-designing spaces with the community and how you would empower volunteers while transitioning to a paid staffing model.

✨Embrace Collaboration

East London Waterworks Park values a collaborative approach. Highlight your experience in working within sociocratic or decentralised structures. Discuss how you would encourage transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.

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