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- Tasks: Lead a charity focused on enhancing and protecting river environments for people and wildlife.
- Company: Eden Rivers Trust, a Cumbrian conservation charity dedicated to river health.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a significant impact in environmental conservation and community engagement.
- Why this job: Join us in tackling pressing environmental issues and shaping the future of our rivers.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in environmental conservation and strategic planning.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with potential for significant change in the water sector.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the charity; sustaining and growing our work to enhance and protect the river environment so that people and wildlife can thrive.
About you
The successful candidate will have proven senior leadership skills and strong experience in the environmental conservation sector. They will be able to demonstrate experience and achievement across the core elements of a CEO role: strategic organisational planning, business development, operational delivery, people management and development, communication and management of resources.
If this sounds like a good fit for you, please consider joining us to lead our work in Rethinking Eden’s Rivers for Good.
About us
Eden Rivers Trust (ERT) is the Cumbrian conservation charity standing up for Eden’s rivers, enhancing and protecting the river environment so that people and wildlife can thrive. Since 1996, we have created and protected havens for wildlife, ensured that our precious fresh water is clean and safe for everyone, and spread the word about healthy, natural rivers far and wide. Through the combination of our team’s expertise in working with nature and natural processes, the passion of our volunteers, and our partnership work, together we are finding better ways to help Eden’s rivers thrive – for wildlife, for people, and for generations to come.
About the role
This role represents an exciting opportunity to build on Eden Rivers Trust’s success and take the Trust forward at a time when rivers and water are high in the public consciousness and firmly on the Government’s agenda. Change is expected across the water sector, and Eden Rivers Trust wants to be part of delivering that change – working positively and practically from the ground up. We have opportunities to make a significant impact in tackling many environmental issues around water in the Eden and Cumbria; promoting the concept of integrated catchment management through delivering our strategic plan and the Eden Catchment Plan, both of which contribute to the Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the Government’s Environment Improvement Plan and Plan for Water.
We will do this working with a multitude of partners, including our sister Rivers Trusts in Cumbria and across the North West.
For more information and details of how to apply, please read the Recruitment pack.
Deadline for applications: Midnight, Sunday, 15 March 2026
First interviews for this post will take place either week beginning Monday, 23 March or 30 March 2026 and will be a mixture of online and in-person interviews.
Chief Executive Officer in Penrith employer: Eden Rivers Trust
Contact Detail:
Eden Rivers Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Penrith
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental conservation sector, especially those connected to Eden Rivers Trust. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to express your enthusiasm for protecting river environments. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to conservation – it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research Eden Rivers Trust thoroughly and understand their mission and current projects. Think about how your skills in strategic planning and operational delivery can help them achieve their goals. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their vision.
✨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 serious about joining the team at Eden Rivers Trust. Don’t forget to follow up after applying – a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Penrith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the charity's mission. Highlight your experience in environmental conservation and how it aligns with our goals at Eden Rivers Trust.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for river conservation and how you envision leading our team.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the CEO role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’re a perfect fit!
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows us you care about the details and are serious about joining our mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Rivers Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the environmental conservation sector. Brush up on current issues affecting rivers and water management, especially those relevant to Eden Rivers Trust. This will show your passion and commitment to the cause.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles. Highlight how you've successfully managed teams, developed strategies, and delivered results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a CEO, communication is key. Practice articulating your vision for the organisation and how you plan to engage with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you would foster collaboration among partners and volunteers.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Eden Rivers Trust’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
