At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a trauma-informed charity, shaping strategy and driving meaningful impact for families affected by addiction.
- Company: ESCAPE Family Support, an award-winning charity with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 28 days leave, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team and enjoy exceptional organisational culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while leading with purpose and flexibility.
- Qualifications: Experienced senior leader with strong operational awareness and partnership-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 55000 £ per year.
Lead with purpose. Work with flexibility. Make a lasting difference. ESCAPE Family Support is seeking an inspirational Chief Executive to lead an award-winning, highly respected, trauma-informed charity, supporting families and children affected by a loved one's addiction and making a real difference in Northumberland. This is a rare opportunity to shape strategy, influence services, and drive meaningful impact for families affected by addiction within a values-led, collaborative organisation.
As one of the very few charities of our size to hold Investors in People Platinum accreditation, we offer an exceptional working culture built on trust, empowerment and strong relationships. You will work with a committed team and board and engage with partners at local, regional and national level to shape the future of our services. This role offers the chance to lead with purpose, influence change and leave a lasting legacy.
ABOUT ESCAPE: Founded from lived experience, ESCAPE is the only organisation in Northumberland dedicated to supporting families affected by addiction. Our work changes lives - every day. We are:
- Trauma informed and evidence-based
- An AIM registered training centre
- A trusted partner across statutory and voluntary sectors
- Proud holders of Investor in People Platinum
- An accredited Living Wage Employer
About the role: As Chief Executive you will:
- Provide strategic leadership and direction
- Work closely with a committed Board of Trustees
- Lead an experienced and values-driven team
- Develop partnerships throughout Northumberland and across the region
- Ensure high quality, sustainable services for families
You will play a central role in shaping the future of the organisation and strengthening its impact.
Why join ESCAPE?
- Flexible leadership role
- Full or part-time from 0.6 FTE minimum
- Flexible trust-based working
- Opportunity to shape how you lead
- Exceptional Culture
- Investor in People Platinum accredited
- Reflective supervision and leadership support
- Collaborative, values-driven environment
- Meaningful impact
- Direct influence on services supporting families in crisis
- Opportunity to build on a strong legacy
- Visible and tangible difference in the community
Who we are looking for:
- An experienced senior leader (charity, public or related sector)
- Strategically minded with strong operational awareness
- Skilled in building partnerships and relationships
- Committed to trauma-informed, person-centred practice
- Values-led, emotionally intelligent, and authentic
This role could suit:
- An existing CEO seeking greater balance and purpose
- A senior leader ready for their first CEO role
What we offer:
- £48,000 - £55,000 salary (pro rata) depending on skills and experience
- Full time or Part-time (from 0.6 FTE minimum)
- Permanent
- 28 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays (pro rata)
- 6% employer pension contribution
- Simply Health package (including eye care)
- Family-friendly policies
- Reflective supervision and practice
- Flexible, trust-based working
Closing date for applications: 26th June 2026 at 17.00
Chief Executive Officer in North East employer: ESCAPE Family Support
ESCAPE Family Support is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a trauma-informed charity dedicated to making a meaningful impact in Northumberland. With a strong emphasis on flexibility, collaboration, and a values-driven culture, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises personal and professional growth, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous leave policy and reflective supervision. Join us to shape the future of services for families affected by addiction and leave a lasting legacy in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in North East
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by ESCAPE Family Support.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like ESCAPE Family Support.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at ESCAPE Family Support.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at ESCAPE Family Support. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of ESCAPE Family Support. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Executive Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESCAPE Family Support
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of ESCAPE Family Support. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
