At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dedicated team to support families of children with special needs.
- Company: First Step, a community-focused organisation with over 38 years of experience.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact and drive innovation in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and promoting equality and diversity in all practices.
- Why this job: Join us at a transformative time and help shape the future for families in need.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for supporting diverse communities.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
First Step supports families of children with special needs and/or disabilities, and was founded in 1988 by parents, for parents. More than 38 years later, our mission remains the same: to provide a welcoming and supportive community for families navigating the responsibility of raising a child with special needs and/or disabilities. From the moment a family joins us, we want them to know they’re not alone. We understand that every family’s journey is different. We’re here to listen, understand and offer practical and emotional support – through the difficult times and the successes, however big or small.
We are seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to guide First Step into its next chapter, following the announcement of the planned retirement of our current CEO after 11 years of dedicated service. You join us at an exciting and transformative time. We are actively driving the organisation forward, focusing on long-term sustainability while ensuring we never lose sight of the families who rely on us. We are looking for a CEO who shares our values, inspires others and can lead with vision, compassion and determination.
You will be an experienced senior leader experienced with managing the wide range of disciplines that come with a small organisation. You will have a track record of developing strategy and translating it into practical plans and measurable outcomes. You may already be a CEO or be ready to take that next step.
The First Step CEO will provide leadership, driving the continued development and delivery of First Step’s ambitious plans and services for the families and children we support. The role calls for an office-based, visible, hands-on and outward-focused leader, who is comfortable leading from the front and being closely involved in the day-to-day running of the organisation. They will champion First Step within the community, engaging and inspiring existing and potential supporters and donors.
To achieve this the CEO will:
- Inspire, energise and direct the First Step team of staff and volunteers, to consistently deliver outstanding support for families of children with special needs and/or disabilities.
- Foster a positive and proactive culture that embodies excellence and compassion at every level.
- Shape and communicate a strong strategy and vision, ensuring that every aspect of our work aligns seamlessly with First Step’s objects and values.
- Actively seek out and embrace new possibilities to expand and enhance services, driving innovation to ensure the organisation continues to make a meaningful difference to families and their children.
- Ensure the organisation is financially secure, and that the necessary funds are generated to enable the organisation to thrive.
As we follow the recruitment requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education although initially we are accepting a CV and Personal Statement, for shortlisted candidates we will require a fully completed Application Form with a full education and working history with any gaps explained prior to interview.
At First Step, safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is at the core of everything we do. Working closely with children, parents, staff, volunteers, and the wider community, we are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive. Our team is vigilant and proactive to identify and address any concerns, and to follow our robust procedures whenever there is a belief that a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk of harm.
We are equally passionate about championing equality and diversity in our employment practices and the services we provide. First Step embraces inclusion, celebrating the unique perspectives and talents that each individual brings to our organisation. We actively encourage people from all backgrounds – regardless of race, gender, disability, age, marital status, sexuality, religion, background, or personality – to play a key role in building vibrant, sustainable communities. Our commitment is rooted in recognising and valuing the strengths diversity brings to our team and our wider community.
Please note: You will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of safety and trust.
Chief Executive Officer in Hornchurch employer: First Step
First Step is dedicated to providing a supportive community for families of children with special needs and/or disabilities. The organization focuses on offering practical and emotional support, ensuring that families feel understood and not alone in their journey. With a commitment to long-term sustainability, First Step is at an exciting transformative phase, making it an attractive employer for those passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Hornchurch
✨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 First Step.
✨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 First Step.
✨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 First Step.
✨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 First Step. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Hornchurch
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 First Step. 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 First Step
✨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 First Step. 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!
