At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate charity to protect and enhance the stunning Yorkshire Dales.
- Company: Friends of the Dales, dedicated to preserving landscapes, wildlife, and communities.
- Benefits: Flexible working, impactful role, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join us in championing the Dales and driving meaningful change for future generations.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in charity management, campaigning, or fundraising.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Friends of the Dales is seeking an outstanding Executive Director to lead its independent campaigning charity into its next phase. We protect and enhance the Yorkshire Dales, its landscapes, wildlife, heritage and communities, and we are looking for a strategic, values-driven leader to help grow our impact and sustainability.
You will bring senior leadership experience and skills directly or aligned and transferable to charity management, campaigning, advocacy, fundraising, membership growth, partnership working and operations. This is a hands-on role, balancing strategic leadership with day-to-day delivery and external representation.
The role is based in Gargrave with regular travel across the Yorkshire Dales. Flexible working is available by agreement. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Closing date: Monday 18 May 2026 at 5pm.
How to apply: Full information about the charity, role and recruitment process is available at: https://friendsofthedales.org.uk/job-vacancy-executive-director. Please review the recruitment brief and submit a CV, supporting statement (max 2,000 words) and details of two referees to Jonathan.Riley@friendsofthedales.org.uk. For a confidential conversation, contact Jonathan Riley, Chair of Trustees, at Jonathan.Riley@friendsofthedales.org.uk.
Friends of the Dales welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to being a more diverse and inclusive organisation.
Executive Director in Gargrave employer: Friends of the Dales
Contact Detail:
Friends of the Dales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director in Gargrave
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the charity sector, especially those connected to Friends of the Dales. A friendly chat can give you insights and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the Yorkshire Dales! When you get the chance to speak with them, share your love for the landscapes and communities. It’s all about connecting your values with theirs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your charity management skills. Think about how your past experiences align with their mission and be ready to discuss specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Friends of the Dales.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director in Gargrave
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Charity Inside Out: Before you start writing, take some time to really understand Friends of the Dales. Dive into their mission, values, and recent campaigns. This will help you tailor your application and show us that you're genuinely passionate about what we do.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should highlight your senior leadership experience and any relevant skills in charity management, campaigning, or fundraising. Keep it clear and concise, focusing on achievements that align with the role. Remember, we want to see how you can grow our impact!
Write a Strong Supporting Statement: This is your chance to shine! Use the supporting statement to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Executive Director role. Be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the job description. We love seeing your personality come through, so don’t hold back!
Follow Application Instructions Carefully: Make sure you submit everything as requested: your CV, supporting statement, and details of two referees. Double-check the word limit for the statement and ensure you send it to the right email. We appreciate attention to detail, and it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Friends of the Dales
✨Know Your Charity Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Friends of the Dales. Understand their mission, recent campaigns, and key challenges they face. This knowledge will not only impress but also help you align your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Executive Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams, managed projects, and driven change in previous roles. Highlight your strategic thinking and hands-on experience.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle real-life situations, like fundraising challenges or community engagement. Think through potential scenarios in advance and prepare your responses to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about their future plans, challenges they foresee, or how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is right for you.