At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a movement to create healthier, happier communities through innovative initiatives.
- Company: GoodGym, a pioneering community-focused organisation making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and the chance to drive meaningful change.
- Why this job: Join us at a pivotal moment to transform urban life and foster connections.
- Qualifications: Experience in scaling initiatives and generating income, with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture, with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
Lead a movement tackling issues that matter more than ever. GoodGym is seeking an ambitious, inclusive and growth-minded leader who cares about connection, community and creating positive urban futures to achieve the potential of GoodGym over the coming years. GoodGym is a community of people who combine their exercise with helping their communities. We run, walk, and cycle to help community projects and older people. Our goal is to create healthier, happier and better connected communities.
GoodGym is a unique proposition globally, it is recognised by the mainstream media, in the charity industry, and the running world as a pioneering innovation. It has won awards from multiple prime ministers, it has been named as one of the most important innovations in running in the last 50 years by Runners World and won the University of Cambridge Social Innovation prize. GoodGym is an active community across the UK. We have 26,000 members in 65+ urban areas of England and Wales.
Direct reports: 4 Team Business operations
Hours: 5 days (37.5 hours) per week with flexible arrangements
Location: Hybrid role with 3 days minimum weekly work from our office in Holborn, London.
Report to: Board of Trustees
Salary: ÂŁ65 - ÂŁ70k
Application Closing Date: 12 noon, 27th of February 2026
Why join us? GoodGym is a growing, high-impact organisation, and a great place to work. We’re launching new programmes (including new work in Scotland and a youth focus in 2026), improving our sector-leading volunteering platform, and benefiting from a major media partnership with Sky (TV ad this Spring). Backed by multi-year funding, strong leadership and governance, and recent parliamentary endorsement, we are a forward-thinking, respected brand tackling critical issues from loneliness to urban sustainability. Join our committed, friendly team at a time of maximum relevance and opportunity.
Why what we do matters: In a world in which screen time is growing, real life connection is declining, communities are fracturing and mental health issues are rising, GoodGym provides an important antidote. Independent evaluation shows that:
- GoodGym improves connection and belonging to an “extraordinary” extent
- GoodGym provides essential support to older people and reduces loneliness
- GoodGym increases wellbeing to a significant extent
- GoodGym contributes thousands of hours to projects making our cities greener
The potential is even greater, cities around the world have requested that we start there and the goal is to make our activity ubiquitous. Doing so would transform urban life and make cities greener, happier and healthier.
Representing the cities in which we operate: GoodGym aims to bring people together across demographic divides, in order to do this we seek to be representative of the communities in which we operate. We see diversity as a strength and are committed to having a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of race, sex, gender identity, disability, age, nationality, religious or philosophical belief, sexual orientation, educational attainment, family status, trade union activity or any other factor.
What we’re looking for: GoodGym is in a strong position - long term funders, a strong team and ambitious plans for the future. Now is the right time for our founder to hand on the baton to a new CEO. Our new CEO will have:
- scaled a new initiative, created a big change in their community or created an organisation, project or movement from scratch.
- generated significant income
- the ability to communicate the importance of our work to lots of different people
In addition, the person we are looking for:
- Has the ability to spot opportunities and make things happen
- Has a deep belief that positive change is possible
- Combines ambition with thoughtful reflection, listening and diplomacy
- Has a passion for our mission of creating happier and more connected communities
- Is driven by a desire to bring people together, not by ego and loves helping others to succeed
- Is a proactive collaborator and builds connection easily with all sorts of people
For the full list of responsibilities and skills, please review our job pack.
Process: Closing date for applications: 12 noon on the 27th of February. Planned interview dates: First round: 6th of March Second round: 12th of March. These dates will be confirmed with you when you submit your application. During the process you’ll meet a range of staff and Trustees and have the opportunity to learn more about the organisation. If you require any adjustments or adaptations at any stage of the process please let us know in your email.
How to apply: Send a CV and supporting statement each of no more than two pages. In your supporting statement please explain why you think this role is the right move for you and how your experience matches our person specification. In particular, please outline clear evidence for your ability to initiate change at scale, your ability to generate income, and your ability to communicate ideas and create partnerships. For more information on the role and the organisation see our job pack linked to the advert for this role on our company website. Send your application by an email no later than 12 noon on the 27th of February. If you would like to speak about the role with our Chair or CEO before applying, please email: chalomi@goodgym.org
Chief Executive Officer employer: GOODGYM
Contact Detail:
GOODGYM 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 your industry, attend events, and connect with GoodGym members. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from GoodGym, let your enthusiasm for community building and urban sustainability shine through. It’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching GoodGym’s projects and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of creating happier, more connected communities. Knowledge is power!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at GoodGym.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When writing your CV and supporting statement, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for community and connection, so don’t hold back on sharing your personal experiences and motivations.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for in the job description. Highlight specific examples of how you’ve initiated change or generated income in previous roles – this will really catch our eye!
Keep It Concise: Remember, your supporting statement should be no more than two pages. Be clear and to the point while still showcasing your achievements and vision for GoodGym. We appreciate brevity and clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and allows you to access all the information about the role and our mission easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at GOODGYM
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into GoodGym's mission and the communities it serves. Understand the specific challenges they face and think about how your leadership can address these issues. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past where you've successfully initiated change or scaled projects. Highlight your ability to generate income and create partnerships, as these are crucial for the CEO role. Use metrics and outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
GoodGym values connection and teamwork, so be ready to talk about how you’ve built relationships in previous roles. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to collaborate with diverse groups and how you’ve fostered inclusivity within teams.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of GoodGym’s goals and challenges. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your strategic thinking. Consider asking about future initiatives or how the organisation plans to expand its reach.