At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a charity shaping Sussex's countryside through strategy, governance, and community engagement.
- Company: Respected Sussex charity focused on environmental conservation and planning.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a committed team and help drive meaningful change in the community.
- Why this job: A unique opportunity to influence the future of Sussex's countryside and engage with communities.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for environmental issues.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Sussex-based or genuinely Sussex-commutable, with flexible / hybrid working and regular travel across the county
Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 FTE, pro rata
Contract: Permanent, 3–4 days per week
A rare chance to shape the future of Sussex's countryside.
About the charity: This charity is the countryside charity for Sussex. An independent county charity and part of the wider network, we have a respected county-wide voice and strong local roots, alongside the support of a national environmental conservation and planning charity. Our work brings together planning influence, campaigning, membership, volunteering, events and practical countryside projects. From responding to major developments and local plans to building public support through communications and community activity, the charity plays a visible role in shaping the future of place across the county.
This is a significant moment for the organisation. Following a period of change, new staff capacity and recent investment, the charity is building on growing confidence, a stable financial platform and renewed momentum. The next Director / Chief Executive will help translate that foundation into greater influence, stronger cohesion and more sustained impact.
As our next Director / Chief Executive, you will:
- Strategy & Impact: Work with trustees to turn the charity's mission into clear priorities, practical plans and measurable outcomes.
- Governance & Finance: Provide confident oversight of governance, compliance and reporting, while ensuring resources are directed to the greatest effect.
- Operational Leadership: Lead a small, part-time and distributed team with clarity, pace and good judgement.
- Income Generation: Strengthen membership, supporter engagement and fundraising to build a more resilient, diversified income base.
- Community & Partnerships: Build trusted relationships with communities, partners, local authorities, public bodies, elected representatives and volunteers.
- Brand & Profile: Act as a visible and credible public voice for the charity on planning, countryside and environmental issues, and position us as the leading countryside charity for Sussex.
- People & Culture: Maintain alignment and focused, constructive working relationships across trustees, staff, volunteers and external supporters.
- Change & Development: Help shape the next phase of organisational development following a period of transition and growth.
Who you are:
- A seasoned senior leader with strong commitment to the charity's mission and purpose.
- A credible external representative, comfortable engaging with media, decision makers, partners and supporters.
- Experienced in leading people, projects or organisations through change and transition.
- A thoughtful communicator with sound judgement, diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills.
- Confident working with boards or trustees and supporting robust governance.
- Commercially aware, with an instinct for membership, supporter development and financial sustainability.
- Organised, practical and able to direct finite resources to where they will have greatest impact.
- Experience of campaigning, planning, environmental or public policy work would be highly desirable, alongside strong digital confidence and/or charity fundraising exposure.
Why this charity?
- You will be joining a respected Sussex charity with genuine relevance to planning, land use and countryside protection.
- There is strong momentum to build on, including a stable membership base, recent public profile growth and visible practical projects.
- The organisation has substantial reserves and recent investment in capacity, providing a strong platform for the next phase.
- You will work with a committed board, engaged staff and active volunteers who care deeply about the charity's future.
- This is a rare opportunity to shape both an organisation and the wider countryside debate across Sussex.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 13th July 2026
For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief.
For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill at executive@harrishill.co.uk with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Director / Chief Executive in Hove employer: HARRIS HILL
Join a respected charity dedicated to protecting Sussex's countryside, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of environmental conservation in the region. With a strong focus on community engagement, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee development, this role offers a meaningful career path alongside passionate colleagues and active volunteers. Benefit from a stable financial foundation and the chance to lead impactful projects that resonate with local communities and stakeholders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director / Chief Executive in Hove
✨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 HARRIS HILL.
✨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 HARRIS HILL.
✨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 HARRIS HILL.
✨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 HARRIS HILL. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director / Chief Executive in Hove
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 HARRIS HILL. 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 Director / Chief Executive, 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 HARRIS HILL
✨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 HARRIS HILL. 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!
