At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic youth charity, inspiring young people and building community partnerships.
- Company: Hot Chocolate Trust, a vibrant charity focused on youth empowerment in Dundee.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be a compassionate leader and create spaces for young people to thrive.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and a passion for community-based youth work.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to positive change and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Hot Chocolate Trust is a dynamic youth work charity and a community of excellence, vision, and care built by remarkable young people and outstanding youth workers. We are recruiting to replace our Executive Director who is moving on after 13 years in the role. We seek an effective, compassionate leader who can inspire others, strengthen partnerships and build on these strong foundations to further our vision: Young people living fulfilling lives as agents of positive change in their communities.
The Executive Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for Hot Chocolate Trust, working with the Board, staff, volunteers and young people to deliver its mission of creating spaces of belonging, creativity and transformation for young people in Dundee. The role combines hands-on leadership with long-term vision, ensuring the organisation’s sustainability, effectiveness and integrity.
The post-holder will nurture Hot Chocolate Trust’s distinctive ethos, rooted in Christian faith and in the community, creating a culture of belonging, respect, and shared purpose for people of all faiths and none. This is a regulated role involving work with both children and protected adults. The Executive Director is required to be a PVG scheme member for work with both children and protected adults.
To apply for this role please send your C.V. (2-3 sides only) and a covering letter (2 sides only) to admin@hotchocolate.org.uk by 10am on Monday 1st December 2025. The covering letter should address the following questions:
- What you will bring to the role?
- What are the important opportunities and priorities for community-based work with young people in Scotland today?
The assessment day will be Wednesday 10th December 2025 in Dundee. Further information on the role (including the salary range £46,000-£50,000) is available at https://www.hotchocolate.org.uk/jobs. If you’re inspired by young people, motivated by purpose, and ready to lead a small charity making a big difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Executive Director employer: Hot Chocolate Trust
Contact Detail:
Hot Chocolate Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the youth work sector, especially those connected to Hot Chocolate Trust. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the assessment day! Research the charity's mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their vision. Bring your passion for youth work to the table – it’s all about showing them you’re the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews or discussions, share examples of how you've inspired teams or built partnerships. They want to see how you can lead with compassion and effectiveness.
✨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 Hot Chocolate Trust family.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your C.V. Wisely: Keep it concise and relevant! We want to see your experience and skills that align with the Executive Director role. Highlight your leadership qualities and any community work you've done, especially with young people.
Nail That Covering Letter: This is your chance to shine! Make sure you answer the questions clearly and passionately. Tell us what you can bring to the role and share your thoughts on community-based work with young people in Scotland today.
Show Your Personality: We’re looking for a compassionate leader, so let your personality come through in your application. Share your vision and how you connect with our ethos of belonging and respect for all.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to send your application to the right place! Use the email provided and make sure to check our website for any additional info about the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hot Chocolate Trust
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, dive deep into Hot Chocolate Trust's mission and values. Understand how they create spaces of belonging and transformation for young people. This will help you articulate how your leadership style aligns with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to inspire teams and strengthen partnerships. Highlight instances where you've successfully led community initiatives or youth programmes, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Address Community Priorities
Think about the current opportunities and challenges in community-based work with young people in Scotland. Be ready to discuss these in your covering letter and during the interview, showcasing your understanding of the local context and your strategic thinking.
✨Emphasise Compassion and Integrity
As a potential Executive Director, it's crucial to convey your compassionate approach to leadership. Prepare to discuss how you would nurture a culture of respect and belonging within the organisation, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included.