At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive impactful change in plant-based living and community cohesion.
- Company: Join Made in Hackney, a pioneering charity transforming lives through culinary education.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and a supportive wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Embrace creativity and innovation in a diverse and inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability and health while leading an inspiring mission.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in charities and a passion for plant-based living.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a new Executive Director!
Hours: 5 days per week (Monday to Friday)
Contract: Permanent contract, subject to probationary period
Location: Hybrid: Partly at Liberty Hall, London, E5 9AA, and partly home-based
Holiday: 25 days per year, plus bank holidays
Pension: 4% Employer contribution
Deadline: Friday 7 August 2026
ABOUT MADE IN HACKNEY
Made in Hackney started life in 2012 as a community cookery school working across London with the mission of tackling the climate crisis, health inequalities and bringing communities together using the power of plants. The impact of our work is varied and far-reaching, changing hundreds of people’s lives for the better. We provide diverse culinary education, inspiration and support networks needed to ensure no one is left behind in the transition to a plant-centred, planet-friendly diet. Our work has been recognised with prestigious accolades including the BBC Food and Farming Award, Caroline Walker Trust Award, and Urban Food Award.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Executive Director will provide strategic and operational leadership at Made In Hackney, working closely with the Board to deliver organisational priorities. The role focuses on strengthening impact, financial sustainability, and organisational resilience. Key priorities include overseeing fundraising and income generation, ensuring robust governance and financial management, and continuing to develop our five-year strategic plan. The postholder will lead and empower a diverse team, foster an inclusive culture, and champion the organisation’s mission around plant-based living, sustainability, and community cohesion, ensuring effective delivery, measurable outcomes, and continued growth in reach and influence.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
- Provide inspirational leadership, galvanising support for a compelling strategic direction, agreeing clear milestones for delivery and ensuring consistent measurement and evaluation of our impact.
- Work with the Board of Trustees to ensure organisational structure and accountabilities are aligned with strategic and operational requirements.
- Act as a passionate advocate for plant-centred eating and living, environmental sustainability, health, food justice and community cohesion.
- Be a positive role model for colleagues, volunteers and beneficiaries, actively promoting a representative, inclusive and forward-looking approach.
- Provide strategic leadership - taking responsibility for the implementation and delivery of a 5-year strategic plan, identifying and implementing best practices from across the sector.
- Build on our current position of strength to expand MIH’s reach, impact and profile.
- Identify, assess, and communicate strategic risks, issues and opportunities to the Board and take responsibility for initiating and leading associated changes.
- Responsible for strategic oversight of fundraising at MIH, providing support and guidance to the fundraising team to build a portfolio of individual, corporate and grants trusts and donations, as well as owned income streams, to ensure long-term sustainable funding of activities.
- Develop income generating strategies and set, agree and track against clear targets with the Board.
- Generate fundraising leads and cultivate fundraising opportunities with high-value donors.
- Actively build MIH’s profile whilst maintaining and cultivating strategic relationships with supporters, donors, businesses and corporate bodies aligned with MIH’s values and mission.
- Proactively seek out entrepreneurial opportunities to capitalise on the rise of veganism and growth of the plant-based food market; developing an innovative strategy to ensure MIH becomes a leading voice within the plant-based food sector.
Financial and Governance
- Accountable to the MIH Board of Trustees for the overall financial health of the charity, you will ensure that the charity’s financial resources are managed effectively, risks identified proactively and mitigating actions taken appropriately.
- Support the Trustees in all areas of their governance and legal responsibilities in line with Charity Commission requirements and other relevant regulatory bodies.
People and Culture
- Develop, align and empower the team to communicate and excel together as a cohesive unit and within their individual roles.
- Foster a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion ensuring it’s embedded into all aspects of the charity’s work.
- Continue and further develop MIH’s culture as a progressive employer.
General
- Able to work occasional evenings and weekends (we operate a TOIL policy).
- Undertake other tasks as required to fulfil the role and support the charity.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Leadership or senior position in a medium to large size charity or organisation with charitable objectives, working with a Board of Trustees or Directors.
- Experience in leading through a period of change.
- Experience in developing and implementing organisational strategy.
- Storytelling ability – being able to articulate a vision to engage others and galvanise support behind it.
- Experience in successful bid writing and securing high-value tenders and contracts.
- Experience in securing funding in the region of £500k plus a year and developing and maintaining high net worth partnerships.
- Experience working with, recruiting, supporting and maintaining a diverse, inclusive workforce with proactive approaches to inclusion, anti-racism and allyship.
- Experience developing and selling services, products or a business proposition.
- Exemplary communication and people skills, including active, empathetic listening and the ability to derive insights that may lead to opportunities.
- A nimble, agile and dynamic approach to work.
- Alignment with the plant centred ethos.
BENEFITS
- Hybrid working arrangement with flexibility to work from home and in the office.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Staff Wellbeing and social activities throughout the year.
- Holidays: 25 days per year full-time (FTE) plus bank holidays.
- Pension: 4% Employer contribution.
EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY
Made In Hackney is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and communities, particularly those currently underrepresented in the charity sector. The experience of working for Made in Hackney is varied, unique and rewarding. There is scope for the successful candidate to be creative and implement new ideas. If this role inspires you but you don’t meet every single requirement, we would still love to hear from you.
Executive Director employer: Made In Hackney
Made in Hackney is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic charity dedicated to tackling climate change and promoting health through plant-based living. With a hybrid working model based in London, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises diversity, equity, and inclusion, alongside generous holiday allowances and a commitment to staff wellbeing. The role of Executive Director not only allows for personal and professional growth but also empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the community and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director
✨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 Made In Hackney.
✨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 Made In Hackney.
✨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 Made In Hackney.
✨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 Made In Hackney. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director
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 Made In Hackney. 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 Executive Director, 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 Made In Hackney
✨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 Made In Hackney. 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!
