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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic youth charity, inspiring change and driving fundraising efforts.
- Company: Ambitious youth charity with a strong community impact in Manchester.
- Benefits: Up to £80,000 salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a values-driven organisation committed to safeguarding and empowering youth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership and significant fundraising experience in the charity sector.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are looking for a CEO who is inspiring, values-driven, and a confident fundraiser to lead the next exciting chapter for one of Manchester's most ambitious youth charities. This is an exciting time to join an organisation with an established youth work provision, strong reputation in private, public and voluntary sectors, and a successful track record of grants and trusts which includes a capital expenditure investment of £1.4M.
Position: CEO
Location: Manchester/Hybrid
Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum (dependent upon experience)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Benefits: Hybrid working, 5% pension contribution, 33 days inclusive of bank holidays (pro-rata), extra day off for your birthday, learning & development opportunities, access to EAP, onsite gym, sports, arts and music facilities and subsidised food from our canteen.
Closing Date: 21st May 2026
About the Role
As Chief Executive, you will combine inspirational leadership with a strong, hands-on approach to fundraising and commercial direction. Acting as a visible ambassador for the Youth Zone, you will build trust with partners across the city, influence at a regional and national level, and lead with integrity, creativity and purpose to ensure lasting impact for young people and the communities we serve. Alongside fundraising leadership, you will provide strategic direction, financial clarity and cultural leadership to a values-driven organisation focused relentlessly on young people. You will empower a talented Senior Leadership Team and wider workforce to deliver high-quality, inclusive youth work, while ensuring strong safeguarding, and a safe, inspiring facility that remains fit for purpose. You will report to the Chair of the Board, through a high support and high challenge relationship, managing an annual budget of approx. £1.2-£1.5m p.a. ensuring the Youth Zone delivers a high-quality offer to local young people.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Strategy & Governance
- Fundraising & Financial Sustainability
- Leadership & Culture
- Partnerships, Profile & Influence
- Youth Work Quality & Safeguarding
- Building and Facilities
About You
We are looking for a proven leader with significant fundraising experience who can demonstrate success in building long-term relationships with major donors (£25k+), corporate partners, trusts and statutory funders, and who can confidently translate ambition into a diverse, resilient income pipeline that secures the future of the organisation. You will have experience of:
- Successful senior leadership experience within a charity or similar complex organisation.
- Experience of hands-on fundraising, such as securing and stewarding major donors (£25k+), corporates, trusts and statutory funding.
- Developing and delivering organisational strategies and business plans.
- Leading financially sustainable organisations with strong governance and controls.
- Developing and overseeing high-quality youth-focused services or programmes.
- Working within multi-agency environments, particularly around safeguarding.
To apply, please submit a CV and Cover Letter (of not more than one page), explaining clearly why you are interested in the role.
About the Organisation
The Youth Zone is a limited charity that has been delivering high quality youth provision for 12 years. Originally commissioned with MyPlace funding, the organisation has become a community hub in Harpurhey, North Manchester one of the poorest wards in England with 94% of youth members come from 1st/2nd indices on the national poverty index scale, where cost of living increases impacted hard and caused further adversity and inequality. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race & other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities. The charity is committed to the safeguarding of young people. In accordance with their Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires an enhanced DBS check.
CEO - Manchester England employer: Manchester Youth Zone
Contact Detail:
Manchester Youth Zone Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CEO - Manchester England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners or mentors. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet with decision-makers, let your enthusiasm for youth work shine through. Share your vision and how you plan to make a difference. Remember, they want someone who’s not just qualified but also genuinely cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews! Research the organisation inside out, know their values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions and have examples ready that showcase your fundraising success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role. Don’t forget to tailor your cover letter to highlight why you’re the perfect fit for this exciting opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace CEO - Manchester England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When writing your CV and cover letter, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for youth work and how your values align with ours. Don’t just list your achievements; tell us your story!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your fundraising experience and leadership skills that match the job description. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead, so show us how you fit the bill!
Keep It Concise: Your cover letter should be no more than one page. Be clear and to the point about why you’re interested in the role and what you bring to the table. We appreciate brevity and clarity, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Youth Zone
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CEO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on the organisation's budget and funding sources. Be ready to discuss how you would manage a budget of £1.2-£1.5m and share examples of how you've successfully secured major donations in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires inspirational leadership. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've empowered teams and fostered a positive culture in previous roles. Think about how you can translate your leadership style into the values-driven environment of the Youth Zone.
✨Understand the Community Impact
Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by the community served by the Youth Zone. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with their mission and how you can make a lasting impact on young people in Manchester, especially in areas of high need.
✨Prepare for Fundraising Questions
Since fundraising is a key part of this role, expect questions about your strategies for building relationships with major donors and securing diverse income streams. Have a few success stories ready that highlight your hands-on experience in fundraising and how you've built long-term partnerships.