At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead NACE in enhancing educational opportunities for able learners and growing our community.
- Company: Join a national charity dedicated to improving education for all learners.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process welcoming diverse backgrounds and career paths.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and amplify your influence in national conversations.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for educational improvement.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education) is a national education charity focused on evidence-informed school improvement and provision for more able learners, with a challenge for all approach to the wider quality of education for all learners.
We are looking for a Chief Executive to strengthen our voice, grow our membership community, increase demand for NACE resources and services, and deepen our impact across the sector.
The Opportunity
As CEO, you will be the strategic lead and public face of NACE, building partnerships, amplifying our influence in national conversations, and ensuring our offer continues to deliver clear value for members. You’ll work closely with a skilled central team and associates, and with a supportive Executive Board, to realise an ambitious growth plan while safeguarding quality and financial sustainability. Flexible and portfolio working will be welcomed.
What you’ll lead
- Profile & influence: Position NACE as a recognised and authoritative voice in school improvement for more able learners through “challenge for all” strategies in curriculum and pedagogy, securing speaking opportunities, thought-leadership pieces, and strategic policy roundtables; build trusted relationships across MATs, system leaders, and sector bodies.
- Membership growth: Deliver a clear value proposition and growth strategy that increases recruitment and retention, secures long-term sustainability, and nurtures a strong sense of community among members.
- Partnerships & income: Develop productive alliances (education, charity, and commercial) and responsible income streams (e.g., sponsorships, funded programmes) aligned to mission.
- Team & operations: Lead and develop the central team and wider associate network; delegate effectively to focus on growth, profile, and stakeholder engagement; ensure robust budgeting and prudent stewardship.
What you’ll bring
- Sector and system understanding, with credibility to engage senior decision makers and an ability to translate evidence into compelling practice.
- Proven ability and track record in scaling reach, membership, or audiences through clear propositions, effective marketing/communications, and partnership building.
- Excellent communication skills, including clear, accessible writing and confident presenting for diverse audiences.
- Inclusive, collaborative leadership where you develop people, build cohesive teams, and work well with trustees; bring sound financial judgement and understand sustainable business models.
What success looks like in year one
- Noticeable uplift in membership recruitment and retention, underpinned by a clear value proposition and data-informed improvements to the offer.
- Increased national visibility and demand for resources and services through regular sector platforms, strategic partnerships, and stronger recognition of NACE’s contribution to school improvement.
- A confident, motivated team with clear roles and delegated operational leadership, enabling you to concentrate on external growth and influence.
Our commitment to inclusion
We are committed to fair, inclusive, and bias-aware recruitment. If you need adjustments at any stage, or the information in a different format, please let us know. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and career paths; selection is based on evidence against the criteria in the person specification.
NACE is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. Consequently, Board members are simultaneously Trustees of the charity and directors of the company. The Memorandum and Articles of Association are the primary governing documents of the charitable company.
Application Instructions
If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and an expression of interest by noon on Friday 23rd January, 2026. Online interviews will take place on the 5th and 6th of February, with in-person interviews during the week commencing Monday 16th February. The interview process will involve current Board members so you will have the opportunity to meet some of the people with whom you could be working in the future.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Chief Executive Officer employer: NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education)
As a national education charity, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our tailored development programmes and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on learners across the country. Located in a vibrant community, we offer flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and engagement.
Contact Details:
NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education) Recruitment Team
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