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For Companies 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.
- 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.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process welcoming diverse backgrounds and career paths.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ 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)
Contact Detail:
NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research NACE thoroughly, understand their mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise your pitch so you can confidently showcase your vision for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the NACE team!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Executive Officer role. Highlight your experience in education, leadership, and partnership building. We want to see how your skills align with NACE's mission and values.
Craft a Compelling Expression of Interest: Your expression of interest should be engaging and reflect your passion for improving education for able learners. Share your vision for NACE and how you plan to amplify its influence in the sector. Let us see your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a CEO, excellent communication is key. Use clear and accessible language in your application. We want to see that you can convey complex ideas simply and effectively, just like you would in your role at NACE.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application 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 NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education)
✨Know Your NACE
Before the interview, dive deep into NACE's mission and values. Understand their focus on evidence-informed school improvement and how they support more able learners. This knowledge will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential CEO, it's crucial to demonstrate your inclusive and collaborative leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams and built cohesive relationships in previous roles, especially in educational or non-profit settings.
✨Prepare for Strategic Conversations
Expect discussions around partnerships and income generation. Be ready to share your ideas on building alliances and creating sustainable income streams that align with NACE’s mission. Think about innovative strategies that could enhance their visibility and impact.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Your communication skills are key for this role. Practice presenting your ideas clearly and accessibly, as you’ll need to engage diverse audiences. Consider preparing a short presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to convey complex information effectively.
