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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic youth charity, inspiring change and driving fundraising efforts.
- Company: Join one of Manchester's most ambitious youth charities with a strong community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, pension contributions, and access to great facilities.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven team committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while shaping the future of the organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership and fundraising experience, with a passion for youth work.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re 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.
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.
Other roles you may have experience of could include CEO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive, COO, CFO, Managing Director, Charity Director, Head of Fundraising, Director of Operations, Deputy CEO, Deputy Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Executive.
CEO employer: Not For Profit People
Contact Detail:
Not For Profit People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CEO
✨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 contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, let your enthusiasm for youth work and fundraising shine through. Share your vision for how you can make a difference and why you’re the perfect fit for the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Know their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in leading their next chapter.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re committed to being part of our community and ready to take on the challenge of leading the Youth Zone.
We think you need these skills to ace CEO
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 specific role. Highlight your fundraising experience and leadership skills that match the job description. We love seeing how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Keep It Concise: Remember, we’re looking for a one-page cover letter. Be clear and to the point about why you’re interested in the role and what you can bring to the table. Less is more, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Not For Profit People
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your past achievements in fundraising and leadership. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built relationships with major donors and secured funding. This will show your potential employer that you understand the importance of financial sustainability for the organisation.
✨Emphasise Values-Driven Leadership
This role is all about inspiring others and leading with integrity. Prepare to discuss how your personal values align with the charity's mission. Think about instances where you've fostered a positive culture within a team or organisation, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Strategic Thinking
Be ready to talk about your experience in developing and delivering organisational strategies. Consider discussing a specific strategy you implemented that led to measurable success. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and plan effectively for the future of the Youth Zone.
✨Engage with the Community
As a visible ambassador for the Youth Zone, it's crucial to show your understanding of the local community and its needs. Research the challenges faced by young people in Manchester and be prepared to discuss how you would address these issues through partnerships and outreach initiatives.