Chief Executive Officer in Richmond

The Richmond upon Thames Council for Voluntary Service (Richmond CVS) is looking for an inspirational leader to build on its excellent reputation and take it into the next phase of its development. Richmond CVS is an independent infrastructure organisation whose role is to Empower, Enable and Involve the thriving Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) across the Borough in order to deliver the Vision of: Strong vibrant communities at the heart of local life. The Sector contains over 700 organisations who are coming to terms with and adapting to the challenges of the post-COVID and cost of living crisis world.

The successful candidate will have a good understanding of the Sector and be a Senior Leader with extensive experience of service delivery, people management, organisation development, finance, income generation and stakeholder engagement. The role is based in Richmond and is accountable to the Board of Trustees.

Timetable

• The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 30th June, 2025.
• Successful candidates to be notified of interview by Friday 4th July, 2025.
• Initial interviews on Thursday 17th July and final interview(s) on Friday 18th July, 2025.

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Deliver current services efficiently, achieving high levels of performance and satisfaction against contract requirements in both quantitative and qualitative terms.
2. Lead and develop the team in a supportive and collaborative manner and build resilience into the organisation.
3. Maintain and develop effective relationships with existing funders to ensure the renewal and ideally expansion of existing contracts as well as seeking new funders to help achieve Richmond CVS’s External Income growth goals.
4. Be a visible and effective ambassador and champion for Richmond CVS within the local and wider London Voluntary Sector to promote and support the health and growth of the Sector.
5. In collaboration with the Board, develop and maintain effective strategic relationships with key external stakeholders to ensure maximum impact.
6. Ensure strategic representation for Richmond CVS and the Voluntary Community Social Enterprise in key strategic boards and partnerships.
7. Work with the Board, Company Secretary and Treasurer to ensure effective and efficient Governance, to include: Annual Work Plan, regular and timely reporting on contractual and project performance metrics, financial planning and reporting, risk management, policies and procedures and meeting all statutory requirements.
8. Work with the Board on the development, deployment and review of the Strategic Plan and Priorities and prepare an Annual Financial and Business Plan for approval and ongoing review by the Board.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

1. Demonstrate strong and effective leadership, with a proven track record in staff management.
2. Understand the Voluntary Sector and the challenges it faces.
3. Develop and implement fundraising strategies to drive new income streams.
4. Communicate and influence effectively, building relationships, networking, negotiating and managing stakeholders with diplomacy.
5. Manage complex multi-year service delivery contracts or equivalent agreements.
6. Work with the financials to support budget setting, cost management and financial reporting in collaboration with the Treasurer.
7. Apply digital skills to optimise technology use across service delivery, fundraising and communication.
8. Operate confidently at Board level to contribute to strategy development and translate strategy into effective operational plans.
9. Demonstrate principled leadership and a strong commitment to equality, diversity, equity and inclusion.