At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team to support those facing homelessness and drive impactful change.
- Company: Canaan Trust, a respected charity making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to work with passionate individuals.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven organisation and help transform lives in your community.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in a charity or values-led organisation required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Long Eaton, Derbyshire
Salary: £55,000 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent (37 hours per week)
Closing Date: Monday 6th July 2026
Canaan Trust is an independent charity and company limited by guarantee that has supported those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness since 1995. We work with people across the Borough of Erewash and the neighbouring Borough of Broxtowe. Our public office is on Main Street in Long Eaton and we have two houses for homeless men and one house for homeless women. Canaan Trust operates 24-7, 365 days a year. We aim to provide care and support to anyone with problems relating to homelessness, insecure accommodation, benefits, debt and food poverty.
The Canaan Trust is a Christian Charity and while we are very clear that we welcome, serve and work with people of all religious faiths and of none, the CO role includes a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) to be held by a practising Christian, under Part 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
This is an opportunity to lead an organisation with an excellent reputation which has strong foundations, and a dedicated and enthusiastic team of staff and volunteers.
Our new Chief Officer will have:
- Experience as a senior leader in a small to medium sized charity or values led organisation, with responsibility for strategy, people, finance and performance.
- Strong financial and income generation expertise ensuring that the organisation remains mission‑focussed, financially sustainable and responsive to local need.
- A values‑based leadership approach that prioritises safeguarding, trust and inclusion.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience of influencing, campaigning and representing an organisation externally.
Chief Officer employer: South West Community Chaplaincy
Canaan Trust is an exceptional employer located in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, dedicated to supporting those facing homelessness. With a strong commitment to values-based leadership and a collaborative work culture, employees benefit from opportunities for personal and professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the community. The organisation fosters a supportive environment where staff and volunteers work together to create positive change, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered.
Contact Details:
South West Community Chaplaincy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Officer
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by South West Community Chaplaincy.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like South West Community Chaplaincy.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at South West Community Chaplaincy.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at South West Community Chaplaincy. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of South West Community Chaplaincy. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Community Chaplaincy
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of South West Community Chaplaincy. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
