At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a charity using rugby to empower young people and enhance their school engagement.
- Company: School of Hard Knocks, a dynamic UK education charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to shape young lives.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel across the UK and to engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Be a strategic leader and ambassador for a cause that transforms lives through sport.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in charity or education, with strong fundraising and financial skills.
The predicted salary is between 76500 - 93500 £ per year.
School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is a UK education charity working across 29 secondary schools in England, Scotland and Wales, using rugby to support young people struggling with early secondary engagement through anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives or trauma-rooted behaviour.
The Chief Executive Officer is SOHK's principal ambassador and strategic leader, reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, with the Director of Programmes, Director of Fundraising and Director of Finance & Operations as direct reports. The charity reports that 90% of participants feel more confident and more engaged with school after taking part.
The role covers:
- Leading strategic direction with Trustees and the Senior Management Team, and translating the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities
- Overseeing programme quality and evidence-based practice through the Director of Programmes
- Directing income strategy across trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships and individual giving
- Building and leading the Senior Management Team, and fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture
- Acting as primary Trustee liaison, ensuring regulatory compliance and attending quarterly Trustee meetings
SOHK is looking for senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth or social impact sectors with exposure to a Board of Trustees; a track record of growing or scaling an organisation; a collaborative, values-led leadership approach; strong fundraising experience across institutional and major donor income; and financial oversight and budgeting expertise at executive level. Prior charity CEO experience, an education or youth work background, knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy, and experience scaling multi-site delivery are all desirable.
The role is Greater London based, with offices in Edinburgh and Cardiff. It involves regular UK travel to Edinburgh and Cardiff and occasional evening commitments for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events.
Chief Executive Officer, School of Hard Knocks employer: Sportanddev
Sportanddev is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, particularly through empowering young people in Liverpool. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a supportive work culture, we offer competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a range of benefits that enhance work-life balance. Join us in our mission to create meaningful opportunities and be part of a team that values collaboration and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer, School of Hard Knocks
✨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 Sportanddev.
✨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 Sportanddev.
✨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 Sportanddev.
✨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 Sportanddev. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer, School of Hard Knocks
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 Sportanddev. 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 Executive Officer, School of Hard Knocks, 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 Sportanddev
✨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 Sportanddev. 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!
