Chief Executive Officer, School of Hard Knocks
School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is recruiting a Chief Executive Officer. 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 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.
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Chief Executive Officer, School of Hard Knocks in London 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.
