At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Sported's strategy and growth, enhancing community impact through sport.
- Company: Join a leading charity transforming lives through sport across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for ambitious leaders to drive meaningful impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of grassroots sport and empower communities nationwide.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for social change through sport.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Salary: £90,000 - £100,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Based: London (hybrid working arrangements). Regular presence in the London office is expected to support team leadership, collaboration and stakeholder engagement, alongside attendance at Board and key external meetings.
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
The Organisation
Sported is one of the UK's leading sport-for-development charities, supporting more than 5,000 community groups across the UK to use sport and physical activity as a catalyst for positive social change. Through a combination of volunteer expertise, grants, learning and strategic partnerships, Sported helps grassroots organisations become stronger, more sustainable and more impactful. Having undergone significant growth and transformation in recent years, Sported is entering an exciting new chapter. With a clear strategy, strong foundations and a respected national profile, the organisation is well positioned to increase its reach, influence and impact across communities throughout the UK.
The Role
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer will lead Sported through its next phase of growth and development. This is an opportunity to build on a strong platform, strengthening financial sustainability, deepening partnerships and increasing the organisation's influence across the sport and social impact sectors.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the delivery of Sported's strategy and long-term vision.
- Strengthening income generation and long-term sustainability.
- Developing high-performing teams, culture and organisational capability.
- Acting as Sported's principal ambassador with key stakeholders, funders and partners.
- Increasing the organisation's profile, reach and influence nationally.
- Ensuring strong governance, operational performance and impact delivery.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly respected national charity and help shape the future of grassroots sport and community development across the UK.
The Candidate
We are seeking an ambitious, values-led leader with the credibility, strategic capability and commercial acumen to guide Sported through its next chapter. Outstanding candidates may come from a variety of sectors and backgrounds.
You will bring:
- A successful track record of leading a complex organisation, business unit or function with responsibility for strategy, performance and delivery.
- Experience of organisational growth, transformation or performance improvement.
- A demonstrable ability to secure income, develop partnerships and build sustainable funding streams.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, balancing mission, impact and sustainability.
- Experience of working with Boards and building effective senior stakeholder relationships.
- A track record of leading and developing high-performing teams through change and growth.
- Excellent communication and ambassadorial skills, with the ability to represent Sported at the highest levels.
- A genuine commitment to Sported's mission and the role sport can play in creating stronger communities.
Previous Chief Executive experience would be welcomed, though it is not essential. Above all, candidates will bring a genuine passion for sport for development and a strong belief in the role sport and physical activity can play in tackling inequality, creating opportunity and strengthening communities.
Closing date for applications (CV and covering letter): 9am Thursday 17th September
Chief Executive Officer employer: Sported
Sported is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and community impact, providing a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly enhance grassroots initiatives across the UK. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and collaboration, ensuring that you can thrive while making a meaningful difference in the lives of communities. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team that values evidence-based decision-making and empowers you to lead transformative data strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive 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 Sported.
✨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 Sported.
✨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 Sported.
✨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 Sported. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive 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 Sported. 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, 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 Sported
✨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 Sported. 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!
