Chief Executive Officer

Lead with Purpose. Drive Change. Empower Women and Children.

Stirling & District Women’s Aid (SDWA) is seeking an exceptional woman to lead our organisation as Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a respected, feminist organisation supporting women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse.

With a committed staff team, strong partnerships, and a clear mission, SDWA is ready for its next chapter—and we need a compassionate, strategic, and inspirational leader to help us get there.

About the Role

As CEO, you will:

• Lead SDWA’s strategic direction, ensuring sustainability and high-quality service delivery.
• Inspire and support a skilled, passionate team through effective leadership and governance.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders including funders, government, and the Scottish Women’s Aid network.
• Ensure financial oversight, compliance, and continuous improvement across all areas of our organisation.
• Be a visible and trusted voice for women and children, advocating for change locally and nationally.

You will be supported by an experienced management team and an active, committed Board of Trustees.

About You

We are looking for a woman who:

• Has strong leadership experience, ideally in the third sector or a related field.
• Understands the impact of domestic abuse on women, children and young people, and is committed to the feminist analysis of domestic abuse.
• Is a strategic thinker with a proven track record in managing people, services and finances.
• Can inspire, empower and lead with emotional intelligence, integrity and compassion.
• Has experience in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and working with a Board.
• Holds the necessary qualifications for SSSC registration (see application pack for details).

Important Information

This post is open to women only and is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Applicants must hold qualifications that meet the requirements for SSSC registration as both a manager and practitioner.

To apply you must submit an application that can be downloaded, along with the job pack, from our website.

We do not accept CVs.

Main Duties

Leadership

• Lead the organisation, fostering a supported and happy culture that reflects its values and motivates staff to strive for excellence.

• Oversee all aspects of leadership, promoting high standards and a consistent, open culture.

• Initiate and sustain effective relationships with relevant organisations and individuals to promote the organisation’s work and support strategic objectives.

• Lead by example, creating a culture of inclusion and professionalism where performance is managed positively and growth occurs through reflective practice.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure the Board of Trustees meets statutory requirements through strong relationships and supportive systems.

• Work with the Chair to ensure the Board develops with a suitable mix of skills and experience to oversee operations and deliver strategic objectives.

• Communicate with the Board to ensure governance, policies, and procedures are current, effective, and adhered to, implementing changes and managing risk as needed.

• Attend board meetings, preparing and sharing reports and accounts in advance.

• Maintain and review operational policies and processes across all functions to meet legal, regulatory, and best practice standards.

Strategy, Planning and Control

• Collaborate with the board and team to develop and implement the organisation’s strategic vision, mission, and values.

• Ensure processes are in place to monitor strategic objectives and report progress regularly to the board.

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic goals, objectives, and financial plans aligned with short- and long-term aspirations, including staff objectives and service provision.

• Identify strategic risks, issues, and opportunities, making necessary changes and maintaining a risk strategy with mitigations. Promote innovation to keep SDWA at the forefront of sector change.

• Foster a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement, encouraging feedback from staff, volunteers, and service users.

Financial Management

• Provide strategic financial oversight to ensure sustainability and alignment with long-term goals.

• Lead the development, approval, and monitoring of annual and multi-year budgets with the Board.

• Ensure financial controls, systems, and procedures are compliant and consistently applied.

• Collaborate with the Board and external accountant for timely, accurate financial reporting and forecasting.

• Lead a fundraising strategy to secure diverse income streams, including grants, partnerships, and commissioned services.

• Ensure high-quality, timely reporting to funders, commissioners, and regulators, maintaining strong relationships and compliance.

Operations

• Lead the operational management team, ensuring clear responsibilities and encouraging collaboration.

• Provide supervision and appraisals for direct reports, ensuring fair performance assessment and clear objectives.

• Agree annual CEO performance objectives with the Chair.

Other Duties

• Undertake any other duties reasonably within the scope of the role.