Interim Chief Executive Officer

Job Description: Interim Chief Executive Officer (Fundraising & Strategy Focus)

Term: 6 -9 Months

Location: Hitchin (with option for hybrid working but attending in the office two days per week )

Reporting To: Board of Trustees

Salary: £65,000 pro rata, three or four days per week

Start Date: April 2025

About Tilehouse Counselling

Tilehouse Counselling is a well-established and reputable counselling service located in the heart of Hitchin, Hertfordshire. With a team of experienced and qualified counsellors, Tilehouse Counselling offers a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking professional help with a range of emotional and mental health concerns. It is open from Monday to Thursday.

Tilehouse Counselling believes in a person-centred approach to counselling with a focus on understanding individual experiences, values, and goals to create a personal treatment plan.

Tilehouse Counselling is committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and confidential services and adheres to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ethical framework to ensure that its clients receive the best possible care. It is a BACP accredited service.

Role Purpose:

To provide strong, strategic leadership and operational management during a period of transition, focusing on enhancing fundraising capacity, developing a robust organisational strategy, and ensuring the continued effective delivery of the charity's purpose. This interim role will provide stability and direction while the Board of Trustees conducts a search for a permanent CEO.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Development:

• Conduct a rapid assessment of the charity's current strategic plan and identify key areas for improvement.
• Lead the development of a revised or updated strategic framework, focusing on sustainability, growth, and impact.
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and the Clinical Lead to define clear strategic priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Provide clear and concise reports to the Board on progress against strategic objectives.

2. Fundraising & Development:

• Conduct a rapid, comprehensive review of existing fundraising activities and identify opportunities for growth and diversification.
• Develop and implement a short-term fundraising strategy to maximise income generation within the interim period.
• Lead and motivate a fundraising team (at the moment this needs developing using a voluntary advisory team). providing guidance and support to achieve targets which would include developing marcomms
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations, patronage, and corporate partners.
• Explore and develop new fundraising streams, including digital fundraising and innovative partnerships.
• Oversee the development of compelling funding proposals and grant applications.
• Improve fundraising reporting and analysis to track performance and inform decision-making.

3. Operational Management:

• Provide effective line management to the Operations Manager, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Oversee financial management, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practices for budgeting.
• Manage risk and ensure the charity's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Represent the charity to external stakeholders, building and maintaining positive relationships.
• Ensure effective communication and engagement with staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.
• Prepare the organisation for a smooth handover to the permanent CEO
• Work with the Clinical Lead who will continue to manage and liaise with the counsellors.

4. Board Engagement:

• Act as the primary point of contact between the Board of Trustees together with the Clinical Lead and the staff team.
• Provide regular updates to the Board on operational and strategic matters.
• Support the Board in its governance role, providing advice and information as needed.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the Board and staff.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven track record of success in senior leadership roles within the charity sector.
• Extensive experience in fundraising and income generation, including major donor cultivation, grant applications, and corporate partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective organisational strategies.
• Strong financial management and risk management
• Experience of working effectively with a Board of Trustees.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal and presentation skills
• Proven experience of leading and motivating teams.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Experience in leading organisational change and development.
• Experience in digital fundraising and marketing.
• Relevant professional qualifications in business administration or in the care sector

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with a strong focus on results.
• Highly motivated and proactive.
• Strong ethical values and commitment to the charity's mission.
• Ability to build trust and credibility.
• Resilient and adaptable.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Pam Firth, Acting Clinical Director, at by March 27th.

This role is part funded by The National Lottery Community Fund