At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community health charity, transforming operations and securing funding for sustainable growth.
- Company: UCAN, a leading community health charity in Uttlesford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to enhancing community wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of community action and improve lives in your area.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, funding, and community partnerships required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Help shape the next chapter of community action in Uttlesford.
Salary: £40,000–£45,000 per annum pro rata over four days a week, depending on experience.
Contract: Initially 12 months, fixed term, with extension subject to funding.
Location: Saffron Walden, with at least two days a week office based.
Direct reports: Leading a team of seven.
Reporting to: Chair and Board of Trustees.
About the opportunity:
Can you turn strong community relationships into a sustainable future for our area's leading community health charity? UCAN is seeking a strategic, compassionate and resourceful Chief Executive to lead a significant transformation. At the heart of our next chapter is our volunteering hub: connecting people who want to help with local organisations and residents who need their time, skills and support. We coordinate 500 registered active volunteers and deliver several thousand volunteer hours every year. UCAN works with volunteers, community organisations and public-service partners to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and help people access practical support.
The challenge and opportunity:
UCAN has supported communities across Uttlesford for more than 20 years, from tackling loneliness and supporting people living with dementia to hospital discharge services, volunteering and community activities. Following a period of rapid growth, changes in project funding and commissioning have required the charity to reduce its activities and rethink its operating model. We need a leader who can make difficult choices, secure income and establish a sustainable future. You will work with an experienced and committed Board of Trustees, a small staff team and volunteers, building on established relationships with local councils, health partners and community organisations.
What you will lead:
- Agree and deliver a focused transformation plan, with realistic priorities, budgets and clear decisions about what UCAN can sustain.
- Secure core and project funding through grants, fundraising, employer relationships and commissioned partnerships that cover the full cost of delivery.
- Develop the volunteering hub, improving recruitment, matching, support and recognition, including access to skilled and occasional volunteering.
- Build productive partnerships around community health, hospital discharge, wellbeing and rural isolation.
- Lead and support staff and volunteers through change, maintaining safeguarding, service quality and sound financial management.
- Demonstrate impact clearly to residents, partners, funders and trustees through an annual report, stakeholder meeting and AGM.
Who we're looking for:
You will bring experience of:
- Leading organisational change and transformation.
- Securing funding and building productive partnerships.
- Financial management, funding proposals and negotiating sustainable agreements.
- Providing clear, compassionate and supportive leadership.
- Combining strategic decision-making with hands-on delivery.
You may come from a charity, community organisation, health or public-service setting, or another relevant background. During the first year, success will mean a clearer and affordable operating model, stronger volunteer support, a credible funding pipeline and funded partnerships that strengthen UCAN's core purpose. If you want to build on the achievements of a valued local charity and turn local willingness into lasting community capacity, we would like to hear from you.
Closing date: Friday 13 November, 2026.
Interviews: w/c 16 November with opportunity to meet employees and partners.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Chief Executive Officer in Saffron Walden employer: Uttlesford Community Action Network (UCAN)
UCAN is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering community well-being in Saffron Walden. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, we offer a supportive environment where you can lead transformative initiatives while making a tangible impact. Join us in shaping a sustainable future for our community health charity, where your leadership will empower volunteers and strengthen local partnerships.
Contact Details:
Uttlesford Community Action Network (UCAN) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Saffron Walden
✨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 Uttlesford Community Action Network (UCAN).
✨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 Uttlesford Community Action Network (UCAN).
✨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 Uttlesford Community Action Network (UCAN).
✨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 Uttlesford Community Action Network (UCAN). Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Saffron Walden
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 Uttlesford Community Action Network (UCAN). 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 Uttlesford Community Action Network (UCAN)
✨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 Uttlesford Community Action Network (UCAN). 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!
