At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a charity supporting veterans, ensuring financial sustainability and impactful service delivery.
- Company: Award-winning charity dedicated to veterans' welfare and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and community impact.
- Why this job: Be a key leader in transforming lives and shaping support for veterans and their families.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, strategy, and partnership building; passion for veteran support.
The predicted salary is between 84600 - 103400 £ per year.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE / CEO Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) is an award-winning charity providing comprehensive welfare, wellbeing and mental health support to Armed Forces and Merchant Navy veterans, their families and carers across Portsmouth, the Solent and beyond.
Working through a highly collaborative partnership model, VOS combines direct service delivery with regional leadership and national influence, helping thousands of people each year access the support they need.
Over the last decade, VOS has established itself as both a trusted frontline provider and an influential voice within the veterans' sector.
Its impact has been further strengthened through its leadership within Thrive Together South East, its role on the Cobseo Executive Committee and its designation as a VALOUR-recognised centre as part of the Ministry of Defence's national programme to improve support for veterans.
Working closely with the Board of Trustees, Senior Management Team, staff and volunteers, the Chief Executive will lead VOS through its next phase of development, ensuring the charity remains financially sustainable, operationally effective and influential at local, regional and national level.
As Chief Executive, you will: Provide inspiring, visible and values-led leadership to VOS, its staff, volunteers and wider stakeholder community.
Lead the delivery of the charity's strategic objectives, translating ambition into clear organisational priorities and measurable outcomes.
Maintain oversight of organisational performance, governance, safeguarding, risk management and quality assurance.
Take executive responsibility for financial sustainability, working with colleagues and trustees to strengthen and diversify income.
Build and maintain productive relationships with funders, commissioners, NHS partners, local authorities, military charities and other key stakeholders.
Champion high-quality, person-centred services that improve outcomes for veterans, families and carers.
Represent VOS externally, helping to shape policy, influence practice and strengthen support for the wider veterans' community.
We are seeking an experienced, collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader who combines strategic capability with a practical and adaptable approach.
You may already be a Chief Executive or Director, or you may have led a significant organisational function and be ready for your first CEO appointment.
You will bring experience of leadership, strategy development, financial oversight and partnership working.
Equally important will be your ability to build trust, inspire teams, navigate complexity and represent the organisation with credibility across a wide range of audiences.
While previous experience within veterans' support services is not essential, you will have a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for veterans, families and carers and the ability to quickly develop an understanding of the sector and the communities VOS serves.
For further information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment.
Please see the candidate pack for more details.
Regular presence across VOS's services, alongside travel across the Solent, Isle of Wight, South East and nationally as required.
Veterans Outreach Support welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation.
Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and a DBS check.
Recruitment timeline: 2 December - Closing date for applications 9 December - All vetting interviews with Charisma must be completed w/c 4 January – First-stage interviews with VOS w/c 11 January - Second-stage interviews with VOS The successful candidate will need to be in post between mid-March and mid-April 2027 (latest) to facilitate a full handover with the outgoing Chief Executive.
Chief Executive in Hampshire employer: Veterans Outreach Support
VOS is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the welfare of veterans and their families. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and opportunities for professional growth, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Portsmouth, the charity fosters collaboration among dedicated staff, volunteers, and external partners, creating a warm environment where everyone is valued and empowered to contribute.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive in Hampshire
✨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 Veterans Outreach Support.
✨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 Veterans Outreach Support.
✨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 Veterans Outreach Support.
✨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 Veterans Outreach Support. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive in Hampshire
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 Veterans Outreach Support. 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, 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 Veterans Outreach Support
✨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 Veterans Outreach Support. 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!
