At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a charity transforming veterans' lives with assistance dogs and trauma support.
- Company: Veterans With Dogs, a compassionate charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contribution, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for growth and impact in the community.
- Why this job: Be a pivotal leader in a mission-driven organisation supporting veterans' mental health.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in charity or values-led organisations required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 € per year.
Veterans With Dogs (VWD) is seeking a dynamic and compassionate Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our charity into its next chapter. This rare and exciting opportunity offers the chance to guide a small, high-impact team at a pivotal stage in the charity’s growth.
Location: Exeter (hybrid with regular office presence required)
Salary: £45,000–£55,000 pro-rata (equivalent to £27,000 - £33,000 for 3 days/week) + 3% pension contribution
Contract: Initial 1 year role with opportunity to extend
Hours: 21 hours / 3 days per week
Holiday: 28 days per annum (FTE), plus bank holidays
Reports to: Chair of Trustees
Direct reports: 4
About Veterans With Dogs: Veterans With Dogs is a UK charity that transforms the lives of Armed Forces veterans living with mental health challenges. Through the provision of highly trained assistance dogs and trauma-informed support, we help restore purpose, independence, and dignity to those who have served. Founded in 2012, our work addresses a vital gap for veterans living with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and complex trauma. Through our award-winning PALS™ (Partner Animal Life Skills) programme, we help veterans re-engage with life, with the support of a trusted companion by their side.
The Role: The CEO will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and cultural leadership for Veterans With Dogs. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will oversee the delivery of the charity’s mission, ensure operational excellence, develop our long-term strategy, and foster a values-led and high-performing team. This is a hands-on, multi-dimensional leadership role, ideal for a calm, pragmatic, and inspiring individual with experience of organisational stabilisation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth. You will be a visible leader at our base in Exeter, while building strong relationships across the veteran, assistance dog, and wider charity sectors.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy: Lead the development and delivery of an interim plan and longer-term organisational strategy; Translate strategic goals into clear operational priorities and plans; Foster a compassionate, inclusive, and mission-aligned organisational culture; Act as a credible and inspiring ambassador for Veterans With Dogs with stakeholders, funders, partners, and the public; Guide the charity through stabilisation and values-led, sustainable growth.
- Governance & Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant charity law, regulation, and best practice; Work in partnership with the Board of Trustees, supporting effective governance and reporting; Implement and embed improvements in HR, finance, safeguarding, IT, and operational systems; Lead on organisational risk management, ensuring policies and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed.
- Operations & Programme Delivery: Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery; Ensure safeguarding standards are upheld for both veterans and dogs; Drive continuous improvement in programme quality, delivery, and impact measurement; Ensure operational systems and data processes are robust, compliant, and fit for purpose.
- People & Culture: Lead, support, and nurture a small, dedicated staff team and wider network of volunteers; Promote staff wellbeing, clear communication, and professional development; Work with trustees to assess future staffing needs and build leadership capacity.
- Finance & Sustainability: Work with trustees and advisors to ensure sound financial management and reporting; Contribute to financial planning, budgeting, and development of a sustainable reserves policy; Help diversify income streams, supporting fundraising efforts, corporate partnerships, and individual giving.
- Fundraising & External Relations: Build and maintain relationships with funders, donors, corporate partners, and sector allies; Collaborate with the fundraising trustee to develop new funding opportunities; Represent the charity externally with credibility, transparency, and professionalism; Strengthen partnerships with ADUK, ADI, Cobseo, and other key membership bodies.
Person Specification
- Essential: Senior leadership experience within a charity, social enterprise, or values-led organisation; Strong knowledge of charity governance, regulation, and trustee relationships; Experience leading teams through organisational change or stabilisation; Financial literacy with experience of budgeting, reporting, and planning; Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across diverse stakeholders; A calm, values-based, and ethical leadership approach.
- Desirable: Experience in health, mental health, veterans’ services, or trauma-informed work; Experience working with boards during periods of strategic or leadership transition; Fundraising and/or income generation experience; Understanding of safeguarding best practice (for people and/or animals); Lived experience of the military or charity sectors (not essential).
Our Commitment: Veterans With Dogs is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strive to create a supportive, respectful, and empowering workplace. We recognise the value of lived experience and are committed to continuous learning as an organisation.
How to Apply: Apply with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and suitability. If you would like a confidential conversation before applying, we would be happy to speak with you.
Closing date to apply: Friday 13 March 2026
First interviews (online): week commencing 16 March 2026
Second interviews (in our Exeter office): week commencing 23 March 2026 TBC
Chief Executive Officer in Exeter employer: VETERANS WITH DOGS
Veterans With Dogs is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a passionate team dedicated to transforming the lives of Armed Forces veterans. Located in Exeter, the charity fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, prioritising employee wellbeing and professional development while providing meaningful work that directly impacts the community. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, VWD encourages applicants from all backgrounds to join them in their mission-driven journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those involved with veterans' services. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for that CEO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Veterans With Dogs thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams through change or stabilisation. Highlight your calm and ethical approach, as this is key for a role like CEO.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for the role and how your values align with ours at Veterans With Dogs. Don’t be afraid to share personal experiences that connect you to our mission!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We’re looking for someone who can lead us into our next chapter, so show us how you fit the bill!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Keep it concise but impactful, explaining why you’re the perfect fit for the CEO position. Remember, we want to know how you can help us grow and make a difference in the lives of veterans.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the latest information about the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at VETERANS WITH DOGS
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before stepping into the interview, make sure you fully understand Veterans With Dogs' mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their PALS™ programme and how it impacts veterans' lives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your leadership vision with theirs.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances from your past leadership roles where you've successfully navigated organisational change or stabilisation. Be ready to discuss how you engaged stakeholders and fostered a positive culture, as these experiences will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a CEO, financial literacy is crucial. Prepare to discuss your experience with budgeting, financial planning, and income generation. Bring examples of how you've contributed to sustainable growth in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage the charity's finances effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the charity's future plans, challenges they face, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and leadership style.
