At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Woodland Heritage to make a positive impact on woodlands and wood culture.
- Company: Join a passionate charity dedicated to preserving our natural heritage.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and generous leave entitlements.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with a diverse team.
- Why this job: Be an inspirational leader and drive meaningful change in a rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in leadership and fundraising.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
If you want to work with wonderful people and make a positive impact on our woodlands and wood culture, then being Woodland Heritage's Chief Executive is the perfect opportunity for you!
Woodland Heritage's Chief Executive is an inspirational leader, who leverages impact against the charity's mission to derive strategy, underpin governance, deliver operations, generate income and make working at and supporting the charity a highly rewarding and motivating experience.
This role will be a core part of how Woodland Heritage achieves its mission and will be an incredibly rewarding and varied experience for someone with the right skills, experience and approach to their work.
About the role
- The role is 37.5 hours per week with occasional planned evening and weekend working as required.
- Options for flexible and hybrid working, with an average of 1 day per month at the Whitney Sawmills office
- 25 days plus Bank/Public holidays as paid leave (pro rata)
- £50 - 70k dependant on experience
- Permanent contract
- You will report to the Co Chairs and the Culture Action Group (Co Chairs, Past Chair, Treasurer)
- You will line manage the Engagement Manager, Project Manager, a seconded AOD administrator, work closely with a group of freelance fundraising, finance and operational support and lead a wider team of 3.
In addition you will have key relationships with the sawmill manager, directors and team.
- An organisational chart will be provided to shortlisted candidates
- Lead on the charity's relationship with Whitney Sawmills and their Directors, a business owned by Woodland Heritage
- Employer contribution to Nest Pensions.
All other terms and conditions will be as per your contract.
More details are available via our staff handbook which can be provided to shortlisted candidates.
Person Specification Qualification ● Degree level education or equivalent experience
Essential Experience and Knowledge
- Experience of leading excellent teams
- Proven experience of signifi cant income generation and leading on fundraising
- Experience infl uencing change with stakeholders
- A strong comprehension of charity governance and compliance
- Expert at managing shifting priorities
- A deep well of financial and commercial literacy
- Experience of delivering impact through hybrid working, including leading a diverse and dispersed team and stakeholders
- Demonstrable success in a senior management role
- Proven experience delivering strategy and leading impact against mission
A full job description is available on our website vacancies page.
How to apply
Please apply using the Application Form on our website.
Your covering letter should be no more than two pages.
Through your CV and Covering letter please demonstrate how you meet sections 3 and 4 of the job description, in doing so communicate what makes you the best person for this role.
- Closing date for applications is 19th August 2026 - We will respond to candidates about a potential interview on 24th August 2026 - We may not be able to provide feedback to everyone that applies - First round interviews will be held online at 28th August 2026 - Second round interviews will be held in person at Whitney Sawmills, Herefordshire on the 7th September 2026.
There will be a task to prepare prior to this interview.
The interview will be conducted by a panel of charity staff and trustees.
We reserve the right to close the advertised positions early if we receive a high volume of high quality applications.
We may also extend the deadline if necessary.
We will provide feedback to candidates who are shortlisted for interview.
Chief Executive employer: Woodland Heritage
Woodland Heritage is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inspiring work environment, dedicated to making a positive impact on woodlands and wood culture. With flexible working options, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to employee growth, this role as Chief Executive offers a unique opportunity to lead a passionate team while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts in the beautiful setting of Herefordshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive
✨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 Woodland Heritage.
✨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 Woodland Heritage.
✨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 Woodland Heritage.
✨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 Woodland Heritage. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive
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 Woodland Heritage. 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 Woodland Heritage
✨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 Woodland Heritage. 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!
