Overview
Location: London, Greater London (Hybrid)
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 per year
Hours: Part-time (4 days per week with flexibility for the right candidate)
Contract: Temporary (9-12 months maternity cover)
Job description
Our CEO, Daisy Srblin, has served since May 2022 and will take maternity leave from May 2026. We are looking for an excellent Interim CEO to steward YCF in her 9-12 months away, lead our team and keep our charity on track.
2026/27 is set to be a busy period for Young Camden Foundation, as we navigate a complex ecosystem for the voluntary sector, embed new projects, and drive forward the objectives of our 2025-28 strategy. This is also a pivotal year for fundraising efforts, and maintaining strong leadership on behalf of our dynamic and talented team will also be essential.
We are looking for an experienced Interim CEO, who brings particular proven expertise around fundraising, people and budget management, and reporting, as well as confidence in stakeholder relationships and proven leadership experience.
You will be responsible for a team of 7, reporting to a board of twelve, and managing a budget of around £1.3m. You will be responsible for the effective management and delegation of responsibilities throughout the team via your three direct line reports. You will report to funders on a regular basis, who fund everything from YCF’s core operations to our grants and onward projects. You will oversee YCF’s complex functions, including grant giving, membership and training, and youth engagement.
You will lead on YCF’s fundraising goals for 26/27 and beyond, helping to put YCF on a firm and confident footing as we look to the future. You will also lead external engagement work at the charity, ensuring YCF is represented and advocating in high‑level spaces in Camden, whether with Camden Council, local Councillors, sector and member leaders, and local businesses.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The job of a CEO is hard to define, especially in a small charity. The list below summarises key areas of responsibility and priority for the 9-12 month period:
- Fundraising on behalf of our objectives – Lead on fundraising efforts, including identifying and writing bids for core and project funding to put YCF on the strongest financial footing for 2028.
- Team management and leadership – Effectively lead the people team, driving performance, identifying development opportunities, delegating efficiently and making judgement calls on behalf of the team.
- Stewarding our finances – Work closely with the Finance Manager to set the 27/28 budget, steward and monitor performance, oversee the 2026 audit process and ensure meticulous financial records.
- Supporting project management and delivery – Oversee all delivery, including two sizeable projects in 26/27: the UK Government’s Holiday Food and Activities programme (HAF) and the new cross-borough Serious Youth Violence programme.
- Ensuring effective communication – Represent YCF in strategic boards, with partners, funders and high‑level stakeholders, guide written reporting to funders and harness data to communicate impact.
- Overseeing governance – Report to the board quarterly, work closely with the Chair to drive progress on YCF’s strategic objectives.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential experience:
- Successful fundraising experience – Proven experience in a VCS context, writing applications, making pitches and securing Trusts, Foundations and Corporate sources.
- Proven finance experience – Managed complex and large organisational budgets, demonstrated stewardship and effective budgeting.
- Leadership and team management – Experience leading teams without an internal HR function, managing performance, supporting morale and maintaining a positive culture. Prior experience as Director or CEO and reporting to a board of trustees.
- Exceptional communication – Proven exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong reporting to funders and trustees.
- Project start‑up and management – Experience in project management, supporting existing and new projects such as the Tackling Serious Youth Violence Project scheduled for 2026.
- A positive attitude – Maturity in navigating challenges of a small charity, optimism and positivity across all responsibilities.
Desirable areas of expertise:
- Working in a youth setting – Passion for a stronger Camden for all children and young people.
- Grant making – Knowledge of hyper‑local grant giving for community‑led organisations.
- Working with and for community groups – Experience leading a small charity and understanding grassroots VCS leaders.
- Understanding Camden – Understanding of inner London challenges, especially for disadvantaged communities.
WHAT WE OFFER IN RETURN
You will be working with a dynamic and enthusiastic team, and will benefit from regular check‑ins with a supportive Chair and Board of Trustees. Flexible working is also available.
Benefits include:
- 25 days of annual leave per year (pro‑rated for part‑time employees)
- Birthday off (or closest working day) as paid leave
- Employee Assistance Programme, 360 Wellbeing, 6 free in‑person counselling sessions per year and unlimited 24/7 online GP consultations
- Training and development opportunities
- Free on‑site gym access and access to creative and fitness classes (and on‑site showers) as part of our Labs membership
- Access to tea, coffee, biscuits and fruit each day at our office
- Discount on food and drink in Camden Stables Market
How to
To apply, submit a cover letter and CV (no more than 2 sides each) outlining your suitability and interest in this post. Reference the essential / desirable criteria in your application and showcase how your experience makes you suitable for the role. Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK and will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check.
Submit your application via email with the subject line Interim CEO application by Sunday 8th February at 23:59.
Interview rounds will be scheduled on 16th and 23rd February. Please specify in your application if you cannot attend these dates. Feedback will only be offered to interview candidates.
Application resources: YCF Interim CEO JD specification Jan 26
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