CEO in London

The Youth Endowment Fund is here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice.

After six years, our founding CEO is leaving the Youth Endowment Fund. We are looking for a new CEO who will lead the Youth Endowment Fund to achieve its mission. We have already built a deep understanding of what works to prevent violence, close relationships across government, a growing programme to change the practice of those working to prevent violence, and a highly skilled and motivated team. We have gained the opportunity of making a lasting difference for vulnerable children. We are looking for an exceptional Chief Executive to take this opportunity.

• You lead the organisation strategically. You set a clear direction for the Youth Endowment Fund and make sure we stay focused on what matters most. You keep the organisation focused on our vision, our mission, and delivering the best possible strategy. You take the lead, over the next few years, in designing YEF 2.0 – the future organisation after the initial 10-year endowment. You make sure everyone understands how their work contributes to that strategy and delivers on keeping children safe from violence.
• You shape and model our culture. You set the tone for how we work. We are proud of YEF’s culture, values, and behaviours – making it a place that is both kind and ambitious, where people feel backed to do great work and supported to grow. You will model and maintain this culture – encouraging feedback, learning, delivery, and collaboration so that doing excellent work together feels natural.
• You lead people, projects, and governance wisely. You build and lead a brilliant senior team — one that is united, clear in purpose, and confident in delivering. You make sure that our finances are sound, our systems are efficient, and our governance is strong. You work closely with the Board so that together we make wise and timely decisions. You ensure that we operate with discipline and pace, managing projects well and keeping promises to partners and to the public.
• You represent YEF externally, driving change. You are a public face of the Fund and can present a trusted voice on what works to keep young people safe. You win people over — from all walks of life — because you listen, you care, and you speak with clarity. You build relationships of trust with Ministers, civil servants, funders, journalists, practitioners, researchers, and young people themselves. You make sure that when YEF speaks – including in the media – it is with credibility, compassion, and conviction.
• You champion evidence and social change. You keep YEF’s commitment to evidence at the heart of everything we do. You ensure that we remain rigorous, independent, and trusted as a source of knowledge. You help turn evidence into real-world action — supporting schools, services, charities, and government to use what works to change lives. You make sure that our work doesn’t just generate insight; it drives change that saves lives.

To apply, please visit our microsite, where you can apply by submitting your CV, supporting statement, and completing the monitoring form by 11:59 pm on Sunday, 8th February.