At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and empower York St John Students’ Union, enhancing student voice and organisational sustainability.
- Company: York St John Students’ Union, a vibrant, independent charity focused on student empowerment.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the future, work with diverse teams, and make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment committed to inclusivity and student engagement.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming student experiences and fostering community connections.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, strong relationship-building skills, and financial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Lead York St John Students’ Union through its next chapter, strengthening student voice, organisational sustainability and a vital University partnership. We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer to lead the charity through an important period of renewal. Working with students, staff, trustees and York St John University, you will strengthen the Union’s voice, build a constructive partnership and help shape a clear direction for the future.
We are looking for an experienced and collaborative leader with strong judgement, financial confidence and the ability to bring people with them through change. You will be comfortable moving between strategic leadership and the practical realities of a lean organisation. It will also be important to bring a sense of fun into the workplace as the Union rebuilds its confidence and creates opportunities for students to connect and thrive.
Who we are: York St John Students’ Union (YSJSU) is an independent, student-led charity. Its mission is to empower students at York St John University to challenge and change the world around them. Through representation, activities, societies, commercial services and opportunities to connect, the Union helps students to belong, have an effective voice and make the most of their time at university. The Union serves a diverse and changing student community across York and London, working alongside the University while retaining its own charitable purpose and independent student voice.
About the role: This is a significant opportunity to guide YSJSU through its next phase. You will work with Trustees, elected Presidents, staff and the University to refresh the Union’s direction, strengthen organisational foundations and demonstrate the value of its work for students. Your priorities will include:
- Building an open, constructive and effective relationship with York St John University, while safeguarding the Union’s autonomy.
- Embedding equality, diversity and inclusion, removing barriers to engagement and access to services.
- Working closely with the Chair, trustees and elected Presidents to agree a clear strategy and measurable delivery plan.
- Supporting staff through change and building an inclusive, confident organisational culture.
- Strengthening financial sustainability and developing income that supports student priorities.
Who we are looking for: You will be a credible, thoughtful leader who can build trust, make sound decisions and bring clarity during change. You will have led teams and managed complex relationships, ideally where you needed to influence across organisational boundaries. You will bring financial understanding and the confidence to oversee budgets, risk and organisational sustainability. Experience in a Students’ Union or higher education is welcome, but we will also consider candidates from other charities, member-led organisations or complex purpose-driven settings. Most importantly, you will be committed to student voice, inclusive participation and helping an organisation make a practical difference to its community.
The core skills we are seeking are:
- Senior leadership experience and a record of guiding teams through change.
- Strong relationship-building, communication and influencing skills.
- Financial acumen and experience of sound organisational stewardship.
- Using data and student insight to improve services and demonstrate impact.
- Championing inclusive representation and responding to the needs of a diverse student community.
Applications close on Wednesday 25 November at 09:00. First stage interviews (virtual) will take place on Monday 7th or Tuesday 8th December 2026. Second stage interviews (in person) will take place on Thursday 17th December 2026.
Chief Executive Officer employer: Ysjsu
Ysjsu is an attractive employer due to its commitment to professional growth and a supportive work culture. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and comprehensive training programs that enhance their skills. The organization fosters a sense of community, allowing staff to build lasting friendships while contributing to a meaningful cause.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨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 Ysjsu.
✨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 Ysjsu.
✨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 Ysjsu.
✨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 Ysjsu. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
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 Ysjsu. 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 Officer, 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 Ysjsu
✨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 Ysjsu. 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!
