City Year UK - Chief Executive
Now, as we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we’re looking ahead to an ambitious new phase — and we’re seeking an inspiring and visionary Chief Executive to lead the way.
Join a youth social action charity challenges 18 to 25-year-olds to tackle educational inequality through a year of full-time social action. As mentors, tutors and role models in schools, they support pupils growing up in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the UK.
Position: Chief Executive
Location: London, Birmingham or Manchester, with travel to an office typically twice a week
Salary: We offer a competitive salary and package that reflects the significance of this role
Hours: This is currently a full-time role - part-time working options will be considered.
Duration: Permanent
Closing Date: 10 am on Friday, 20 June 2025
The Role
As Chief Executive, you will be the driving force behind our next chapter of growth, innovation, and impact. Working closely with the Board of Trustees and a committed Senior Leadership Team, you will set strategic direction, expand our reach, and ensure long-term financial resilience. You’ll be a champion for innovation, a builder of innovative partnerships, and a compelling advocate for the power and potential of a UK Year of Service.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a mission-driven, values-led organisation at a moment of genuine momentum — a chance to elevate youth voice and leadership and be an integral part of the change that our young people are creating every day.
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategy and Leadership
- Governance
- Fundraising and Development
- External Engagement
- Programme Delivery
- Finance and People
About You
We are seeking a motivational and inclusive leader who can foster a healthy and positive workplace culture, including attention to staff development, well-being, and team morale.
You will have:
- A proven track record of senior leadership and management at a Chief Executive or Director level, likely in the charity or mission-driven sector
- Experience leading a complex organisation, with strong financial oversight, including managing a budget of comparable scale
- Demonstrated success in securing £1.5m+ a year of funding aligned with programme delivery; strong understanding of the connection between mission and sustainability
- Excellent leadership, management and team-building skills with a collaborative working style
- Strong political and organisational awareness, with the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder environments
- Exceptional relationship-building skills and experience working with senior stakeholders across sectors
- Outstanding communication skills—written, verbal, listening, and presenting
If you want to make a real difference and believe that young people can change the world, we want to hear from you! Application details are in the Job Pack.
