Join a Transformative Movement: Become the Chief Executive of Thurrock Youth Zone
Location: Tilbury, Thurrock
Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 (depending on experience) + Benefits
Organisation: OnSide Youth Zones
Application deadline: 5pm Monday 30th June
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for empowering young people and transforming communities? Do you thrive in dynamic, start-up environments and want to make a lasting impact in a place that truly needs it?
Thurrock Youth Zone is seeking its founding Chief Executive-a bold, values-driven leader to bring this brand-new, purpose-built facility to life in Tilbury. As part of the national OnSide network, this Youth Zone will be a beacon of opportunity, inclusion, and inspiration for thousands of young people.
About the Role
As CEO, you will:
1. Lead the launch and growth of a flagship Youth Zone engaging with the communities that will benefit from it.
2. Act as a local ambassador, building bridges across diverse stakeholders-from funders and local authorities to young people and their families.
3. Build and embed the first team – shaping the culture, strategy, and operations of a high-impact organisation from the ground up.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome candidates from all sectors-charity, public, private, education, health, and more-who bring:
4. Exceptional leadership and communication skills
5. Strategic and operational agility
6. Fundraising and commercial acumen
7. A deep commitment to inclusion and community engagement
8. Resilience and adaptability in a start-up environment
What You’ll Get
9. A 3-4 month immersive placement in an existing Youth Zone
10. Mentorship from an experienced Openings Manager
11. Access to OnSide’s national network and central support services
12. Ongoing professional development and peer support
Why Thurrock?
This is more than a job-it’s a chance to lead a movement. Thurrock Youth Zone is fully capitally funded and already has a number of Founder Patrons (who offer revenue funding) in place. The role offers a rare opportunity to build something sustainable and impactful from the very beginning. You’ll play a key role in uniting a diverse community and shaping the future for generations of young people.