About the role
This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role at the heart of SSAFA supporting our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in leading the organisation.
As Chief of Staff, you will act as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the CEO, bridging operational delivery with strategic oversight. You will coordinate cross-organisational priorities, ensuring effective communication, accountability, and decision-making across directorates.
Working with senior colleagues, you will provide high-level executive and operational support, represent the CEO when required, and maintain oversight of key organisational initiatives. This role is essential in enabling the CEO to focus on strategic leadership, while you ensure the smooth running of business functions and act as a trusted liaison across the organisation.
About the team
You’ll be working at the centre of SSAFA, reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the COO and CEO's Executive Assistant. The role is highly collaborative, requiring strong relationships across the Senior Management Team and all directorates. You will be part of a leadership environment that values trust, open communication, and shared accountability, ensuring the organisation delivers effectively.
About you
You will be an experienced leader with strong communication and influencing skills, able to build trust and foster collaboration across teams. With sound judgment and the confidence to make decisions within delegated authority, you will act with professionalism and discretion on behalf of the CEO.
Organised and strategic, you will bring excellent project management skills, digital agility, and the ability to balance competing priorities. Analytical and solutions-focused, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment and share SSAFA’s values and commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
About SSAFA
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for the Armed Forces community in their time of need. In 2024 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 54,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.
SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us.
Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA
SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.
SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.
Further information about the role
If you have any queries or would like to speak to someone about this role, please contact Steve Shell on Steve.Shell@ssafa.org.uk with the subject heading "Chief of Staff" for an informal discussion.
No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.
How to apply
If you need any adjustments to support you with the application process, please contact recruitment@ssafa.org.uk
Closing date: Midnight on 21 October 2025. SSAFA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Interviews: W/C 03 November 2025