Lead change through music. Shape young lives.
Chief Executive – AudioActive
Location: Sussex (Brighton & Worthing base, with regional travel)
Salary: c. £65,000
Contract: Full-time, permanent
About AudioActive
AudioActive is an ambitious youth music charity using creativity to transform young people’s lives. Working across Sussex, they support young people – particularly those facing disadvantage – to build confidence, find their voice and progress into education, employment and the creative industries.
With strong local roots and growing national recognition, AudioActive combine youth work, music culture and evidence-led practice to create lasting social impact.
The Opportunity
AudioActive are seeking a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation into its next phase of impact and growth.
Reporting to the Board, you will set strategic direction, strengthen financial sustainability and lead a values-driven organisation through a period of transition and opportunity. This is a high-impact role combining strategy, cultural leadership, external influence and hands-on organisational leadership.
What You’ll Do
1. Set direction – lead and deliver a clear, ambitious strategy
2. Lead people and culture – foster an inclusive, high-performing and youth-centred organisation
3. Drive sustainability – develop income, partnerships and long-term resilience
4. Champion safeguarding and inclusion – ensure young people remain safe, heard and at the heart of decisions
5. Be our voice – represent AudioActive with funders, partners and across the sector
6. Deliver impact – strengthen evidence, learning and outcomes for young people
About You
You are a values-led, emotionally intelligent leader with the credibility and judgement to lead a mission-driven organisation.
You will bring:
7. Senior leadership experience with strategic and operational responsibility
8. A track record of leading change, growth or organisational development
9. Experience of fundraising, business development or income generation
10. Strong financial and governance oversight
11. The ability to build partnerships and influence at a senior level
12. A deep commitment to young people, inclusion and safeguarding
A connection to music, youth or creative sectors is highly valued.
Why Join
13. Lead a respected, high-impact organisation at a pivotal moment
14. Shape strategy and growth with real autonomy
15. Work at the intersection of youth, culture and social change
16. Make a tangible difference to young people’s lives
Recruitment Timeline:
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold AudioActive’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the charity will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair/Outgoing CEO. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Tuesday 2nd June 6-7pm and we will send you a link.
Application Deadline: 5pm, Monday 15th June 2026
First Interviews: w/c 6th July 2026
Final Interviews: w/c 13th July