Job Description – Chief Executive Officer
Post Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Location: Northampton (with flexibility for some remote working)
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 p.a.
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Direct Reports: Senior Leadership Team
Purpose of the Role
The Chief Executive Officer will provide inspirational and effective leadership to Northampton Hope Centre, ensuring delivery of its mission to tackle poverty, hunger and homelessness. The CEO will lead strategy, fundraising, governance and organisational development, while building strong external relationships that enhance the charity’s profile and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the development and implementation of the charity’s strategy in partnership with the Board of Trustees.
- Ensure delivery of Hope’s vision, mission and values across all services and enterprises.
- Identify opportunities for growth, innovation and impact in both charitable and social enterprise activity.
Governance & Compliance
- Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure effective governance.
- Ensure full compliance with charity law, safeguarding, employment legislation, and regulatory requirements.
- Provide timely reports, insight and recommendations to the Board.
Financial & Resource Management
- Lead the organisation’s financial planning, budget management and long-term sustainability.
- Oversee the development of Hope Enterprise to generate surplus income.
- Secure diverse funding streams including grants, contracts, trading income, and philanthropic support.
Operations & Services
- Provide leadership to the Senior Leadership Team to ensure services are high quality, trauma-informed and impactful.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, safeguarding and accountability.
- Ensure staff and volunteers are well-supported, motivated, and aligned with organisational values.
External Relations & Advocacy
- Act as the public face of Hope, representing the charity locally and nationally.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with funders, commissioners, statutory bodies, community partners and the media.
- Advocate for people experiencing poverty, homelessness and hardship, influencing policy and practice where appropriate.
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven track record of senior leadership in the charity, public or social enterprise sectors.
- Strong strategic planning and organisational development experience.
- Demonstrable success in income generation (grants, fundraising, social enterprise or contracts).
- Excellent financial management skills, including budget oversight.
- Experience of working with or reporting to a Board of Trustees or equivalent governance body.
- Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff and volunteers.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, safeguarding, and the mission of Northampton Hope Centre.
Desirable
- Experience of homelessness, housing, or poverty-related services.
- Knowledge of charity law and governance best practice.
- Experience in social enterprise start-up or development.
- Established networks in the charity, housing or local government sectors.
Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000
Location: Northampton (with some flexibility for hybrid working)
Northampton Hope Centre is at a pivotal moment in its journey. With a strong financial position, ambitious plans for the future – including the potential to move into a new home – and a superb, committed team, we are seeking an inspiring leader to guide the charity into its next chapter.
The Hope Centre is a leading charity tackling poverty, hunger and homelessness in Northamptonshire. Through our vital services, campaigning, and social enterprise activity, we support some of the most vulnerable in our community and strive to create lasting change.
We are now looking for a Chief Executive Officer who will:
- Provide strategic leadership and work with our Board of Trustees to shape and deliver the charity’s future direction.
- Build on our strong reputation to strengthen partnerships and raise our profile locally and nationally.
- Drive growth in both our services and our social enterprise arm, ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Inspire and lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who share a passion for making a difference.
The successful candidate will bring proven senior leadership experience within the charity, public, or social enterprise sectors. You will combine strategic vision with strong financial and operational acumen, and have a track record of generating income, building partnerships, and motivating teams. Most importantly, you will be committed to our mission of tackling homelessness, hardship, and inequality.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a respected and values-driven charity at a time of growth and innovation.
Closing Date: Friday 31st October 2025
Interviews: Thursday 13th November 2025