Chief Executive Officer – Tay and Earn Trust
Job Description
Base: Willowgate Activity Centre, Perth
Hours: 24 hours per week (occasional evenings/weekends)
Contract: Part-time
Responsible to: Chairperson and Board of Trustees
Salary: £30, (plus reasonable expenses)
1. Role Purpose
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will provide inspirational leadership to the Tay and Earn Trust, taking responsibility for the development and delivery of its strategic vision, charitable objectives, and key projects.
The CEO will be accountable for organisational performance, financial sustainability, governance compliance, partnership development, and the effective management of staff and resources.
The CEO will represent the Trust at the highest levels across public, private and voluntary sectors, promote its work, and secure funding to ensure long-term impact and growth.
2. Key Responsibilities
A. Strategic Leadership, Policy and Business Planning
1. Lead the development, implementation and review of long-term strategy, policy and business plans to ensure the sustainability of the Trust and its projects.
2. Seek out / identify and secure funding streams including grants, contracts, donations and sponsorship revenue.
3. Prepare and oversee the delivery of the Trust’s 3–5 Year Strategic Plan.
4. Ensure alignment of Trust activity with the updated Inner Tay Masterplan.
5. Work collaboratively with Tay Salmon Fisheries, Perth & Kinross Council, Fife Council, funders and other key partners.
6. Lead monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting to inform future strategy.
B. Governance & Compliance
7. Support the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its governance responsibilities and maintaining high standards of charity governance in accordance with OSCR guidance.
8. Provide objective advice on organisational, legislative and regulatory requirements.
9. Ensure the Trust complies fully with legal and regulatory frameworks including Charitable Status, Health & Safety, Employment Law, Safeguarding, and GDPR.
10. Coordinate preparation of Board papers, reports, and meeting documentation.
11. Ensure timely completion of the Annual Report and external audit.
12. Oversee risk management, including maintaining a comprehensive organisational risk register and ensuring effective mitigation measures.
13. Support Trustee development, training, succession planning, and Board effectiveness reviews.
C. Financial Management & Sustainability
14. Lead the Trust’s financial planning, budgeting and long-term sustainability strategy.
15. Develop and maintain strong financial controls, reporting systems and internal compliance processes.
16. Work closely with the Treasurer to oversee annual budgets, financial forecasting and reserves policy.
17. Ensure partner funding conditions, claims, monitoring reports and audits are met on time.
D. Leadership of People, Culture and Resources
18. Provide effective leadership across the organisation, fostering a positive, inclusive and values-driven culture.
19. Ensure clear staffing structures aligned to the Business and Strategic Plans.
20. Line manage senior staff, Centre Manager and Sales & Marketing Manager; support their performance and professional development.
21. Ensure senior staff have annual work plans, objectives and regular performance reviews.
22. Oversee HR policies, wellbeing, recruitment and employment law compliance.
23. Ensure effective procurement and contract management procedures.
24. Promote continuous improvement and high standards of delivery across all activities.
E. Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Risk
25. Act as the organisational lead for safeguarding (or delegate appropriately), ensuring robust policies, training and incident reporting.
26. Ensure the Trust operates safely and legally, including risk assessments, emergency planning and compliance with health and safety legislation.
27. Promote a culture of safety and responsibility across staff, volunteers, contractors and service users.
F. Project Leadership and Fundraising
Oversee the development and delivery of the Trust’s major projects, including but not limited to pontoons, footpath/cycleway, boat trips, bothy refurbishment and floating homes.
Responsibilities include:
28. Identifying and securing major grant funding.
29. Ensuring project management is robust, timely and within budget.
30. Overseeing financial, risk and contract management for all projects.
31. Ensuring effective communication and reporting to funders and stakeholders.
G. Stakeholder Engagement, Communications & Advocacy
32. Act as the senior representative and ambassador for the Trust at strategic meetings, events and partnership forums.
33. Strengthen relationships with local authorities, funders, community groups, statutory agencies, academic institutions, and voluntary sector partners.
34. Promote and raise the profile and reputation of the Trust.
35. Oversee effective internal and external communications, including digital and media engagement.
36. Ensure the Trust’s communications are consistent, professional and aligned to its values.
H. Digital Leadership & Information Management
37. Oversee digital systems, IT governance, cybersecurity, and data management compliance.
38. Promote digital innovation to improve operations, communications and impact measurement.
39. Ensure the Trust’s website and digital platforms are maintained effectively and support organisational objectives.
I. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
40. Champion EDI across the Trust, ensuring inclusive and accessible services, working practices and recruitment.
41. Ensure compliance with Equalities legislation and best practice guidance.
J. Other Duties
42. Undertake additional tasks as required by the Board of Trustees to support the effective operation and development of the Trust.
How To Apply
Please send a covering letter and CV to