Chief Executive
We are now seeking an exceptional new leader to guide City Year UK into its next phase.
Position: Chief Executive
Location: London, with regular travel to Birmingham, Manchester and other UK locations as required
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £80-90k dependent on experience
Duration: Permanent
Closing Date: 10.00am on Monday 23rd March 2026.
Interviews: March 2026.
Who We Are
For over 15 years, City Year UK has stood alongside children and young people across the UK, helping them to discover their potential and believe in what they can achieve. As a leading youth and education charity, we inspire and empower young people to dedicate a year of service, volunteering with us to support children in schools, reduce youth unemployment, and strengthen communities. Our City Year mentors work in schools serving children who are often furthest from opportunity. They provide consistent and caring support that helps pupils feel valued, motivated, and capable of success. By building trusted relationships, boosting confidence, and encouraging a love of learning, our mentors make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of the children they serve.
The Role
We are now seeking an exceptional new leader to guide City Year UK into its next phase. This is an important moment for the organisation and an opportunity to shape the future of a movement that is changing lives. Building on strong foundations, the next Chief Executive will lead the organisation as we strengthen and expand our programmes, deepen our impact, and play a leading role in the development of a UK Year of Service that supports children and young people across the country. This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. With the full support of the Board, the next Chief Executive will lead City Year UK into a focused next phase, securing financial resilience, strengthening delivery, and ensuring sustainable long term impact.
Main responsibilities include:
* Fundraising and Development
* Strategy and Leadership
* Governance
* External Engagement
* Programme Delivery
* Finance and People
About You
We are looking for an inspiring leader who is passionate about unlocking the potential of young people, championing educational equality, and driving lasting change. You’ll bring a strong track record of strategic leadership and fundraising in the charity sector, along with the vision and energy to lead City Year UK into an ambitious new chapter. Skilled at building powerful partnerships, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and championing an inclusive, purpose-driven culture, you’ll also be a dynamic fundraiser, ready to support the growth and diversification of our income so we can expand our impact even further.
Experience, Knowledge and Skills:
* A proven track record of senior leadership and management at a Chief Executive or Director level, likely in the charity or mission-driven sector
* Experience leading a complex organisation, with strong financial oversight, including managing a budget of comparable scale
* Demonstrated success in securing £1.5m+ a year of funding aligned with programme delivery; strong understanding of the connection between mission and sustainability
* Excellent leadership, management and team-building skills with a collaborative working style
* Strong political and organisational awareness, with the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder environments
* Exceptional relationship-building skills and experience working with senior stakeholders across sectors
* Outstanding communication skills—written, verbal, listening, and presenting
Please apply by uploading your CV and a supporting statement responding to the two questions set out in the Recruitment Pack. Your statement should clearly demonstrate your relevant experience, leadership capability and track record in relation to this role. Due to the high volume of CVs received, we can only respond back to the successful candidates.
Employee Benefits
* Annual leave: 25 days per annum, rising to 28 days, plus 3 Christmas Grace days
* A matched pension scheme with 4% standard employer contributions and matched up to 5%.
* An organisational culture that values its employees and places particular emphasis on fairness and transparency.
* Sector-leading training, with qualifications up to master's degree level funded under the apprenticeship levy.
* 2 Volunteering days per year - pursue a project you’re passionate about
* 2 Wellbeing days per year
* A comprehensive wellbeing service designed to support the overall wellness of employees
* Interest-free travel season ticket loans, bike loans under the “Cycle to Work Scheme” and loans to assist employees with welfare or financial hardship
* Enhanced sick pay for up to 6 weeks
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