About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

We’re looking for a CEO who is inspiring, values-driven, and a confident fundraiser to lead the next exciting chapter for one of Manchester’s most ambitious youth charities. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is much more than a youth centre. Yes, we have state-of-the-art facilities (climbing walls, gym, dance studios and football pitches), but we’re also a safe space, a hot dinner, a place where young people of North Manchester can feel seen and heard and be inspired. Based in Harpurhey, our big yellow building has an exceptional track record for making a positive impact on the lives of young people.

About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is a national charity that believes all young people should have the opportunity to discover their passion and their purpose. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] funds and builds state-of-the-art Youth Zones in economically disadvantaged areas. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is part of the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Network of 18 Youth Zones across the country.

What Success Looks Like

• A safe inspiring place for young people to go.
• Opportunities for young people in an area where outlooks are often limited.
• A secure and diverse income pipeline covering operational costs, with a focus on multi-year funding and excellent donor stewardship.
• Strong financial controls, clarity and confidence, with new income streams actively developed.
• A motivated, supported and high-performing staff and volunteer team that feels valued and connected to the Youth Zone’s vision.
• High quality open-access youth provision with strong reach, scale, quality and demonstrable impact.
• A strong safeguarding culture with robust risk management embedded in decision-making.
• A safe, vibrant and well-maintained facility that meets the needs of young people.

The Role

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead one of Manchester’s most ambitious youth charities at a pivotal moment in its journey. As Chief Executive of [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], you will combine inspirational leadership with a strong, hands-on approach to fundraising and commercial direction. Acting as a visible ambassador for [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], you will build trust with partners across the city, influence at a regional and national level, and lead with integrity, creativity and purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & Governance: Work with the Board to maintain and strengthen the strategic plan; ensure successful implementation.
• Fundraising & Financial Sustainability: Develop and lead an ambitious fundraising strategy; show personal leadership on high-value fundraising.
• Leadership & Culture: Provide clear, inclusive and inspirational leadership to a team of approximately 50 people; line manage the Senior Leadership Team.
• Partnerships, Profile & Influence: Maintain and promote reputation with stakeholders; act as a visible ambassador locally, regionally and nationally.
• Youth Work Quality & Safeguarding: Strategically lead high-quality youth work provision; ensure strong safeguarding culture.
• Building and Facilities: Provide strategic oversight of facilities; ensure they remain safe, compliant and fit for purpose.

Person Specification

Experience: Successful senior leadership experience in a charity; significant hands-on fundraising securing major donors (£25k+); proven track record in strategy and business plans; experience in financially sustainable organisations with strong governance; experience developing high-quality youth-focused services; multi-agency safeguarding experience.

Skills, Knowledge & Attributes: Strong financial literacy; leadership and people management; ability to motivate and coach; influencing and ambassadorial skills; understanding of safeguarding; well organised and strategic.

Personal Qualities: Passionate about improving outcomes for young people; values-driven; high standards; sound judgement; commitment to continuous learning; respectful approach to diverse communities.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a CV and a one-page cover letter to [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. Your cover letter should personally explain how you meet the person specification. Also provide confirmation of UK work eligibility, reasonable adjustments, and how you demonstrate commitment to equity, diversity & inclusion. This role requires an Enhanced DBS check.