Back to search
Chief Executive Officer
Full time role – based out of our Lewes office, with travel across Sussex.
Opportunities for flexible working.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a new CEO with the experience and motivation to design service extensions, develop business plans at a Sussex scale and collaborate with charities, institutions and agencies. This is a really exciting opportunity to lead an established charity working to enhance community life across rural Sussex, particularly in the many places that are overlooked and underserved.
AirS was established in 1931 to help rural communities within East and West Sussex. Our work was diverse: from giving assistance with child care, tuberculosis prevention and care, ageing people’s welfare, establishing conferences and drama festivals, organising grants for village halls, providing advice on rural industries and setting up citizens’ advice bureaux. We also had a strong presence in shaping in planning and preservation. Many of these activities are still actively performed. Today, as an active member of National ACRE (England’s largest network of rural community support charities) we help people run community-led projects and places.
Our community development work ranges from projects to explore fragments of remaining ancient woodland, helping kindle social groups with activities and small enterprises, building affordable homes run by their community and providing advice to hurdle the multiple administrative challenges that come with running community buildings.
As CEO you will lead our talented team to increase our public profile through your advocacy, championing and relationship building skills. You will report to the Chair of Trustees, working collaboratively with the Trustees. You will also collaborate with a variety of charities, institutions and agencies, all with shared interests in our work.
Please see supporting document link below to download a description of key responsibilities and person specification.
YOUR BACKGROUND
We are seeking an energetic ‘all-rounder’ - a proven leadership professional who will roll their sleeves up and deliver. You will have a demonstrable track record of successful delivery as a Chief Executive Officer, or similar senior leadership and strategic roles, ideally in a not for profit/charity/third sector environment. The work AirS does will appeal to applicants with a genuine interest in sustainable community development.
You will have outstanding communication and liaison skills, along with sound financial and contract management expertise. Drawing from your previous experience you will help to design, implement and deliver our financial, people, operational and commercial objectives. Highly self-motivated, you will possess the vision, energy and drive to help create and to implement sustainable strategies for the charity.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
The opportunity to build upon the recognition of our achievements to date, to coordinate, grow and engage. Leading AirS will require an instinct for community development and ideas and opinions. The task is challenging but the potential to increase our impact and support across the communities of rural Sussex will be seriously interesting and rewarding.
In addition to a meaningful opportunity to really make a difference, we are offering:
- Circa £60,000 per annum
- 28 days paid holiday, plus public holidays
- Flexible working
- Contributory pension
HOW TO APPLY
If you're a passionate advocate for sustainable development with relevant leadership experience, please download our applicant prospectus before applying via the supporting document link below.
This prospectus sets out an explanation of our context, a summary of our work, an appendix of case studies, strategic statements, a job description and person specification.
If the work and character of AirS described in the following pages appeals to you, please do get in touch. Please upload your CV and a cover letter outlining why this is the role for you and what experience you have to date.
The closing date for applications is 0900 Monday 19th August 2024.
