CEO

CEO
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
This is an exciting time to join an organisation with an established youth work provision, strong reputation in private, public and voluntary sectors, and a successful track record of grants and trusts which includes a capital expenditure investment of £1.4M.
Position: CEO
Location: Manchester/Hybrid
Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum (dependent upon experience)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Benefits: Hybrid working, 5% pension contribution, 33 days inclusive of bank holidays (pro-rata), extra day off for your birthday, learning & development opportunities, access to EAP, onsite gym, sports, arts and music facilities and subsidised food from our canteen
Closing Date: 21st May 2026
About the Role
As Chief Executive, you will combine inspirational leadership with a strong, hands-on approach to fundraising and commercial direction. Acting as a visible ambassador for the Youth Zone, you will build trust with partners across the city, influence at a regional and national level, and lead with integrity, creativity and purpose to ensure lasting impact for young people and the communities we serve.
Alongside fundraising leadership, you will provide strategic direction, financial clarity and cultural leadership to a values-driven organisation focused relentlessly on young people. You will empower a talented Senior Leadership Team and wider workforce to deliver high-quality, inclusive youth work, while ensuring strong safeguarding, and a safe, inspiring facility that remains fit for purpose.
You will report to the Chair of the Board, through a high support and high challenge relationship, managing an annual budget of approx. £1.2-£1.5m p.a. ensuring the Youth Zone delivers a high-quality offer to local young people.
Key areas of responsibility include:
* Strategy & Governance
* Fundraising & Financial Sustainability
* Leadership & Culture
* Partnerships, Profile & Influence
* Youth Work Quality & Safeguarding
* Building and Facilities
About You
We are looking for a proven leader with significant fundraising experience who can demonstrate success in building long-term relationships with major donors (£25k+), corporate partners, trusts and statutory funders, and who can confidently translate ambition into a diverse, resilient income pipeline that secures the future of the organisation.
You will have experience of:
* Successful senior leadership experience within a charity or similar complex organisation.
* Experience of hands-on fundraising, such as securing and stewarding major donors (£25k+), corporates, trusts and statutory funding.
* Developing and delivering organisational strategies and business plans.
* Leading financially sustainable organisations with strong governance and controls.
* Developing and overseeing high-quality youth-focused services or programmes.
* Working within multi-agency environments, particularly around safeguarding.
To apply, please submit a CV and Cover Letter (of not more than one page), explaining clearly why you are interested in the role.
About the Organisation
The Youth Zone is a limited charity that has been delivering high quality youth provision for 12 years. Originally commissioned with MyPlace funding, the organisation has become a community hub in Harpurhey, North Manchester – one of the poorest wards in England with 94% of youth members come from 1st/ 2nd indices on the national poverty index scale, where cost of living increases impacted hard and caused further adversity and inequality.
As an equal opportunities’ employer, we welcome applications from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race & other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities.
The charity is committed to the safeguarding of young people. In accordance with their Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires an enhanced DBS check.
Other roles you may have experience of could include CEO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive, COO, CFO, Managing Director, Charity Director, Head of Fundraising, Director of Operations, Deputy CEO, Deputy Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Executive.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP