Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Location: Grace House, Sunderland

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: £45,000 per annum

About Grace House

Grace House NE is a leading charity dedicated to supporting disabled young people, their families, and young adults through tailored services and innovative projects. These include youth groups, financial and welfare advice, accessible physical activities, and social enterprise initiatives.

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to drive the charity forward, ensuring the delivery of impactful services, maintaining excellent governance, and developing the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

Job Purpose

The Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to Grace House, reporting directly to the Board of Trustees. The CEO will ensure robust governance, effective management of multiple projects, financial sustainability, and the development of innovative strategies to enhance the charity’s impact.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Development

Develop and implement the strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, ensuring alignment with Grace House’s mission and values.
Lead the growth and development of the charity, identifying opportunities to expand services and reach new beneficiaries.
Provide inspirational leadership to the staff team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
Act as the primary ambassador for Grace House, representing the charity at events, with stakeholders, and in the media.

Governance and Compliance

Work closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance and adherence to the charity’s constitution, policies, and legal obligations.
Provide the Trustees with accurate, timely reports on the charity’s performance, risks, and strategic direction.
Ensure compliance with charity law, financial regulations, and other statutory requirements.

Project and Operational Management

· The CEO is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Grace House, a large and complex building, ensuring full compliance with legislative requirements and maintaining high standards of building upkeep. This includes managing building maintenance personnel and overseeing the maintenance budget effectively.

· Oversee the delivery of multiple projects and services, ensuring high-quality outcomes for beneficiaries.

Manage cross-functional teams to meet objectives, deadlines, and funding requirements.
Monitor and evaluate the impact of services, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with beneficiary needs.

Financial Management

Develop and manage the charity’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and effective use of resources.
Identify and secure diverse income streams, including grants, partnerships, and social enterprise initiatives.
Oversee financial reporting, risk management, and compliance with financial regulations.

Marketing and Public Relations

Develop and implement a marketing and PR strategy to raise the profile of Grace House and its services.
Oversee the creation of promotional materials, campaigns, and digital content to engage stakeholders and attract supporters.
Act as the primary spokesperson for the charity, building strong relationships with media outlets and public stakeholders.

Team and Stakeholder Management

Manage, support, and develop the staff team, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and performance targets.
Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, corporate partners, local authorities, and community organisations.
Foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes the well-being of staff and volunteers.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Proven experience in a senior leadership role, ideally within the charity or social enterprise sector.
Strong understanding of governance and working with a Board of Trustees.
Demonstrable experience in strategic planning, project management, and financial oversight.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholders.
Experience in developing and implementing marketing and PR strategies.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify and mitigate risks effectively.

Desirable Criteria

Knowledge of the challenges faced by disabled young people and their families.
Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams and complex projects.
Familiarity with social enterprise models and income diversification strategies.

The closing date for applications is 9am on 17th January.

To arrange an informal chat about the role, please contact Victoria Brown at vb@gracehouse.co.uk.

To apply, please send your CV along with a one-page cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the position. Applications must be submitted by the closing date.

Grace House North East 🧡

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