Role description
Chief Executive Officer
Salary: circa £85,000 per annum, plus competitive pension
Location: East Suffolk office to be established
Reporting to: EaST Board of Trustees
Annual leave: 28 days/a plus bank holidays rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service
Purpose of the role
The primary role of the Chief Executive Officer is to establish and lead the newly established EAST Suffolk Trust (EAST) Charity in line with the objects and approved purposes of the charity. This will involve key tasks to
To be responsible for driving forward the grant programme and for administering, monitoring and reviewing the programme as agreed with the Trustees.
To report to the Trustees, providing high level guidance and recommendations for grants to an agreed timetable and programme.
To support the Chair directly in the business of the Trust and Trustee meetings.
To oversee the financial management of the Charity’s funds and report to the Trustees on an agreed regular basis.
Key responsibilities
Strategy, leadership and management
Set and deliver the overall strategic aims and objectives of the Charity
Lead, manage and oversee all operations of the charity
Build and manage a small staff team to support the effective running of the organisation
Manage the finances of the charity including the establishment of a long term financial plan and annual operating budgets
Be responsible for preparing the annual reports and accounts
Produce/ commission discussion papers and reports for Trustees as required, including management information, data/ trends analysis, environmental impacts and outcomes.
Grant management
Establish and operate an effective and clear grant management process.
Provide support and guidance to potential grant applicants as required.
Assess applications in accordance with application guidance and procedures, reaching balanced recommendations for the Trustees against agreed budgets.
Monitor the delivery of approved projects, helping to resolve issues which may arise.
Conduct site visits across EastSuffolk and the wider county, to assess proposals and monitor project progress.
Develop and monitor agreed indicators for performance, impacts/outcomes of grants allocated and ensure longer terms environmental impacts are recorded.
Partnerships and stakeholders
Collaborate as appropriate with strategic partners, including local authorities and others, to identify and develop opportunities which support delivery of the Charity’s objects and ensure that strategic goals are met
Work with landowners and local organisations to enable any developments maximise gains for nature and the natural environment.
Provide ways for local communities of all ages to better connect with nature and the wider environment.
Communication
Establish and operate communication mechanisms - including a website and social media - to inform stakeholders about grant opportunities and outcomes
Encourage best practise and promote exemplars in managing environmental impacts.
Act as spokesperson for EaST and first point of contact for media and external communications
Ensure equity, diversity and inclusion are embedded in all aspects of work of the Charity, and that public awareness raising and education are foremost in the Charity’s outcomes
Governance
Establish and operate a regular pattern of Trustee meetings to make timely decisions and to provide strategic direction to the Charity
Ensure the Advisory Committee established by the Trustees provides independent and effective professional scrutiny, advice and guidance for the Trustees to deliver the work of the Charity.
Person specification
Essential requirements:
Strong leadership qualities and significant experience of high quality service delivery.
A self-starter who can work independently taking advice and guidance as needed with the ability, flexibility and drive to set-up a new organisation.
Excellent organisational skills and experience of managing a diverse workload.
Commitment and enthusiasm for the natural environment, including the coastal marine environment and local habitats with a good understanding of climate change and environmental sustainability.
Strong communication skills, both externally and internally; ability to engage confidently with a diverse range of applicants and grant recipients, including handling complex situations effectively.
Desirable requirements:
Experience of effective decision making in a grant giving environment, preferably with a Trust or similar body.
Experience of education and awareness raising programmes and projects.
The post holder would be required to have a working base in East Suffolk. This is a full time, permanent role.
