Chief Executive Officer Executive Team Southampton

Access the full recruitment pack here Access the full strategy summary document here

Here at Youth4Youth, we have grown a strong, tight knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team, who are primarily volunteers, all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in or the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.

If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team.

If you are interested in applying for this role, and would like to find out more, you are welcome to join our Chairman and outgoing Volunteer CEO in one of the following informal drop in sessions. This will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the charity, its mission and how you may partner with the Chair to lead Youth4Youth through the next stages of its journey. Sign up is required:

• Wednesday 26th November - 12:00pm
• Wednesday 26th November - 6:00pm
• Friday 5th December - 12:00pm
• Friday 5th December - 6:00pm

About the role

We are seeking a transformational and visionary Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") to lead a national youth focused organisation, dedicated to promoting peer led early intervention support for those in need. The successful candidate will be the first employed leader, propelling Youth4Youth from its robust foundations to the next stages of its development. The CEO will be responsible for turning our recently developed, yet ambitious, strategy into reality. This role provides an exceptional opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact from the outset.

Youth4Youth has secured funding to appoint a CEO for one year, with the expectation that the appointed leader will focus on securing long term sustainable funding, thereby transitioning this position into a permanent role at the end of the fixed term period. Additionally, the CEO will facilitate the appointment of further roles to support our mission as further funding becomes available.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Chair of the Board and Trustees to establish and execute organisational strategy in alignment with the charity's vision, mission, and objectives. This includes ensuring effective governance and legal compliance, and providing sound, evidence based recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
• Champion continuous improvement, ensuring Youth4Youth remains a leading provider of youth led early intervention wellbeing services. Identify and develop opportunities to expand the charity's reach and impact across the UK.
• Oversee effective financial management, ensuring the organisation can continue delivering its services efficiently. Lead the development of sustainable funding streams, enhance fundraising strategies, foster partnerships, and drive growth in commercial activities.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships within and beyond our sector to maximise partnership opportunities. Explore the delivery and co delivery of commissioned services and access broader funding sources previously untapped by the charity.
• Ensure that youth perspectives are central to decision making processes about the charity's future. Establish systems to continuously gather input and feedback from our target beneficiaries.

This position offers the chance to advance an organisation with solid foundations, enhancing its reach and impact across the UK through a volunteer executive leadership team and a growing network of approximately 100 volunteers nationwide. The CEO will be instrumental in crafting a strategic vision that translates into operational success, building and strengthening partnerships across the four nations, developing sustainable funding streams, and ensuring the delivery of high quality services.

Skills

• Exhibit a profound passion for Youth4Youth's mission and demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing the impact of our services.
• Possess substantial experience in senior and/or strategic leadership roles, with proven abilities to both develop and implement organisational strategies.
• Have the capacity to influence effectively, both internally and externally.
• Are action oriented and adaptable to the demands of a dynamic and growing organisation, with the ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently.
• Excel in a fast paced and varied work environment.
• Show a strong commitment to good governance and compliance.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with exceptional interpersonal abilities.
• Embrace inclusivity in all aspects of their work, demonstrating approachability, active listening, and empathy towards others.

While prior experience in youth led or youth focused organisations is not mandatory, candidates must demonstrate passion for our mission and an understanding of our strategy. Experience working with young people is preferred but not required.

Benefits of working with Youth4Youth

• 28 days paid holiday, plus public holidays (pro rate)
• Remote working, with flexibility allowed
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Health Cash Plan & Life Assurance
• Defined contribution pension with a 6% employer contribution
• Access to a range of discounts via charity partner platforms

The hiring process

1. Pre application information sessions (Optional)
2. Application Deadline: 19th December 2025
3. First round interviews to be conducted in early January 2026
4. Second round interview (including a presentation)

Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we'll do our best to assist.

Role

Chief Executive Officer

Reports to

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Salary

£60,000 p.a. (pro rate)

Hours of work

24 hours per week (Part time, 0.6FTE)

Location

Remote, with travel required

Contract type

1 year fixed term contract, with potential to become permanent

Note:

Existing right to work in the UK is required for applicants.