CEO is a vital role for the success of a charity’s mission. Inspiring the team to make key decisions that will shape the future of the organisation, it requires expertise and dedication. Every individual charity is different, but CEOs are often required to understand financial and strategic planning, stakeholder relationships, marketing and communications, team leadership, and legal & compliance regulations. The importance of our charity CEOs cannot be overstated. But what does it take to be an inspirational leader in non-profit management?  

Charity CEOs are in a unique position to make an impact on the world, with the opportunity to inspire others, build and develop teams, and ensure that team efforts go towards meaningful change.

 A lot is written about being a new CEO in business, and the challenges and opportunities it brings – from having to adjust to being a newly appointed Board member, to forming new relationships internally and externally, submitting tenders and then agreeing and leading on direction of travel for the organisation. But there is far less information about the specific experience of coming into a Charity as a new Chief Executive.  

So, we asked five new CEOs, all placed by Moon Charity Practice, to share their experiences.

Mark Coates, Creative Youth Network

Laura Serratrice, The James Tudor Foundation

Gene Joyner, Fareshare SouthWest

Rebecca Mear, Voscur

Jacqui Orchard  - CEO of the Bath and North East Somerset Carers Centre 

“What does a charity CEO look like in 2023? For me, there's always been something special about working in the volunteer sector. Charities have a way of focusing on what’s important which can lead to wider system recognition and change. I have also met and worked with many inspirational trustees, volunteers, and staff who have helped me to grow into the person I am today. During my career I have been involved with or led charities that have pioneered a change in attitudes towards young carers, people with additional needs, domestic violence and stalking alongside delivering innovative approaches to support.”

“A new charity CEO in 2023 must be prepared to: wear many hats within strategic and operational spheres – but remember you are leading on strategy; look after your staff, volunteers and trustees; understand the internal and external context of your work; embrace digital technologies; be agile and innovative, the external environment will be challenging for the next few years; really listen to the people your charity is set-up to support and put them at the heart of all that you do; have good personal boundaries and self-care”.

At Moon Executive Search, our Charity Practice is proud to work closely with a wide range of Charitable Trusts, Community Interest Companies, Not-for-Profit organisations, and Community Foundations nationwide. We have extensive experience headhunting for CEO, COO, Chair, and Trustee candidates.  

Looking for a Charity CEO? Or interested in finding your first not-for profit CEO role? Contact Sandy Hinks, our Head of Charity Practice, and find out how we can help.