Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

At Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF), we are seeking our next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Are you passionate about empowering young people and creating lasting change in their lives? Do you possess the strategic leadership skills necessary to guide a thriving charity into its next chapter of growth and impact? If so, we want to hear from you!

About Us
For over 100 years, GMYF has been at the forefront of providing transformative youth services and empowering communities across Greater Manchester. We collaborate closely with volunteer-led youth clubs in some of the most marginalised areas, delivering positive activities, training, and support that help young people discover new opportunities, build confidence, and thrive. Our mission is to provide year-round recreational and educational experiences, ensuring that young people, volunteers, and leaders alike reach their full potential.

As we expand our services, including the construction of a new community centre, two additional youth centres, and a residential centre in the Lake District, we are looking for a dynamic, values-driven CEO to lead us into the future. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the helm of an organisation poised for substantial growth, where you will drive our strategic vision of increasing outdoor activities and enhancing our fundraising capabilities.

Key Details:

Role: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Greater Manchester Youth Federation
Location: Greater Manchester
Salary: £75,000 - £80,000
Contract: Permanent, full-time

The Role
As CEO, you will report directly to the Board of Trustees and hold overall responsibility for the leadership, strategy, and administration of the charity. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of GMYF by:

• Overseeing the development and expansion of new clubs and services across Greater Manchester, including planning and executing the build of our new community centre and additional youth centres, ensuring they are equipped to meet the needs of the young people we serve.
• Driving the growth and success of our residential services and outdoor activities. You will ensure that our offerings comply with all relevant safety and educational standards, while working towards specific participation growth targets, including establishing a Gold-level Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) group.
• Maximising the use of our Ormside Mill Residential Centre, promoting it as a hub for outdoor education, affiliated club activities, and residential trips, while encouraging affiliated clubs to take an active role in organising their activities at the centre.
• Building and nurturing strong relationships with local authorities, council members, and community stakeholders, as well as acting as a public representative for GMYF to enhance our profile and secure additional funding and partnerships.
• Ensuring robust governance, financial sustainability, and compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks while actively engaging in fundraising initiatives to support our growth objectives.

Your ability to inspire and engage others will be crucial as you lead the organisation through this exciting period of expansion.

About You
We are seeking a candidate who combines strategic leadership with hands-on management experience, ideally within youth services or a related field. You will be a proactive leader, capable of developing and delivering long-term plans while remaining ready to "roll up your sleeves" and engage with the community when necessary.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Significant experience in a senior management role within youth services, outdoor education, or a similar sector, to include service development.
• A proven track record in leading organisational change, motivating teams, and fostering a positive culture.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, ensuring financial sustainability, and driving fundraising efforts, particularly in a charity setting.
• In-depth understanding of charity governance, regulatory requirements, and compliance, with the ability to navigate the complexities of public sector partnerships.
• Experience working with Boards of Trustees, providing strategic guidance, and ensuring effective governance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels and represent GMYF with gravitas in the local area.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Why Join Us?
This is an incredible opportunity for an ambitious leader to make a profound difference in the lives of young people across Greater Manchester. We are in a strong financial position, supported by endowments and recent multi-year funding, which allows us to focus on our ambitious growth plans. As we aim to enhance our youth provision through new clubs and services, you will have the chance to shape our strategic direction and make a lasting impact in the community.

Join us at GMYF and be part of a transformative journey where your leadership can create tangible, positive outcomes for the young people we serve. Together, we can build a brighter future for our communities and empower the next generation to thrive!

If you would like to receive an Information Pack for this CEO role with full details, including how to apply, please send an expression of interest and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile in confidence to our consultant, Jenny Hills at Harris Hill, executive at harrishill co uk. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny at the above address with suitable times to talk.

Closing date for applications: 9am Monday 4th November.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.