Interim Chief Executive

Role details

This is a maternity cover role with a fixed-term contract of twelve months.

Given the close connection with women who have faced trauma and experienced violence and the faith-based nature of the charity culture, there are Genuine Occupational Requirements (as set out in the Equality Act 2010) for the postholder to be female and actively supportive of the Christian faith.

Please note that this is one of two maternity cover posts currently advertised by Strength & Stem. We are also looking for an Interim Programme Director (maternity cover post).

Role Title: Interim CEO

Reports to: Chair of Trustees

Background: Leadership, strategy, governance, fundraising, operations.

Hours: 0.5 FTE. This is the equivalent of 2.5 days a week (18.75 hours) but there is mutual flexibility in the structure of how these hours are agreed. Some attendance at the programme in Kings Cross, London and at evening or weekend meetings will be required.

Salary: £50,000 pro-rata, equating to £25,000 per year for 2.5 days per week (18.75 hours per week). Reasonable programme-related travel expenses will be covered (this does not include accommodation).

Location: Hybrid working with some travel into London and other locations as required.

Start date: March 2025.

To see the full job description and person specification, please visit our website and download the Job Description.

About Strength & Stem

Strength & Stem is a charity and social enterprise that uses floristry to help female modern slavery survivors experience restoration and empowerment.

Our core programme, Flowers for the Future , is led by a small staff team and runs annually from May to January in Kings Cross London. Over nine months, participants complete vocational floristry training, prevocational and wellbeing skills training, mentorship, and work experience to increase their agency, strengthen relationships and wellbeing, and become prepared for employment. Working with flowers, participants gain valuable skills, build a brighter future, and engage with a therapeutic tool to support their healing from trauma.

Ultimately, our vision is to see survivors restored from their trauma, empowered for the future, and able to sustain a good quality of life.

Strength and Stem started with a pilot project in 2019, and we are now in our third year of running a programme based on a well-developed theory of change and monitoring and evaluation approach.

We are a values-led and faith-based organisation which welcomes everyone and works hard to live out its values of

• Empowerment
• Restoration
• Inclusivity
• Connection
• Regular Reflection
• Creativity

Role summary

The Interim CEO will be responsible for providing leadership and effective management to achieve the charity's mission and goals. They will oversee all aspects of the organisation, including impact, fundraising, financial management, and stakeholder relations.

As Interim CEO you will be expected to safeguard the charity s culture and staff wellbeing, ensure the continued delivery and effectiveness of our high-quality programme, and ensure the organisation remains financially fit for the future.

We are looking for a versatile, forward-thinking, and empathetic leader with excellent communication abilities, fundraising expertise, a commitment to support the organisation through its period of growth and change, and a deep dedication to empowering survivors of modern slavery.

How to apply

Please send an up-to-date CV along with a cover letter of no more than two pages to the email address outlined in the Job Description.

Please ensure your cover letter references how your skills and experience match the job description.

The application deadline is midnight on Monday the 5th of January 2025.