Chief Executive Officer

Schoolsweek; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading education charity in the UK is looking for a CEO to provide strategic leadership and direction, enhancing the quality of education for all learners. This role requires a strong understanding of the UK schools sector and proven experience in leadership, partnership building, and growth strategies. The CEO will represent the organization externally, drive membership growth and engage with key stakeholders. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and a salary commensurate with seniority and responsibility.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of the UK schools sector and national education priorities.
• Proven success in education and demonstrable impact.
• Experience in building partnerships and external relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for NACE.
• Act as the ambassador with external stakeholders.
• Drive growth in memberships and ensure engagement.

Skills

Dynamic communication

Strategic thinking

Interpersonal skills

Commercial awareness

Job description

Currently, outcomes for a significant minority of young people are capped below what they could achieve. Their needs can and should be addressed. It has been NACE’s mission for over 35 years to try to ensure that such young people achieve at the highest levels of which they are capable. We now need a CEO to continue and strengthen this work.

Purpose of the Role

The CEO will position NACE at the centre of school improvement for more able learners and through a challenge for all approach enhance the quality of education for all learners.
The CEO will provide strategic leadership and direction to enable NACE to grow, to strengthen its national profile, build influential partnerships and expand its membership base.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide clear strategic direction in line with NACE’s mission and long-term vision.
• Lead the development of organisational strategy, ensuring relevance to the evolving education landscape and national priorities.
• Position NACE at the forefront of national thinking on high quality policy, curriculum design and pedagogy for more able learners in the context of wider whole-school improvement.
• Identify opportunities to expand NACE’s influence, partnerships, and reach.

External Relations and Influence

• Act as the primary ambassador for NACE with policymakers, system and school leaders, Ofsted, DfE, and wider sector organisations.
• Strengthen NACE’s national profile through strategic communication, presentations, and media engagement.
• Develop partnerships and alliances across education, charitable and commercial sectors.
• Promote the value of NACE membership, resources and services.

Membership Growth and Engagement

• Drive a significant and sustainable increase in membership, targeting an ambitious growth trajectory.
• Ensure a coherent membership proposition that clearly articulates the benefits of NACE involvement.
• Work with stakeholders to expand reach, visibility and engagement across the sector.
• Identify new opportunities for growth, sponsorship and partnerships.

Organisational Leadership and Management

• Lead, motivate and develop the central NACE team and wider associates.
• Ensure effective delegation, performance management and staff development.
• Lead an efficient and well-structured organisation capable of delivering growth.
• Work collaboratively with trustees, support strong governance and compliance with charity regulations.

Financial and Commercial Management

• Lead the financial planning and budgeting process to ensure sustainability.
• Identify commercial opportunities and potential income streams.
• Ensure efficient use of resources and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Oversee risk management, compliance and financial reporting.

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of the UK schools sector, national education priorities and challenges.
• Proven success and demonstrable impact in education, school leadership or system leadership.
• Knowledge of UK schools sector and school improvement.
• Experience in organisational leadership and delivering strategic outcomes.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Financial literacy and confidence in managing budgets.
• Experience in building partnerships and external relationships.

Desirable Experience & Knowledge

• Knowledge of provision and research in the education of more/highly able learners.
• Experience of leading membership-based or charitable organisations.
• Experience delivering organisational growth or transformation.
• Experience in marketing, communications and public relations.
• Prior involvement in fundraising and sponsorship.
• Knowledge of the challenges faced by disadvantaged learners.

Skills and Attributes

• Dynamic, inspiring and effective communicator.
• Strategic thinker able to articulate a compelling vision.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Commercial and entrepreneurial awareness.
• Highly self-motivated with resilience and drive.
• Committed to NACE’s mission and values.

Working Arrangements

• The role may be part-time or full-time.
• Minimum commitment of three days per week equivalent.
• Hybrid working with regular office presence required.
• Salary commensurate with seniority and responsibility, within overall organisational budget.

Other Information

This is a senior leadership role requiring a high level of commitment, influence and strategic impact. The CEO will play a central role in enabling NACE to thrive, grow and contribute meaningfully to the national school
improvement landscape.