Wilderness Foundation UK are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the charity into its next chapter of impact, influence, and sustainability.
This is a pivotal leadership role for a values-driven, visionary CEO who can inspire people, shape strategy, and steward the charity’s mission with integrity and ambition. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, senior leadership team, staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters to ensure the organisation thrives operationally, financially, and culturally. The CEO is both the strategic compass and the public voice of the charity, holding the big picture while remaining deeply connected to the people and places at the heart of the charity’s work.
Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Chelmsford, Essex (with national engagement and travel as required)
Salary: £60,000 to £70,000 per annum, depending on experience
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Provide inspirational leadership and a clear, compelling vision aligned with the charity’s mission and values
- Develop and deliver a long-term strategy that strengthens impact, reach, and sustainability
- Lead organisational growth while safeguarding programme quality and ethos
Organisational Leadership
- Lead, motivate, and support a skilled and passionate staff team
- Foster a healthy, inclusive, and high-performing organisational culture
- Ensure robust governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance
Finance & Sustainability
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and performance to ensure long-term viability
- Drive income diversification through fundraising, partnerships, grants, and trading activity
- Work closely with the Board on financial strategy and accountability
External Relations & Advocacy
- Act as the principal ambassador and spokesperson for Wilderness Foundation UK
- Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, partners, commissioners, and stakeholders
- Represent the charity within the nature, conservation, wellbeing, and youth sectors
Programme & Impact Oversight
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based nature and wilderness programmes
- Champion innovation in nature-based education and therapy
- Uphold strong monitoring, evaluation, and learning to demonstrate impact
Why Join Wilderness Foundation UK?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected and impactful organisation where nature is not a backdrop, but the catalyst for change. As CEO, you will shape lives, protect wild places, and guide a charity that stands at the intersection of wellbeing, education, and conservation.
If you are a leader who believes that nature can heal people and people can protect nature, Wilderness Foundation UK would love to hear from you.
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