Chief Officer

At Esteem any young person can belong and make a positive difference , no matter what challenges they face Young people aged 14-26 can realise their strength to cope with life’s challenges and thrive into their futures Our community is grounded in trust and respect, and built with young people for young people Our work leads to highly positive outcomes for wellbeing, confidence, skills development and active citizenship. Over 88% of young people who attend Esteem feel more confident to meet people, leave the house, and get involved in their local community Taking an asset-based approach to working with young adults, we are focused on people’s strengths and avoid othering people by labelling. We build from strengths and actively facilitate independence and initiative, aiming for young adults to work jointly with staff and our volunteers to create and embed progress in their lives. We offer the time they need to trust and experience being trusted, to learn, build resilience and to grow. As Chief Officer you'll lead with dynamic, inspiring, and truly participatory leadership, nurturing Esteem's unique ethos and facilitating young adults and staff as co-creators in the organisation's mission and future, while upholding the strategic and governance frameworks set by the board of trustees. The incoming Chief Officer will be joining Esteem at a pivotal time of consolidation and potential growth, with opportunities and challenges that require both visionary and pragmatic leadership. Esteem is a special organisation and we need a special individual to help us take it forward into the future. The role requires a deep respect for youth agency and a commitment to enabling young people as leaders within Esteem. Position: Chief Officer Accountable to: Chair of Trustees Location: Esteem, Old School House, Ham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex - with some options for flexible/hybrid working Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time), core hours of 10am–6pm (30-37.5 hours per week negociable) Salary: £50,000 to £55,000 per annum - Depending on experience Annual leave and benefits: 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays and Christmas close down) Occupational Sick Pay (325 hours in rolling 12-month) following probation Company pension scheme Healthcare cash plan - from day one 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme - from day one How to apply: Visit our jobs board to view the Recruitment Pack Closing date: 9am Friday 15th August 2025 Responsibilities: Lead with purpose and a strengths-based approach Make things work day-to-day Steward our resources and risk Connect our community, inside and out Safeguard Esteem’s integrity Shape the future together Champion good governance Board Collaboration Person Specification Essential Criteria: Experience: Proven leadership experience within a participatory, values-driven organisation. (A, I) Demonstrated success in building and maintaining high-quality strategic relationships with funders, stakeholders, and partners, including high-net-worth individuals. (A, I) Experience of working within a safeguarding framework, with a thorough understanding of best practices and legislative requirements as part of a contextual safeguarding approach. (A) Experience leading or managing a multidisciplinary team of staff and volunteers. (A) Skills and Abilities: Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, combined with strategic thinking (A, I, E). Ability to lead collaboratively, enabling young adults and staff to exercise agency and co-create solutions and contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s mission. (A, I) Knowledge of organisational governance and collaborative strategic planning in a small-to-medium-sized organisation. (A, I) Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and foster an intentional environment which promotes a work-life balance. (A) Skilled in managing transitions and change, ensuring stability while fostering collective agility, innovation and growth. (A) Strong financial management and analytical skills, understands the income & expenditures statement, balance sheet, forecasting and cashflow (A, I, E). Values and Leadership Style: A fundamental commitment to Esteem’s values and participatory approach. (A, I) A strong commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to promoting an organisational culture of trust, respect and belonging. (A, I) A foundational understanding of the importance of wellbeing for all in the organisation. (A, I) Open to feedback and reflective practice, with a strong commitment to personal and organisational learning. (A) A collaborative and facilitative leadership style that builds consensus and nurtures relationships across the organisation.(A, I) Desirable Familiarity with a range of program delivery methods, digital engagement strategies and online platforms that promote inclusion and remove barriers to participation for young adults, and foster community building and organisational strengthening. (A) Knowledge of diverse impact measurement and evaluation methodologies, particularly relevant to young adult development programs.(A) Advanced facilitation skills for engaging diverse groups, including young adults, in co-creative processes and discussions.(A, E) Experience in writing successful grant applications and developing compelling funding proposals. (A) Experience of challenges faced by young people and underrepresented groups is highly valued (A,I)

Location: Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex,, GB

Posted Date: 7/4/2025