Chief Executive

Being a Chief Executive is a very demanding job. This role often entails looking after and organising a wide range of people and usually a number of staff.

The Job
 
The position of Chief Executive can appear within many different settings throughout the voluntary and community sector, and can offer a wide and varied career. The role involves providing leadership to motivate the staff at their place of work. The job of the Chief Executive is primarily the responsibility for the management of an organisation involving a number of different projects.
 
The Chief Executive works closely with the members of the organisation's committee to make sure that the outcomes are met. The Chief Executive also meets with a diverse range of people both regionally and in some cases nationally in order to promote the work of the organisation, and make people aware of what is going on, and what is to come.
 
The role usually means that this person will be out of the office on a regular basis meeting with people in their partnership organisations. The Chief Executive is also ultimately in charge of deciding and finalising the fundraising for the organisation. 
 
Skills Needed
 
There are a number of high level skills and abilities that you need to have to be a successful Chief Executive. These include:

• Strategic experience at a senior level and a high level of understanding of the Third Sector
• Excellent communication skills
• Entrepreneurial flair
• Proven extensive marketing skills
• Familiarity with sources of funding and bid writing
• Understand the control of budgets and the allocation / management of resources
• Knowledge of monitoring and control
• Strong negotiation and leadership skills
• Knowledge of the project area and an understanding of the surrounding topic issues
• A track record of developing new income streams, influential relationships and partnerships.

Useful Training
 
There are no set qualification requirements for Chief Executives within the voluntary and community sector, however several years management experience and / or education to degree level is common. A proven track record of running a project or organisation is usually required.
 
There are a number of training courses that may be beneficial to work of Chief Executives these can include bid writing courses, communication and marketing courses as well as high level leadership courses.

See Kate Welch's Case Study for more information regarding the role of a Chief Executive.