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Chief Executive Officer

Community Action Network
Bournemouth, Dorset
Full-time
9th March 2026
Listed 1 day ago

Responsible to: The Chair and the Board of Trustees.

Responsible for: The overall strategic development and day-to-day running of the charity, including all staff and volunteers.

Salary: Competitive for the small charity sector, depending on agreed hours and experience. BBS also a generous leave entitlement of 28 days annual holiday during each year and NEST pension contributions.

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full time, with a need for flexibility (some evening/weekend work).

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset.

Bournemouth Blind Society (BBS) is the oldest independent Charity in Bournemouth. The Charity supports local blind and partially sighted people to lead active and independent lives. The Charity offers Centre based Activities, Sports Groups and a Sight & Hearing Resource Centre. The outreach includes Community Support, Emotional Support and Befriending. Volunteers help deliver the charity Services. The charity is self-funded and receives no unconditional government grants relying on fundraising, donations and legacies.
BBS are seeking an outstanding and empathetic leader to become the Chief Executive Officer of BBS, working with our trustees, staff, and volunteers to further develop our organisation and make a real difference for people across Bournemouth and Dorset.

Job Purpose:

  • To provide inspirational and effective leadership, ensuring the charity delivers its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with the Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and funders.
    Key Responsibilities
  • Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and implementation of the charity’s vision, mission, and long-term strategy in partnership with the Board.
  • Governance & Compliance: Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure full compliance with Charity Law, the Charity Commission, and all relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, data protection).
  • Fundraising & Financial Management: Oversee the charity’s financial planning, manage budgets, and lead on developing and delivering a diversified fundraising strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. This includes writing grant applications and identifying new income streams.
  • Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery and managing risk.
  • Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and manage a team of staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and inclusive organisational culture.
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Act as the primary ambassador for the charity, building strong relationships with local authorities, funders, community partners, and the media.

Person Specification- Essential Experience & Skills:

  • Proven experience in a senior leadership or management role, ideally within the charity/non-profit sector.
  • Demonstrable success in income generation, including grants and fundraising.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and reporting.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and networking skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
  • Experience of working closely with or reporting to a Board of Trustees.
  • Strong understanding of governance, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements in the UK charity sector.
  • Ability to be a decisive, adaptable, and inspiring leader, comfortable with a hands-on role in a small organisation.

Desirable Attributes:

  • A qualification in business administration, non-profit management, or a relevant field.
  • Knowledge of the specific issues or services the charity provides.
  • Experience in social enterprise development or digital transformation

Bournemouth Blind Society are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity. All applicants must have a right to work in the UK.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) should demonstrate how you meet the person specification set out in the job description. Send this to: chair@bournemouthblindsociety.uk

The deadline for applications is Monday, 9 March 2026.