Overview
Chief Executive Officer Jobs in Manchester, UK at Manchester Youth Zone
We’re looking for a CEO who is inspiring, values‑driven, and a confident fundraiser to lead the next exciting chapter for one of Manchester’s most ambitious youth charities.
Manchester Youth Zone is much more than a youth centre. Yes, we have state‑of‑the‑art facilities (climbing walls, gym, dance studios and football pitches), but we’re also a safe space, a hot dinner, a place where young people of North Manchester can feel seen and heard and be inspired.
Based in Harpurhey, our big yellow building has an exceptional track record for making a positive impact on the lives of young people and we want to hear from people who are ready to join us on our mission to level the playing field and lead a new, strategic chapter for youth work in North Manchester.
What Success Looks Like
- A safe inspiring place for young people to go.
- Opportunities for young people in an area where outlooks are often limited.
- A secure and diverse income pipeline covering operational costs, with a focus on multi‑year funding and excellent donor stewardship.
- Strong financial controls, clarity and confidence, with new income streams actively developed.
- A motivated, supported and high‑performing staff and volunteer team that feels valued and connected to the Youth Zone’s vision.
- High quality open‑access youth provision with strong reach, scale, quality and demonstrable impact.
- A strong safeguarding culture with robust risk management embedded in decision‑making.
- A safe, vibrant and well‑maintained facility that meets the needs of young people.
The Role
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead one of Manchester’s most ambitious youth charities at a pivotal moment in its journey. As Chief Executive of Manchester Youth Zone, you will combine inspirational leadership with a strong, hands‑on approach to fundraising and commercial direction. Acting as a visible ambassador for Manchester Youth Zone, you will build trust with partners across the city, influence at a regional and national level, and lead with integrity, creativity and purpose to ensure lasting impact for young people and the communities we serve.
We are looking for a proven leader with significant fundraising experience who can demonstrate success in building long‑term relationships with major donors (£25k+), corporate partners, trusts and statutory funders, and who can confidently translate ambition into a diverse, resilient income pipeline that secures the future of the organisation. Alongside fundraising leadership, you will provide strategic direction, financial clarity and cultural leadership to a values‑driven organisation focused relentlessly on young people.
You will empower a talented Senior Leadership Team and wider workforce to deliver high‑quality, inclusive youth work, while ensuring strong safeguarding, and a safe, inspiring facility that remains fit for purpose.
Key Responsibilities Strategy & Governance
- Work with the Board to maintain, review and strengthen Manchester Youth Zone’s overall strategic plan ensuring alignment to the wider priorities of Manchester and OnSide.
- Ensure successful implementation of the strategic plan.
- Support effective governance and provide timely, accurate information to enable informed decision‑making.
Fundraising & Financial Sustainability
- Alongside the Head of Fundraising, develop and lead an ambitious fundraising strategy.
- Show personal leadership on high‑value fundraising, including securing and stewarding major donors, corporate partners, trusts and statutory partners.
- Translate financial information clearly and confidently, ensuring strong financial planning, monitoring and control.
- Ensure high‑quality impact reporting and strong relationship building to funders and donors to support stewardship, renewal and long‑term engagement.
Leadership & Culture
- Provide clear, inclusive and inspirational leadership to the organisation, leading a team of approximately 50 people.
- Line‑manage and support the Senior Leadership Team (Director of Operations, Head of HR, Head of Finance and Head of Fundraising and Communications).
- Empower teams to deliver high‑quality universal and targeted youth work provision with measurable impact.
- Foster an…
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: Manchester Youth Zone
Location: Manchester, UK
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