Chief Executive Officer Vacancy Ferne Animal Sanctuary

Job Title:	Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Reports to:	Board of Trustees
Manages:	Senior Leadership Team: Chief Operating Officer Animal Care and Land Manager Retail Operations Manager Social Media and Content Creator PA/Sanctuary Admin Manager
Location:	Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Wambrook, Somerset. This is not a remote working position
Hours:	Full-time, but flexibility required. Events, fundraising and networking take place outside regular office hours
Contract Length:	Permanent

ABOUT THE SANCTUARY

The mission of the Sanctuary is to be a centre of excellence for animal care and rehabilitation through education, support and re-homing

For over 80 years, Ferne Animal Sanctuary has provided refuge for unwanted and neglected animals, promoting animal welfare and finding forever homes for those in need, either with us or in our local community. We have over 300 abandoned and unwanted animals at the sanctuary, many with complex problems, so they stay with us, and we look after them forever. Another 200-250 animals are successfully re–homed each year.

In addition, Ferne runs on-site activities for children and families, holds events such as the Annual Dog Show, and has a function room available for hire. There is also a Gift and Pet Supplies Shop on-site as well as online, and several retail charity shops in Somerset, one in Sidmouth, Devon and one in Dorchester. As part of our commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare, we hold courses and workshops on pet care. At the end of 2024, Ferne began a commercial operation providing boarding for dogs and cats.

Ferne has invested almost £2m in the last five years in upgrading the Sanctuary provision and facilities and has a clear vision for the future. The challenges facing us as a charity are similar to those of many others: raising income, delivering our objectives and measuring impact in a world where the need for our services is growing. We are moving into an exciting phase of expansion and we strive to create a positive, collaborative culture where everyone knows how they contribute to our mission and delivery plans.

THE ROLE

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides strategic and operational leadership for the Sanctuary. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO is expected to develop the charity’s long-term aims, budget and business plan and to provide leadership to the direct reports, as well as to the wider team of employees and volunteers. The role is also an external-facing one, primarily with the local community, businesses, media, current and prospective donors.

The Sanctuary is just completing a five-year strategic plan and the incoming CEO will be expected to work with the Board on developing a strategy from 2025. Current Strategic Aims are:

• To improve the welfare of animals through changing people’s behaviour

• To expand our operation to ensure we can meet the needs of the growing number of animals surrendered to us

• To maximise re-homing opportunities for all domestic and farm animals surrendered to our care

• To provide the knowledge and skills the staff and volunteers need to carry out their roles effectively

• To maintain our policies and practices to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the charity

• To fundraise effectively to deliver our strategy

• To drive business development opportunities and maximise the profitability of our charity shops

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & Governance

• Develops and implements strategy with the Board and ensures the Board has the information it needs to make timely and effective decisions

• Supports the Chair of the Board and its Committees in ensuring the robust governance of the charity.

• Ensures compliance with relevant regulatory and ethical frameworks, and takes the lead in ensuring compliance with and best practice in maintaining Health and Safety standards.

People management

• Develops the overall capacity and operational capability of the leadership team; ensures the Sanctuary maintains the highest people management standards, including development and succession planning

• Provides inspiring and inclusive leadership to engage our workforce and maximise employee and volunteer commitment

• Fosters a culture of collaboration, high performance, accountability and confidentiality

External Representation

• Acts as the organisation’s ambassador, fostering relationships to enhance reputation and fundraising efforts

• Takes the lead in developing and implementing the marketing and branding strategies

• Ensures that the charity is maximising public awareness and support via social media and a robust multi-channel marketing strategy, including cohesive and aligned messaging across all platforms and events

Income Generation

• Develops and oversees a strategy for diverse and sustainable income generation that supports the strategic plan, including with current and prospective donors

• Develops and ensures delivery of the commercial strategy for the charity’s retail operations (on- and off-site)

Resource & Business Management

• Ensures and oversees robust financial management of resources.

• Leads on digital transformation projects

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Experience in managing the leadership function in a similar sized multi-site organisation or in a senior leadership role in a larger organisation

• Outstanding ability to engage and inspire a diverse, multi-site workforce including volunteers

• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans to drive both internal and external operational delivery

• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, including the ability to speak with conviction and clarity in public.

• Excellent communication and relationship building skills

• Skills in building lasting relationships with funders and donors to secure long-term support for the Sanctuary

• A strong understanding of governance, with experience working alongside a Board

Desirable:

• Although previous experience in an animal welfare charity is not essential, the CEO is expected to understand the ethos of animal welfare charities and related animal welfare legislation

• Sound understanding of the commercial aspects of running a charity, including retail shops

• Multi-site leadership experience would be advantageous.

The Sanctuary reserves the right to vary or amend the duties and responsibilities of the post-holder at any time.

Contact Information

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