Chief Executive

YMCA St Helens is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates irrespective of religious belief, gender, disability, age, race, political opinion, marital status, sexual orientation or whether or not they have dependents.

Purpose of the Role

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will provide inspiring leadership and effective operational and strategic management to YMCA St Helens. With a core focus on housing initiatives, supporting vulnerable children, young people, families and adults, particularly through family and youth work, health and wellbeing projects, training & education, and support and advice services. The CEO will ensure the charity achieves its mission, operates sustainably, and adheres to the highest standards of governance, conduct, and performance.

The CEO will work closely with the Board of Trustees, staff, and stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that maximise the charity’s impact in the local community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement the organisation’s vision, mission, and strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Trustees.
Drive a culture of excellence, ensuring alignment with YMCA St Helens’ ethos and values.
Anticipate and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities, ensuring sustainability and relevance.
Operational Management

Lead, motivate, and manage the senior leadership team to deliver high-quality, impactful services.
Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring robust procedures are in place to support effective service delivery.
Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and safeguarding requirements.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability.
Governance and Reporting

Support the Chair and Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance and informed decision-making.
Provide timely, accurate reports on the charity’s performance, finances, and strategic objectives.
Ensure adherence to the charity’s constitution and statutory requirements, including financial and regulatory reporting.
Financial Management and Fundraising

Develop and oversee financial strategies, ensuring the charity’s long-term sustainability and financial health.
Lead the formulation and management of budgets, maintaining transparency and accountability.
Drive a robust fundraising strategy, engaging with donors, grant-making bodies, and

corporate partners to secure sustainable income streams.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

Act as the principal ambassador for YMCA St Helens, strengthening its reputation and profile locally, regionally, and nationally, in particular with YMCA England and Wales.
Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, including funders, community groups, and government agencies.
Advocate for vulnerable children, young people, families and adults, in order to influence public policy to advance the charity’s mission.
Housing and Service Delivery

Provide strategic leadership for supported housing services, ensuring high-quality, compliant service delivery.
Support managers in operational planning and inter-agency partnerships, fostering collaboration with public, private, and voluntary sectors.
Maintain and improve service provision to meet the needs of residents and the local community.
Family and Youth Work Delivery

Provide strategic leadership for our Ofsted registered nursery (The Beacon Nursery), Early Intervention Youth Hub (focusing on supporting 11-25 year olds with their mental health & wellbeing), and our wider family & youth work across the region/nationally.

Support managers in operational planning and inter-agency partnerships, fostering collaboration with public, private, and voluntary sectors across the Cheshire & Merseyside region, and nationally.

Be a lead voice in St Helens, Cheshire & Merseyside, and nationally in the development of family & youth work strategies with a particular focus on mental health and wellbeing.
Safeguarding and Inclusion

Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the whole organisation, ensuring a strong safeguarding culture, creating a safe and inclusive environment for all service users.
Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within YMCA St Helens, embedding these principles in all areas of operation.

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Skills

Proven track record in senior leadership, ideally within the charity or public sector.
Demonstrated experience in operational and financial management, including strategic planning and budgeting.
Experience in being a registered provider of social housing.
Experience in family, youthwork, housing or social care services, with knowledge of the challenges faced by people.
Strong fundraising skills, with experience in securing funding from diverse income streams.
Ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships across sectors.
Knowledge of charity governance, including compliance with regulatory and legal requirements in the UK.

Personal Attributes

Inspirational and empathetic leader with a commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Resilient and adaptable, capable of leading through change and challenges.