Chief Executive Officer in Lewes

Action in rural Sussex (AirS) are looking for a new CEO with the experience and motivation to lead strategic

development across Sussex, design business plans for growth and bring together collaborative partnerships.

This is a serious opportunity to lead an established charity working to enhance community life across rural Sussex, particularly in the many places that are overlooked and underserved.

Since 1931 AirS has worked to demonstrate there is a better way of doing things: community-led change across Sussex.

As a member of National ACRE (England’s largest network of rural community support charities) we aim to build resilience in rural Sussex.

We believe in the potential for local action to meet local needs and aspirations.

We celebrate the benefits of community participation and decision making.

AirS work is directed towards community ownership of local assets.

We do this by enabling the building of community-led housing and rural affordable housing, facilitating community-led plans and supporting asset based community development.

Our current community development work ranges from projects to explore fragments of remaining ancient woodland, helping kindle networks of social groups, activities and small enterprises and providing advice to hurdle the multiple administrative challenges that come with running community buildings, land and groups. 

We are seeking an ideas person with an enthusiastic understanding of community development, a keen interest in rural Sussex, engaging communication skills and sound financial expertise.

You will report to the Chair of Trustees, work collaboratively with the board, and lead by example using the experience of our management and staff teams to ensure AirS is a place where people can thrive and do their best work.

A full candidate pack including key responsibilities and a person specification may be obtained via Home | Action in rural Sussex

YOUR BACKGROUND

We are seeking an energetic ‘all-rounder’ - a proven leadership professional who will roll their sleeves up and deliver. 

You will have a demonstrable track record of successful delivery as a Chief Executive Officer, or similar senior leadership and strategic roles, ideally in a not for profit/charity/third sector environment.

The work AirS does will appeal to applicants with a genuine interest in sustainable community development. 

You will have outstanding communication and liaison skills, along with sound financial and contract management expertise. 

Drawing from your previous experience you will help to design and deliver our strategic, operational and financial objectives. 

Highly self-motivated, you will possess the abilities to collaboratively create and implement impactful services for rural Sussex.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

The opportunity to recognise our achievements to date is to coordinate, grow and engage.

Leading AirS will require an instinct for community development and ideas and opinions.

AirS has the potential to work with every parish in Sussex.

The task is challenging, yet the possibilities to increase our impact and support across the communities of rural Sussex will be seriously interesting and rewarding.