Apply now to become CEO of Forces Children Scotland

We are searching for our next Chief Executive Officer to lead our next exciting chapter.

This is a very exciting opportunity when it comes to charity jobs. Learn more about our latest vacancy at Forces Children Scotland.

We are seeking a dynamic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead upon our mission of supporting children and young people from armed forces and veteran families to overcome unique challenges associated with forces life to fully realise their potential and thrive.

Could you lead the team and collaborate with senior management and the Board of Directors to drive strategic initiatives for the charity?

There has never been a more perfect time to join than right now. Don’t miss this wonderful, fulfilling opportunity to lead the co-development of our next strategic plan with children, young people, and wider stakeholders.

Apply now

A little about Forces Children Scotland

Did you know our charity was founded in 1815, just four days before the Battle of Waterloo?

Our mission is to ensure Scotland becomes a place where over 13,000 children and young people from armed forces communities can reach their full potential and thrive. We are proud to work directly with children and young people to ensure their lived experience and voice are at the heart of co-producing our projects, services, and campaigns.

We help to build confidence, develop new skills, and forge new connections through a strong sense of belonging, mutual understanding, and common purpose. We celebrate the many positive experiences of forces life and assist children and young people to better understand and overcome unique challenges when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, education and learning, isolation and loneliness, plus much more.

Moreover, we value integrity, compassion, and a commitment to excellence. If you share these values and are ready to bring your expertise and enthusiasm to our cause, we encourage you to apply to join us as a bold, vibrant, and innovative force for good.

What we’re looking for in our new CEO

The ideal candidate will have:

• Education to degree level or equivalent with proven strategic and senior leadership experience.
• Skills in managing, motivating, and developing staff.
• Experience with service delivery for children, young people, and/or Armed Forces community.
• Expertise in resource and budget management, ensuring financial sustainability.
• Strong strategic and operational planning skills.
• Excellent listening skills, to be an advocate for children and young people from armed forces families.
• Inclusive, proactive leader approach with a focus on staff development.
• High interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across a large range of stakeholders and at all levels

Strong political acuity coupled with knowledge of, or the ability to quickly gain an understanding of the regulatory and wider political landscape in relation to children and young people from armed forces communities in Scotland is desirable.

A clear passion for achieving the best outcomes for Armed Forces and veteran families, a commitment to children’s rights, and fostering collaborative partnerships is essential.

How to apply for the role

We are working in partnership with Aspen People and Beyond HR to manage the recruitment process.

For a confidential discussion please contact Catriona Mackie or Lauryn Pringle on 0141 212 7555.

To apply, please click here to upload your CV and cover letter (as one document). Applicants will be shortlisted for interview by matching the details given in their CV and covering letter, as one document, against the job description.

We ask applicants to provide clear evidence to show how your experience, skills and knowledge match those requirements as well as why you are interested in the role.

We also ask that applicants complete a young-person friendly version of your CV / application. It should set out the values, skills and experience that you have that makes you suitable for this role.

The format could be written, a graphic, a short film or picture, as long as it is suitable for review by a 14-17 year old. Your young-person friendly application can be emailed separately to mscholes@aspenpeople.co.uk

We would also be grateful if you could include the following information:

• Current salary
• Current notice period
• Details of two referees (please note that referees will not be contacted until offer stage or without prior consent)

Please note that you will receive an automatic acknowledgement of your application – if you do not receive this please contact Melissa at Aspen on 0141 212 7555.

Recruitment timetable

We have provided below a note of all the critical dates within this recruitment campaign which we hope will help you plan your diary:

• Closing date for applications:  Friday 23rd August 2024
• Initial Interviews: w/c 2nd September 2024 or w/c 9th September 2024 TBC
• Young People and Staff Panel: Saturday 14th September 2024
• Final Interviews: Thursday 3rd October 2024.