We are looking for the successful candidate to build on previous experience and skills and still be eager to continue to learn and grow and apply that learning to this role.
Previous Experience
- Demonstrable experience of values-led leadership.
- Able to demonstrate strong strategic thinking and commercial and financial acumen, with evidence of managing risks (including political risk). Prior experience of successfully operating and leading complex budgets is essential.
- Experience in leading major change programmes and securing performance improvements and efficiencies.
- Experience of overseeing successful fundraising.
- Ability to balance operational delivery with an effective and appropriate medium to long term strategy.
- Proven ability to provide inspiring leadership, generating high employee engagement and motivation, especially with volunteers, embedding the desired leadership behaviours across the entire organisation.
- A strong understanding of Human Resources and Remuneration practices.
- Demonstrable evidence of leading by example and with a sensitive understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion matters, with a track record of shifting the dial.
- Successful track record of leading an organisation with multiple channels and interfaces into the community / market, and a complex stakeholder environment.
- Evidence of successfully communicating and developing relationships with a range of stakeholders internally, publicly and with the media.
- Previous senior level experience of working in the voluntary sector, charity, NHS and/or government would be highly desirable.
- Up-to-date knowledge of legislation and policy including Public Sector Governance, and requirements from the Charity Commission.
- Evidence of successfully working in a complex stakeholder environment, where highly tuned relationship skills are essential.
- Experience in leadership in services for vulnerable children is desirable.
Personal Qualities
- A clear alignment with the core purpose and values of the charity.
- A visible, energetic, inclusive leader with impact who can inspire and motivate a team to facilitate change.
- A practical and strategic thinker with vision, attuned to risk and with a flexible, pragmatic approach to getting the charity to deliver its objectives.
- Robustness, tenacity, and fortitude to seize this high profile, career defining opportunity.
- A passionate communicator with excellent diplomatic, networking, influencing and public speaking skills who can inspire and execute the strategy and be a true ambassador for Barnardo’s.
- High levels of emotional intelligence and sensitivity, with the ability to identify opportunities to further build a fantastic culture in the organisation.
- Open, approachable style with a bias for action and a “cool head” in a crisis.
- Strong self-awareness and ability to demonstrate commitment to, and actively participate in, continuous professional development.
- An absolute “team player”, able to listen, empower, coach and mentor their team.