Chief Executive – Community Action Northumberland

Chief Executive – Community Action Northumberland

Could you lead the next chapter of Community Action Northumberland?

Community Action Northumberland (CAN) is a rural charity working with people and communities across Northumberland.

We help communities tackle the issues that matter to them – from affordable warmth, housing and employment to community buildings, digital inclusion and the transition to cleaner energy. Our work combines practical support on the ground with partnership working, research and advocacy, helping us address immediate challenges while also influencing longer-term change for rural communities.

We are looking for a new Chief Executive to provide strategic and operational leadership for CAN, building on our achievements and strong reputation while helping to shape the organisation’s next chapter.

Working closely with our Board of Trustees and staff team, the Chief Executive will lead the development and delivery of CAN’s strategy, identify new opportunities and ensure the organisation remains effective, financially sustainable and responsive to the changing needs of rural communities.

The Chief Executive will also play an important external role, developing strong relationships with communities, partners, funders and decision-makers and ensuring CAN continues to provide a strong, independent voice for rural Northumberland.

About the role

The Chief Executive will have overall responsibility for the leadership, management and development of CAN.

Key areas of responsibility will include:

• providing strategic leadership and working with the Board to shape CAN’s future direction
• leading, supporting and developing CAN’s staff team
• ensuring effective financial management and the long-term sustainability of the organisation
• identifying and developing funding and income opportunities
• overseeing the development and delivery of CAN’s projects, programmes and services
• building and maintaining strong partnerships locally, regionally and nationally
• representing CAN with funders, policymakers, partners and other stakeholders
• ensuring the experiences and needs of rural communities inform policy and decision-making
• maintaining high standards of governance, performance and accountability.

CAN currently works across four broad areas:

CAN Connect – bringing support closer to rural communities through accessible local hubs, including employment, energy advice and digital support.

CAN Communities – supporting village halls, community spaces, volunteers, trustees and locally led projects.

CAN Energy – helping households and communities with energy advice, retrofit, renewables and community energy.

CAN Housing – improving understanding of rural housing challenges and supporting practical solutions.

About you

We are looking for an authentic and highly organised leader with a strong team and partnership mentality and an understanding of how communities work.

You will bring strong leadership and management skills, the ability to think strategically while overseeing effective day-to-day delivery and experience of developing productive relationships with a wide range of people and organisations.

You will be comfortable representing an organisation externally, developing partnerships and identifying opportunities for future growth and sustainability.

Most importantly, you will share our commitment to supporting Northumberland’s rural communities and ensuring their experiences and priorities are heard.

Job title:

Chief Executive

Hours:

37 hours per week

Contract:

Permanent

Location:

Northumberland, with blended working

Reports to:

Chair and Board of Trustees

Responsible for:

CAN staff team

Interviews:

12 and 13 November 2026

Preferred start date:

March 2027

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Andy Dean (outgoing Chief Executive) at north.org.uk or Janice Rose (Chair-elect) via

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