The Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) is a charity facilitating access to environmental justice for all.

Our mission is to "empower all local communities to use the law to protect their environment and to improve their quality of life and recognise nature's rights. We seek to achieve this by providing free advice and guidance, and where necessary a referral to our network of environmental lawyers and technical experts; offering training opportunities; and advocating for policy and legislative change".

From saving ancient woodlands to successfully assisting in litigation to protect our waters from pollution, ELF’s 32-year history is rooted in supporting communities of all kinds to understand and benefit from their rights to equal access to environmental justice. We are proud that our Patron is HM The King.

We are recruiting for an experienced CEO to join our small but ambitious charitable organisation. This is a permanent, part-time (3.5 days per week), hybrid role; with travel to London required up to 2 days a week as needed. The salary is £75,000 per year, prorated to 3.5 FTE.

In order to be considered please include a cover statement (no more than 750 words) on why you are suitable for this position, to accompany your CV.

We are looking for someone who has effectively run small organisations and managed staff at the CEO or deputy CEO level; who understands - and has experience of making – corporate and Trust & Foundation fundraising applications; and has the drive, resilience and ambition to realise the vision and strategic potential of ELF and raise our profile in the sector.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrable interest and experience in environment and environmental issues. They will enjoy public speaking, networking, and working collaboratively to further develop this growing organisation. Prior experience as a CEO, senior leader, or Chief of Staff in the not-for-profit sector is essential, however a legal background is not essential.

We require a focused individual who can manage the complexities of a charitable organisation, set key priorities, and deliver ELF’s recently reviewed long-term strategic plan.

The CEO role will have the following priorities:

• To develop ELF strategically and secure a long-term future for the organisation through a wider funding base which will allow for operational and organisational expansion
• To ensure ELF makes the most of its opportunities, secures a stable long-term future and is sustainable as an organisation by identifying priorities and growth plans and securing funding streams
• To provide leadership and communicate our vision to as wide an audience as possible
• To manage and grow the team and the charity
• To ensure the Board of Trustees is supported and guided to contribute the maximum they can within their roles

This role will report to and work very closely with the Chair of Trustee Board, the Board of Trustees, and the Strategy sub committee. The CEO will be responsible for managing a team of 4.

Key Tasks:

Strategy

• Work with existing ELF Directors & Trustees to deliver the Strategy
• Build relationships with politicians, the media, government officials and the legal and corporate sectors in order to advance the organisation’s aims
• Represent the organisation at external events and publicity opportunities, alongside existing team, to further ELF’s network and reach
• Establish and monitor key indicators of the organisation’s impact and financial health

Fundraising & Partnerships

• Develop clear funding asks that support the strategic objectives
• Identify funding streams for both short and medium term income
• Work with existing team to further develop ELF membership base and income
• Help to ensure a sustainable income from individual, corporate, legacy and trust donations
• Identify alternative sources of income generation to make ELF less dependent on grants

Trustee Board

• Develop the capacity and role of the Trustee Board – build on recent Development projects to ensure Board members are used to their full effect / identify areas where Board needs strengthening
• Support development of sub committees within the Board
• Supply regular reports to the Trustee Board and attend trustee and sub-committee meetings
• Board recruitment and succession planning

Leadership and management

• To lead and manage the existing Directors, support the wider team, recruit and expand the staff base as time and funding permit
• Provide leadership to the team
• Ensure the organisation fulfils its legal, statutory and regulatory responsibilities
• Oversee establishment of sound financial management, budgeting and organisational operation – including identifying gaps in capacity and helping to fill these