Chief Executive Officer at RSSWS

Location: Edinburgh (Rutland Square)  

Salary: DOE (please indicate your expectation on application along with your current salary)

Reporting into: General Committee of Management, comprising 14 Trustees

Status: Permanent  

Hours: 10 Days per Month (self-managed)

Supervises: RSSWS team of 7

Closing Date: Monday 18th November at 12 noon

Interview Dates: TBC 4th or 5th December in Edinburgh

Job Description
More Info

The Royal Society for the Support of Women of Scotland (The Society) is a national charity operating throughout Scotland. The Chief Executive leads a team of 7  in the delivery of its mission to provide financial support to single women over the age of 50 who struggle to live on low income and limited savings. A charity established in 1847, but more needed and relevant than ever, RSSWS supports around 900 women each year. HM The Queen is Patron of this prestigious organisation.

The charity began life in 1847 to assist ladies of Scottish birth or education with particular backgrounds who were struggling to survive on low incomes and limited savings. In 1930 it received grant of a Royal Charter from King George V, becoming The Royal Society for the Relief of Indigent Gentlewomen of Scotland and it has evolved to meet the changing needs of society ever since.

At a meeting of the Privy Council in November 2014 Her Majesty The Queen approved an Order granting a new Supplementary Charter to the Society.   When this came into effect on 1st May 2015 the charity acquired its new name (RSSWS), new charitable purposes and it adopted new, broader, admission criteria against which applicants for assistance are considered.

The Chief Executive leads a team of 6 (1 Senior Caseworker, 3 Caseworkers, 1 Office Administrator and 1 Caretaker) in the delivery of its mission to provide financial support to single women over the age of 50 who struggle to live on low income and limited savings. A charity established in 1847, but more needed and relevant than ever, RSSWS supports around 900 women on an annual basis.

The Chief Executive provides strategic vision and leadership, within the overall direction agreed with the General Committee of Management (the Committee), ensuring that the Society’s charitable purposes are followed.

Graduate or postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline.

Significant senior experience in a charity or not for profit setting, ideally as Chief Executive.

Experience of working closely with voluntary boards, advising and guiding robust decision making.

Strong financial management expertise including budgeting, monitoring income and expenditure, risk management and mitigation and charitable financial governance.

Strong leadership style with experience in successfully managing and communicating organisational change.

Experience of data protection management.

Experience of grant making trusts and processes.

Experience of minute taking.

Robust knowledge of charity governance.

A good understanding of the effects of poverty and the factors associated with this.

A broad knowledge of the benefits system and other charities/grants available to woman in a similar position.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise multiple tasks.

Adaptability, sensitivity and understanding of the varied needs of the beneficiaries.

Strong management & leadership skills.

Able to work under own initiative and follow direction from the Board.

Confidential, tactful and compassionate, and works with integrity.

THIS POSITION HAS CLOSED

We are no longer taking applications for this position. Further information about our Executive search and Headhunting services into the Not for Profit sector.