Chief Executive Officer

Key Information

• Working pattern: 4 or 5 days per week, flexible working can be discussed
• Location: Home-based but a successful applicant will need to spend significant time in the UK and Ghana
• Salary: Commensurate with small and early stage charity
• Duration: Permanent
• Reporting to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Background

EduSpots is a UK and Ghanaian registered organisation which connects, trains, and equips local volunteers to drive sustainable community-led change through education centres named ‘Spots’. Together, we are creating a movement of community-based educators. Since 2016, through working with over 300 local volunteers, we have supported nearly 50 communities in creating community-led education spaces (libraries) named ‘Spots’, with an aim to move them towards our ‘Dream Spot Model’.

EduSpots is in an exciting period of development, with multi-year unrestricted funding gained in 2022/23, our new Ignite Programme launched in 2023, and new Catalyse Programme launching in 2024, both with grant support from competitive trusts and foundations. We won the Tes International Award in 2018, the Big Give Supporters’ Choice Award in 2022 and were selected as a finalist for the Their World Innovation Prize in 2023.

In the context of these developments, it is important that EduSpots moves towards a clearer segregation of responsibilities and accountability processes between trustees and staff, through the recruitment of a leader for the staff team.

About this role

The CEO will provide leadership to the EduSpots staff and volunteer team across the UK and Ghana, whilst maintaining a strong link with, and accountability to, the Board of Trustees. They will guide EduSpots through an exciting period of growth, ensuring that our strategy, funding and systems enable us to build a strong foundation for future scaling of impact. The CEO should have excellent knowledge of educational delivery in international contexts. They will need to be a committed, hands-on team player with a genuine passion for educational equity and community-driven models of development. They will require a deep understanding of both the UK charity governance and funding landscape, and of working at a community level across Ghana.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic direction of the organisation, supporting the creation and delivery of a clear vision, theory of change, ensuring clarity of direction, goals and responsibilities across the staff team and wider network of volunteers. 
• Lead a team of over 30 staff, interns and peer mentors, including directly line managing the Head of Development (UK), Head of Staff and Professional Development (Ghana), Head of Partnerships (Ghana) and education programme leads (Ghana), proactivity seeking strategies to ensure strong and values aligned team members are recruited and supported in their professional development.
• Promote a positive work ethic and culture across the organisation, in line with the collectively agreed organisational values. 
• Manage relationships with key donors, partners, government officials and trust funds, engage in extensive networking with trust funds and other potential income streams. Lead on large, strategic fundraising applications. 
• Oversee the fundraising strategy for the organisation working closely with the Head of Partnerships, Head of Development, and Trusts and Foundations Manager. 
• Lead the development of the core education, programmes and operational model at the heart of EduSpots’ impact and strategic development, and related organisational policies, systems and procedures.  
• Oversee the development of the annual budget, ensuring that EduSpots’ financial expenditure is in line with agreed aims, and that financial procedures are created and followed.
• Act as the staff safeguarding lead for EduSpots UK, working closely with the Safeguarding Lead in Ghana. 
• Lead on the relationship with the trustees, ensuring clear information is provided to enable strong governance of the organisation. 
• Consistently manage risk effectively to ensure the long-term interests of the wider EduSpots’ network and model are preserved. 
• Actively promote the organisation’s work through their networks, at external events and through wider communications opportunities. Act as an advocate for community-led models of education and their benefits. 

Desired Skills / Experience

Knowledge & Experience

• A successful track record of leadership in the field of education and/or community development.
• Experience working in an international non-profit organisation, ideally with exposure to a various areas of work including programmes, monitoring and evaluation, fundraising and communications.
• Significant experience in line management and team management, with demonstrated ability to develop staff skills.
• Deep knowledge of community development, education programming, curriculum development and pedagogy.
• A solid understanding of charity governance and funding in the UK.
• Experience of living and working in Ghana, particularly in rural communities.
• Experience developing and delivering on organisational strategies.
• Experience of fundraising and communications within a charity context.
• Experience of holding significant budget responsibility and of making effective use of organisational resources.

Personal Qualities & Skills

• A genuine passion for our educational model, and community-driven development.
• Ability to work in a very fast-paced, ambitious team.
• A strong listener and team player, aligned with our collaborative model of organisational development.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to create positive working relationships and mentor staff, volunteers, and a range of stakeholders at all levels in a cross-cultural environment.
• Strong networking and presentation skills.
• An understanding of the value of power analysis, ensuring that community-based decision-making is at the heart of our model.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create and foster a culture of respect, honesty and commitment to our values and organisational aims.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and a maximum one-page cover letter to the Chair of Trustees - see details by clicking on "How to Apply". Please note we may appoint early if suitable applications/candidate profiles are received.

EduSpots recognises the strength that comes in diversity. We are committed to an environment of respect where opportunities are available to all. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, colour, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or any other protected group.

This role is subject to a Disclosures and Barring Service (DBS) check.