Chief Operating Officer

Charity overview
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is a growing and cherished part of our community, dedicated to providing a safe haven for donkeys and educating the public on their care and welfare. Our vision extends beyond equine welfare to creating an environment where our team, volunteers, and visitors can feel welcomed and enriched.
Position summary
We are in search of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) adept at turning strategic visions into operational realities. The COO will oversee daily operations throughout the sanctuary, ensuring excellence in health and safety practices, and fostering high team performance and growth. As a key partner to the CEO, this role demands a leader skilled in operational management and strategy implementation, preferably with experience in the third sector and a deep commitment to animal welfare.
Objectives of the role:
Strategic implementation and operational leadership - working in close partnership with the CEO to integrate strategic objectives into the organisation's day-to-day operations. This will include focusing on enhancing process efficiency, ensuring operational excellence and maintaining budgetary control connected to operational issues.
Developing high performing teams – driving team excellence through targeted recruitment, comprehensive onboarding, ongoing professional development, and robust performance management strategies, ensuring team cohesion and high retention rates
Ensuring regulatory compliance and safety - maintaining rigorous adherence to all relevant charity and health & safety regulations, proactively ensuring a safe environment for staff, volunteers, visitors and our equines.
Fostering a supportive culture - creating a work environment where commitment to our sanctuary's values and alignment with our vision and mission inspire and unite our teams.
Acting as a deputy for the CEO - representing the charity and making decisions in the CEO’s absence, ensuring leadership continuity and organisational stability.
Responsibilities
Reporting structure:
Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will have the following direct reports: Head of Estates, Visitor Experience Manager, and Volunteer Manager.
Responsibilities include:
Evaluating internal operations to identify and implement efficiency improvements Developing and implementing policies (in collaboration with the CEO and Trustees) that support the sanctuary's goals and ensure operational alignment.
Overseeing daily operations across the estate, including visitor facilities, barn and paddock maintenance, and health and safety compliance, ensuring a safe environment for staff, volunteers, visitors and equines.
Directly overseeing the performance of our teams in Visitor Experience, Volunteering, Estates and Facilities, ensuring these areas not only operate efficiently but also focus on creating exceptional experiences for visitors and volunteers. This includes working closely with HR to foster successful recruitment, professional development, and other HR initiatives to build and sustain high-performing teams.
Ensuring the sanctuary is ready and welcoming for visitors each day, effectively monitored and managed throughout the day and securely closed at night Health and safety leadership - spearheading safety initiatives and training a skilled team in safety protocols, ensuring a secure and safe environment for staff, volunteers, visitors and over 130 donkeys and ponies.
The COO will work closely with the Head of Facilities and Estates Supervisor to enforce health and safety policies, address safety issues, as well as ensuring readiness and responsiveness for critical incidents, including fire and medical emergencies.
Serving as the deputy for the CEO, including leading the sanctuary in the CEO’s absence, making critical decisions, and managing external relationships.
The above role encompasses an understanding that the sanctuary operates seven days a week and requires a willingness to work weekends and evenings as needed to ensure continuous leadership and operational excellence.
Required skills and experience
A strong ethical commitment to animal welfare, demonstrated through previous work or personal advocacy, with the desire to make a positive impact in the community and beyond.
A track record of managing operations effectively, demonstrating the ability to oversee day-to-day activities
Proven experience in translating strategy into actionable plans
Proven effectiveness in managing diverse teams and working with volunteers, highlighting the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of contributors towards common goals.
Experience in budgeting, data analysis and using performance metrics to guide decisions.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and the agility to respond to unforeseen challenges, particularly in animal welfare contexts.
A collaborative approach to working with key stakeholders, including the CEO, to ensure alignment with the organisation's goals.
Ideally:
Experience within a non-profit organisation and familiarity with the regulatory environment specific to the charity sector, including health & safety standards and compliance
Why Join Us
By joining the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary as COO, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of donkey welfare, leveraging your expertise to make a lasting difference. You’ll lead a dedicated team, drive operational excellence, and contribute to a cause that’s both meaningful and rewarding.