Advertised from 11 June 2025

Role

Down’s Syndrome Scotland is the only charity in Scotland dedicated to supporting people with Down’s syndrome and their families and carers, throughout their lives. We are looking for a Chief Executive to take us forward in our mission of ensuring that people with Down’s syndrome who live in Scotland are living their fullest, most vibrant lives.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an empathetic, credible leader who is seeking a purpose-driven role in an organisation committed to celebrating the potential of every person with Down’s syndrome in Scotland, and effecting lasting, positive change for them and their families. Working in collaboration with our Board of Trustees, you will be responsible for evolving and delivering our vision and strategic plan, building on our legacy of advancing the inclusion of all people with Down’s syndrome in Scotland and ensuring that their families and carers receive robust support.

Equality and inclusion underpin everything we do, so we are looking for someone who can champion these principles with authenticity. You will lead and work collaboratively with our Board of Trustees and diverse group of staff and volunteers, driving the values of sensitivity, understanding, professionalism, pragmatism, openness, respectfulness and trustworthiness. Relationship building will come naturally to you, and you will confidently engage with the Scottish Government and public bodies in Scotland to influence national policy and advocate for the change that people with Down’s syndrome want to see. As our figurehead, you will be the ambassador for our fundraising efforts, constantly thinking of ways to further raise our profile and meeting with key donors and funders to safeguard the long-term financial resilience of the charity.

The ability to drive service redesign and organisational change is crucial, so we are looking for someone who has experience of doing so in a previous role as a senior leader in a mission-led organisation. Your knowledge of the issues affecting the charitable and not-for-profit sector will mean that you understand the importance of stakeholder relations, partnerships and outreach. You will be pragmatic and responsible, using your financial nous, effective resource management and analytical skills to help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. Importantly, you will take a human rights centred approach, demonstrating a deep understanding of the inequalities experienced by under-represented groups in Scotland.

If you are aligned with our mission and have the knowledge and experience to help us shape a more inclusive Scotland, we would love to hear from you.

Application notes

To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a covering letter (no longer than two pages), outlining your relevant skills and experience for the role, by midnight on Sunday 13 July 2025.

For a confidential, informal discussion about the role or to request a Candidate Information Pack, please contact Fizza Islam, LHH at +44 (0)141 220 6460 or email ScotlandExecutive@LHH.com

Download the Candidate Information Pack below

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