Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Deadline for applications: Wednesday 28th October 2026

Written By Emma Murley

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Spider is advertising on behalf of Lighthouse Women’s Aid, who are seeking an inspirational and strategic leader to guide the charity through its next chapter. This is a permanent, part-time role based in Ipswich, Suffolk.

Salary: £55,000 per annum, pro rata

Benefits: 6 weeks annual leave (pro rata) plus pension

Hours: 28 hours per week, with flexible working depending on the needs of the organisation

About the role

As CEO, reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership, direction and management, ensuring Lighthouse achieves its mission to support women and families affected by domestic abuse.

You will be accountable for the charity’s overall performance, financial sustainability and impact, maintaining the highest standards of governance, safeguarding and service delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

·        Leading the charity’s strategy and business plan alongside the Board of Trustees

·        Overseeing financial performance, budgets, funding, reserves and risk management

·        Ensuring strong governance, regulatory compliance, safeguarding, GDPR and Health & Safety

·        Leading and empowering the Management Team, staff and volunteers

·        Developing relationships with funders, commissioners, statutory bodies and partner organisations

·        Driving fundraising and income generation through grants, contracts, corporate partnerships and community fundraising

·        Representing Lighthouse publicly, advocating for survivors and influencing policy

·        Ensuring services remain inclusive, empowering and trauma-informed

Please note: Women only need apply under schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010. This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

About you:

You will have proven senior leadership or CEO-level experience, ideally within the charity or public sector, alongside a strong understanding of domestic abuse, safeguarding and trauma-informed approaches.

You’ll bring demonstrable experience in strategic planning, financial management, organisational development, fundraising and income generation, with excellent communication, advocacy and partnership-building skills.

Experience supporting vulnerable people, influencing policy or working within government frameworks, and knowledge of relevant domestic abuse, housing and support legislation would be advantageous.

To be considered, apply through Spider with an up-to-date CV. If you would like a copy of the full job description, please contact Spider.

Link:https://jobs.spiderrecruit.co.uk/jobs/ceo-ipswich-suffolk/4914-1/

Emma Murley