Chief Executive

Organisation: Panathlon Foundation Ltd 03437923
Salary: Competitive salary
Location: Office is SE England, but role is Hybrid with some national travel
Contract type: (Full time)
Closing date: 25 July 2025
Job Description: Are you a leader passionate about inclusion, youth sport and creating impact at scale?

The Panathlon Foundation Charity is seeking a dynamic and inspiring Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our organisation into its next phase of growth and innovation. We exist to provide competitive sporting opportunities to children with disabilities and special educational needs (SEND) opportunities they are too often denied.

About Panathlon

Panathlon is a national charity that gives children with disabilities and special needs the opportunity to engage in competitive sport and leadership opportunities. Operating in every English County, North and South Wales and Northern Ireland, our work changes lives—helping young people build confidence, develop physical skills and enjoy the joy of competition. With support from major funders, sponsors, and national partners, we’re constantly growing our impact—and we need a CEO who can drive our strategy, lead our exceptional team and champion our mission at the highest levels.

The Role - As CEO, you’ll be the strategic lead for the charity with some operational oversight too. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, oversee a small but high-performing team, and serve as the face of the organisation for key funders, partners, and stakeholders.
Your responsibilities will include:
● Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement long-term plans aligned with our mission.
● Fundraising & Income Generation: Drive major donor pitches, manage key sponsor relationships, and grow revenue through campaigns and events.
● Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate relationships with charitable partners, corporate partners, government departments, national sports bodies, local authorities, and disability groups.
● Marketing & Communications: Oversee PR strategy, digital presence, and communications.
● Governance & Operations: Ensure regulatory compliance, oversee HR and finance, and maintain a strong organisational infrastructure.

About You - We’re looking for a proven leader with a strong track record of strategic leadership and income generation, ideally in the charity, education, or sports sectors. You’ll combine hands-on management experience with the ability to inspire funders, partners, and stakeholders alike.

Essential Skills & Experience
● Senior leadership experience with team management responsibilities
● Fundraising and donor cultivation success
● Excellent communication and presentation skills
● Governance and compliance understanding
● Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and a strong grasp of the social model of disability

Desirable
● Experience in the disability, sport, or education sectors
● Familiarity with public sector partnerships
● Knowledge of fundraising and digital comms platforms

Why Join Panathlon?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected charity with a growing footprint and strong reputation. You’ll have the freedom to shape strategy, build partnerships, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of thousands of children.
How to apply: Send a covering letter and CV to jobs@panathlon.com