Chief Executive Officer: YES (Youth Experience in Sport)

Organisation: Youth Experience in Sport
Salary: Competitve
Location: Remote, with regular time in east London
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 16 November 2026
Interview date: 18 November 2026
Job Description: About YES:
We believe every young person should get to experience the joy, confidence and sense of belonging that come from playing sport. YES (Youth Experience in Sport) was founded in 1995, after cuts left young people in east London without sport. Thirty years on, we fund 13 grassroots clubs in some of London's most deprived boroughs, across sports including boxing, rowing, football and basketball. We provide funding, resources and consulting support so that coaches young people already trust can do more of what they do best. The results go well beyond the pitch. Young people who were disengaged are back in the classroom, qualifying as coaches and going on to further and higher education.

The role:
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the next phase of growth for YES. As Chief Executive Officer, you'll lead the charity day to day and set its direction, reporting to the Chair and Board of Trustees.

You will:
• Oversee our current beneficiary organisations and make sure our support makes a real difference
• Find and assess new organisations to fund
• Look after our relationships with existing supporters, both individuals and organisations
• Find and secure new sources of funding, from individual donors to corporate partners and trusts
• Represent YES publicly, telling its story to supporters, partners and the wider sport community

What we're looking for:
• Strong, ideally active, involvement in sport, whether as a participant, coach, administrator, volunteer or supporter
• A real understanding of how organised sport benefits young people
• Fundraising experience and the confidence to build relationships with funders
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• An understanding of safeguarding when working with young people

Beyond experience, we want someone who brings energy and warmth to a close-knit team. You'll be a natural community builder, at ease with grassroots coaches, families, donors and corporate partners alike. You're bright, organised and get things done, but you're also curious, creative and have a good eye for how YES tells its story.
How to apply: Send the following to: contact@yescharity.org.uk 1. A CV of no more than two pages 2. A cover letter of no more than two pages, telling us: • Why you want to lead YES, and why now • How your experience fits this role, particularly in leadership, fundraising and sport 3. Your answers to these two questions incorporated in the cover letter, in no more than 300 words each: • Tell us about the three achievements you're most proud of. • Tell us about a decision you'd make differently now, and what it taught you. We'll ask shortlisted candidates for references. Interviews will take place in late November. YES welcomes applications from everyone, whatever their background.

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Chief Executive Officer: YES (Youth Experience in Sport)