Who is The Lowdown?

For many young people, the stresses and rigours of daily life can be highly challenging in a fast moving and often busy world. Many issues arise whilst growing up which often overlap and can range from domestic relationship issues, friendship groups, identity, sexuality, educational pressures, drug and alcohol problems etc.
The Lowdown is an accessible third party who can provide independent advice and guidance. This is often highly appreciated and sought after by young people.

The Lowdown was set up exactly for this reason over 29 years ago and is the only counselling service in Northampton offering a free and confidential drop in service six days a week to children and young adults in distress or experiencing crisis.
The recently created role of Chief Executive represents a unique opportunity to shape the work we do, focusing on leadership, growth and operational excellence.

The Chief Executive role and who we're looking for:

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the charity's leadership team reporting to the chair of the board of trustees working to deliver strategic objectives. You will work to enhance the charity's impact and profile whilst ensuring the sustainability of the organisation. You'll also work closely with the Board to develop and deliver the three year plan focusing on a broad set of deliverables whilst managing the overall detailed operations.

Ideally, you'll be someone who has proved themselves as a successful Senior Manager/Chief Executive with excellent leadership and partnership building skills. Naturally you'll have great interpersonal and communication skills too, along with the confidence to hit the ground running and lead the organisation to success. You'll have plenty of support to drive the charity forward and look to build on its solid foundations. We celebrate our 30th birthday soon which will involve planning for a series of events, including a significant extension to the building and the fund raising to support it.

Knowledge and experience of the charity/third sector and volunteer-based organisations and public sector (NHS, local government/local authority) would be a distinct advantage, particularly some direct experience of mental health and the issues faced by young people. You will understand and possess the empathy and change skills needed to guide us and our volunteers through a challenging period of professionalisation in response to NHS funding demands, government and a positive societal focus on mental health issues.
You will be committed to working a minimum of 3 days per week. Given the workload and need to accelerate assimilation 4 (or even 5 in the short term) days may be more suitable.

The closing date for applications is 9th November 2018. Interviews and selection will be completed by the end of November. The role will start early in the new year.
If you'd like to find out more and receive an application pack, please email your CV using the link provided. Please note that Harris Hill are the sole recruitment agency for this post and all enquiries should be directed to them.