We are at an exciting period of change presenting a career defining opportunity for either an experienced or aspiring Chief Executive to lead on the sustainability and strategic direction of the organisation.

Sight Life, formerly Cardiff Institute for the Blind, is entering a new chapter in its long history in supporting blind and partially sighted people.

Reviewing how we can best meet the future needs of people with sight loss in South Wales, we have mutually agreed to leave RNIB, enabling Sight Loss to have a greater focus on local face to face services and for RNIB to continue its national focus. We will, though, continue to work closely with the RNIB as we did prior to the merger.

Sight Life

Sight Life is small but mighty! We have nine members of staff and over 140 volunteers, many of whom have a sight condition. Our offices are located in Cardiff and Swansea but much of our work takes place in the community. We provide a wide range of local services so that blind and partially sighted people across the majority of South Wales can enjoy independent, active, social, and fulfilled lives. Originally established in 1865, we are one of the oldest charities in Wales.

The role

As Chief Executive, you will work closely with the Board of Trustees to develop the organisation’s long-term strategy, business, and financial plans, and provide effective leadership to management teams to deliver on the organisation’s aims, securing long term financial security. 

Your initial tasks will be to ensure a sustainable future for Sight Life and that we maintain our existing services. However, beyond that, there is considerable scope for a motivated and innovative CEO to build on and expand the services we currently provide.

You will be responsible for all governance policies, processes and procedures, ensuring they meet legal, regulatory and statutory obligations relating to equality and diversity, employment law, financial and accounting practices, health, safety and welfare, information governance, safeguarding and all other requirements relating to charitable company law.

You will also represent Sight Life at external events and publicity opportunities, raising the Charity’s profile through networking and with all forms of media (print, broadcast, online, social, etc).

The successful candidate will be a proven Senior Manager with experience of leading teams, customer facing services, and successfully generating income through varied funding streams. You will be a natural ambassador, confident in building effective relationships internally and externally, using exceptional communication, influencing, and negotiating skills.

As the successful candidate you will also be responsible for steering Sight Life into a new era of independence. You will be responsible for overseeing both the organisational change and development of a new strategy, including fundraising.  

This role is open to candidates outside of the charity sector but knowledge of the statutory and regulatory frameworks that apply to the charity sector is essential.

For more information and to apply please click the apply button.

Closing date: 19 September 2021.

Sight Life is committed to being an equal opportunities organisation and we welcome applications from people with sight loss.