Chief Executive Officer, School of Hard Knocks

Job description

Chief Executive Officer, School of Hard Knocks

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is recruiting a Chief Executive Officer. SOHK is a UK education charity working across 29 secondary schools in England, Scotland and Wales, using rugby to support young people struggling with early secondary engagement through anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives or trauma-rooted behaviour.

The Chief Executive Officer is SOHK's principal ambassador and strategic leader, reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, with the Director of Programmes, Director of Fundraising and Director of Finance & Operations as direct reports. The charity reports that 90% of participants feel more confident and more engaged with school after taking part.

The role covers:

• Leading strategic direction with Trustees and the Senior Management Team, and translating the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities
• Overseeing programme quality and evidence-based practice through the Director of Programmes
• Directing income strategy across trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships and individual giving
• Building and leading the Senior Management Team, and fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture
• Acting as primary Trustee liaison, ensuring regulatory compliance and attending quarterly Trustee meetings

SOHK is looking for senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth or social impact sectors with exposure to a Board of Trustees; a track record of growing or scaling an organisation; a collaborative, values-led leadership approach; strong fundraising experience across institutional and major donor income; and financial oversight and budgeting expertise at executive level. Prior charity CEO experience, an education or youth work background, knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy, and experience scaling multi-site delivery are all desirable.

The role is Greater London based, with offices in Edinburgh and Cardiff. It involves regular UK travel to Edinburgh and Cardiff and occasional evening commitments for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Greater London

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Salary indication

Between £120,000 and £150,000 Per Month

Published at

11-09-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English