Lead nationally. Work relationally. Stay grounded in practice.
This is neither a traditional Chief Executive role nor a deputy role. It is a unique opportunity to share leadership responsibility for a values-led organisation that combines influence, innovation and practical delivery to create meaningful change.
We are looking for someone who can help NDTi extend its reach in a way that is values-led, relationship-rich, financially sound and grounded in practice.
This role needs someone who can build purposeful partnerships, shape sustainable opportunities, strengthen our profile and influence, and help turn ideas into credible, fundable work. It also needs someone who understands that growth at NDTi is never separate from values, delivery, lived experience, relationships and organisational sustainability.
We have involved colleagues in shaping this recruitment because that is how NDTi works. Their reflections have helped shape this pack, the Person Specification and the way we will involve colleagues in selection.
Colleagues told us that the right person will need to build income, influence and opportunity in NDTi’s way. That means being values-led, grounded in practice, relational, confident without relying on hierarchy, able to work with challenge, and committed to building collective strength rather than personal profile.
The right person will bring senior leadership experience, strategic judgement and confidence. They will also bring humility, curiosity and an ability to work in a shared leadership model where responsibility is held together, challenge is welcomed, and leadership is visibly joined up.
We are not looking for one particular career route. You may have worked in a charity, consultancy, public service, social enterprise, research, development, commissioning, policy, service improvement or system leadership role. What matters is that you can show the values, judgement, relationships, credibility and experience needed to help NDTi move into its next phase.
Who is right for this role?
You might be right for this role if you want to work in a shared Co-Executive model where responsibility is held together, challenge is welcomed and leadership is visibly joined up, and if you:
- Can help grow income, influence and opportunity without chasing growth for its own sake.
- Can turn ideas into credible, deliverable and values-aligned work.
- Are confident working with funders, commissioners, partners and national networks, while staying grounded in people’s real lives and experiences.
- Bring practice-grounded development experience, and can apply relevant theories, methods and approaches to support change with people, organisations and systems.
- Understand how lived experience, voice, rights and inclusion should shape decisions from the outset.
- Can work with complexity, uncertainty and tension, including difficult decisions about mission, money, risk, capacity and relationships.
- Can lead well while listening carefully, sharing credit and making space for the knowledge and leadership held by others.
- Are drawn to NDTi because you want to help strengthen our impact while staying true to our values and ways of working.
Person Specification
The full Person Specification is included in the Role Description. It explains the experience, judgement, values and leadership style we will explore through the application and selection process.
Please read it carefully, and do not be put off if your experience does not follow a traditional route. NDTi is interested in the capability, values, relationships and judgement you would bring, and in how your experience could help us grow our impact while staying true to our values and ways of working.