Chief Executive Officer
Circa £72,000
Edinburgh, with hybrid working
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is a well-established Scottish animal welfare charity, supporting pets and their people since 1883. Through its mission - to find loving homes, protect existing ones, and run a loving Home - the organisation provides vital rehoming and outreach services, including one of the UK’s first dedicated pet foodbanks. With a proud heritage, a committed team, and a strategy in place until 2027, the Home is now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation into its next chapter.
The Role
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will provide clear strategic leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of the Home’s work. This is a varied and outward-facing role, combining the ability to inspire internally with the confidence to act as a visible ambassador and media spokesperson. The CEO will work closely with the senior management team to maximise the organisation’s potential – strengthening its profile, enhancing income generation, and ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare.
With a proven reputation and a dedicated supporter base, the Home is well placed for growth. The incoming CEO will build on this position, ensuring financial sustainability, maturing fundraising and marketing activity, and creating new partnerships that increase reach and impact. They will guide the team to deliver on strategic goals, while fostering a collaborative culture where staff and volunteers can thrive.
The Person
The Board is seeking a credible and values-driven leader with a track record of senior leadership – ideally in the third sector, but not limited to – and with the skills to balance strategic vision with operational delivery. Strong financial acumen, experience of fundraising or income generation, and an ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders will be essential.
A confident communicator, the successful candidate will be skilled in building relationships at all levels and representing an organisation with authenticity and authority. Above all, they will share a passion for animal welfare and a commitment to realising the Home’s full potential in the years ahead.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of Scotland’s most respected animal welfare charities. The incoming CEO will guide the Home through a period of purposeful development – strengthening its profile, unlocking its potential, and building sustainable growth. It is a chance to make a tangible difference for animals, supporters, and staff alike, through visible, values-led leadership.
You can contact Lauryn Pringle or Debbie Shields at Aspen People for a confidential discussion about the role on 0141 212 7555.
More information can be found on our dedicated recruitment microsite at: www.aspenpeople.co.uk/edch
Closing date for applications: Monday 8th of September at 9am
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter (as one document) via the apply button. If you are unable to combine your documents, then please email your cover letter to applications@aspenpeople.co.uk
Offers of appointment are subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.