Your guide to becoming a charity CEO

At Peridot Partners, we recruit more than 50 charity CEOs each year. We work with boards and hiring panels every day, and we see what makes someone stand out and what holds people back. We also know there’s no one-size-fits-all path. But there are things you can do to get ready and start your CEO journey today.

Whether you’re stepping up from within the sector or bringing skills from elsewhere, this is a chance to shape an organisation in a way that reflects your values and your vision for change.

You might already be a senior leader in a charity, wondering if you’ve got what it takes to step into the top job. Or maybe you’ve had a successful commercial career and want to bring your skills into a sector that’s purpose-led. Either way, if you’re seriously considering becoming a charity CEO, we have plenty of information to help you get started on the right path.

We’ll walk you through the key steps from shaping your personal brand to navigating applications and interviews. We’ll also share thoughts on tackling imposter syndrome and what to expect in your first 100 days as a new CEO.

How to overcome imposter syndrome

It’s natural to question if you’re ready. Most CEOs we’ve met have felt that at some point. There’s no school for CEOs, no course to qualify you as a charity CEO the way there is for a barrister or an accountant.

So many people experience the sense of being an imposter, including experienced CEOs. This sense of being unprepared is within us, even if those around us quite rightly see our capability and competence.

You can’t avoid imposter syndrome, but you can do your best to get over it as quickly as possible. Read our imposter syndrome series for actionable tips:

Why becoming a trustee builds stronger leadership

Being a trustee gives you a window into what great charity leadership looks like. It also helps to understand what boards are really looking for in a CEO.

If you want to lead a charity, then you’ll be working with a trustee board – the hidden influence on positive charity health. They are an incredible resource and can add greatly to the impact of your charity’s work. Equally, they can be somewhat disruptive to your carefully planned strategy.

If you’ve never been a trustee, this is worth considering for an aspiring CEO or senior charity leader. Look for a role in an organisation that inspires you to start your trusteeship.

How to write a strong charity CEO CV

Your CV needs to show leadership, impact and readiness for the top role. The board and recruiters look for clear evidence that you can influence change, grow income, build strong teams and deliver a positive impact for beneficiaries. Numbers and outcomes are especially persuasive, so focus on measurable achievements.

Strong examples might include:

• Increased annual fundraising income by 40% over three years by diversifying income streams and securing multi-year grants.
• Led an organisational restructure that delivered £250k annual savings reinvested into frontline services.
• Built and developed a senior leadership team of six, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Oversaw the delivery of a digital strategy, expanding online engagement by 150% within two years.

Keep your CV concise (no more than two pages), tailored to each role, and focus on what you achieved and the impact you made. Use active language that shows your leadership while reflecting the charity’s mission.

For aspiring CEOs, a compelling CV is your first opportunity to demonstrate the impact you’ve had and the leader you can be.

What to expect in your interview

Well done, you’ve made it to interview stage! Now this is your opportunity to demonstrate how you will lead, inspire and represent the organisation.

You can expect a rigorous process that may involve multiple interview stages with trustees, staff and stakeholders, as well as tasks or presentations designed to test your strategic thinking.

Preparation makes all the difference: understand the charity’s mission, challenges and opportunities, and be ready to show both your leadership vision and your alignment with the organisation’s values.

Your first 100 days as a new leader

No matter how well-prepared you are for the role, you will bring a new approach and energy to the organisation. And under your leadership, the charity will change. How do you plan for change, prepare others for change and track that the change creates the right impact?

Your first months set the tone for your leadership. This is a period of listening, learning and reviewing. You don’t have to start making big changes right at the start, but a few small, quick wins could help you build trust with the team.

In your first 100 days, focus on:

• Listening and learning: meet key stakeholders to understand perspectives.
• Building relationships: establish trust and open communication across the organisation.
• Assessing risks and opportunities: review finances, governance, and strategy.
• Identifying priorities: plan early wins and longer-term goals.

Becoming a charity CEO is a journey of learning, connection and courage. Whether you’re ready to apply now or preparing for the future, every step you take helps you grow into a better leader.