Head of Charity

We are looking for a passionate, dog welfare and training literate, manager to energise, inspire and lead Chiltern Dog Rescue Society into the future

CDRS is a successful and established dog rehoming charity working from our state of the art Rescue Centre near Wendover, Bucks.

Our passionate staff, volunteers and members are striving to make life better for our dogs using their kindness and expertise.

This is an exciting opportunity to drive the charity forwards and shape it for the future

Will you join us and make life better for dogs?

Job Title: Head of Dog Rehoming Charity

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Location: Bromley Heights Rescue Centre HP23 6LD

Salary: £35-40k

Hours: 40 per week on an agreed rota (includes weekends and bank holidays)

Contract type: Permanent, full-time

Responsibilities

Be responsible for all aspects of the Charity - dogs, people, facilities ,compliance and finances

Manage the charity and the skilled staff within it

Optimise the rescue of dogs and maintain the high quality of care currently in place

Drive the marketing, brand awareness and fundraising of the charity

Actively promote high standards of care with the staff and volunteers

Support and co-ordinate the volunteers, foster carers and members

About the team

We have an experienced team of 13 staff in place across the Charity. They are passionate about caring for the dogs and finding suitable loving homes for them in the next stage of their lives.

What we re looking for

Essential

A self starter with a passion for improving the lives of the dogs in our care

Proven senior leadership experience in a charity, animal welfare, or similar organisation.

Strong understanding of animal welfare principles and UK legislation affecting rehoming charities.

Demonstrated ability in strategic planning, team leadership, and financial oversight.

Successful track record in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and partnership building.

Excellent communication, people management, empathy, and decision-making skills.

Good listening skills and openness to staff proposals, suggestions. Utilisation of existing staff experience and qualifications

Experience working directly in rescue, veterinary, or kennels environments.

Knowledge of health and Safety and employment law

Desirable

Knowledge of marketing, PR, and community engagement strategies.

Qualification in charity management, business administration, or animal welfare.

What we offer

28 days holiday per year plus bank holidays

Pension scheme

Lovely working environment in the Chiltern Hills at our modern rescue centre

A fulfilling and fun role rescuing dogs and giving them a better life

Interested? Here s how to apply:

Application closing date: 21st June 2026

Interview date: 28th June 2026

Please note, we do not accept applications or speculative CVs from agencies.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

If you re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

anonymised application form and cover letter
In-person interview at the centre
Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.

Please email if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.

We operate a bias-free application process in our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. To assess your application quickly, fairly and objectively, please fully complete the qualifications and work history sections of our online application form.

Redacted CVs may be accepted by exception.

We believe being an inclusive, diverse organisation where we welcome diversity of thought, value individuals experience and can reach and partner all areas of society is crucial if we re to help more cats. Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

There s a place for everyone at CDRS and we encourage applications from talented people across all communities.

CDRS is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk and protecting anyone that comes into contact with us from harm. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. You may be subject to a criminal record check if required for the role