Chief Executive Officer; CEO), AWS Executive

CEO Overview

As a nationally significant human rights organisation continues to mature and grow, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the next phase of development. This role will focus on delivering the current organisational strategy while shaping and preparing for the next strategic phase, strengthening long-term sustainability, increasing policy influence and visibility, and scaling impact.

The CEO will serve as the organisation’s strategic lead, with oversight across multiple centres of legal and specialist expertise, alongside policy, communications, and participation functions. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will be responsible for leading implementation of the organisational strategy and delivering the mission to use the law to defend and extend people’s rights. As accountable officer for the charity, the CEO will lead strategic planning, organisational development, and financial sustainability, while acting as the key link between the Board and a highly committed staff team.

The CEO will also act as a prominent ambassador for the organisation. As a recognised leader within the human rights sector, they will represent the organisation at senior levels across civil society, government, and external networks. The role requires building and sustaining influential strategic relationships that drive policy and systems change, while strengthening the organisation’s profile and reputation nationally and internationally.

The organisation operates within a collaborative dual‑structure governance model that requires close partnership across senior leadership. Leadership is shared through a distributed model designed to support wellbeing, innovation, and adaptability. The CEO will work closely with senior colleagues to ensure alignment, draw upon significant organisational expertise, and maintain a clear and consistent strategic voice.

This is a unique opportunity to lead an influential and mission‑driven organisation at a pivotal point in its journey. We are seeking an inspiring, strategic, and values‑led leader who can build on strong foundations and help shape the future of rights‑based change.

• A strong understanding of human rights law, principles and practice, as well as the lived experience of people in Scotland, alongside credibility as a leader within the charity and/or human rights sector.
• An understanding of how law, policy and lived experience interact to drive social change.
• Experience of working in partnership with people with lived experience to help influence and shape strategic direction.
• An understanding of the current challenges facing the charity and human rights sectors, and the approaches required to support long-term organisational sustainability.
• Expectation of presence in office at least 2 days a week**