Founded in 1989 in Manchester in memory of Albert Kennedy, akt is the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, providing safe homes and better futures for LGBTQ+ young people. We exist to give LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 at risk of or experiencing homelessness or a hostile living environment the support they need to thrive. In 35 years, akt has provided more than 250,000 nights off the street and supported over 50,000 LGBTQ+ young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. We currently work with over 800 vulnerable young people a year, providing both face-to-face and online assistance. We help young people to access safe accommodation and provide support to access education, training or skills to ensure a successful transition to independent living. We have regional centres in London, Manchester, Newcastle and Bristol and offer a fully online service nationwide to ensure our services are available when and where young people need us most. 1 in 4 young people who face, or experience homelessness identify as LGBTQ+ (National Scoping of LGBT Youth Homelessness, akt, 2015). 78% of the youth we work with have experienced rejection or abuse from their families (The LGBTQ+ Youth Homelessness Report, akt, 2021).

THE ROLE

This is a pivotal time for akt as demand for our services continues to grow. Following the departure of our long-standing chief executive we are seeking a new chief executive who will lead a highly motivated and committed team to deliver a step change in our services and impact to meet the rising demand for our support. This is a time of transformation for us, and we are looking to our new chief executive to provide stability as well as growth – critically, to build a strong organisational infrastructure which will support our continued expansion. 

You will be a proven chief executive or executive director who brings a strong appreciation of the opportunities and challenges of leading a charity in today’s political and economic context. You will be a strategic leader with the demonstrable ability to set a clear vision and direction and to inspire and empower high-performing teams to deliver impact. Transformation and growth are the key items on our agenda. You may come from a fundraising background or a services background – critically, whichever the roots of your experience you will have the leadership agility and experience to straddle both. 

Our external relationships and partnerships are critical for our continued ability to signpost those young people who need our support to trusted partners. You will be comfortable on an external platform and used to working with policy makers, funders and other service providers. Your exceptional communication skills and high emotional intelligence will be assets to you in this role. Fundamentally we are looking for a leader who brings a strong sense of social justice and the knowledge and experience to deliver outstanding outcomes through developing high-performing teams. 

It is unacceptable for young people to find themselves homeless, or at risk of homelessness, as a result of who they are. We are here to transform their lives and to enable them to find the safety and security they need at such a crucial time. If you are motivated by our mission and can provide us with the leadership we seek, we’d love to hear from you.