Charity and not-for-profit executive search
Executive recruitment for charities, foundations, membership bodies and voluntary sector organisations.
Top tier recruitment and head hunting for charity and not-for-profit sector
Charities and non-profit organisations face many of the same leadership challenges as commercial businesses, often with fewer resources and greater public accountability. Appointing the right person at the top is not only a matter of capability, but also of shared values, vision and purpose.
Our dedicated Charity Practice supports a wide range of organisations across the UK. These include national and regional charities, membership bodies, voluntary sector providers and social enterprises. We are trusted to deliver high-quality, discreet and thoughtful executive search campaigns for leadership roles that truly matter.
We have particular experience recruiting:
Chief Executive Officers
Chief Operating Officers
Finance Directors and Heads of Finance
Communications, Marketing and Fundraising Leaders
Chairs, Trustees and Non-Executive Directors
Senior Operations, Policy and Impact roles
Every assignment begins with listening. We work closely with boards and leadership teams to understand your goals, culture and challenges. We help shape the brief in a way that brings clarity, defines expectations, and sets the foundation for a successful search.
For over 25 years, Moon Executive Search has partnered with mission-led organisations to appoint leaders who are strategic, resilient and values-driven. Our consultants combine experience with empathy. We know the commitment required in these roles and the importance of finding individuals who can deliver results while staying true to your cause.
Moon Executive Search is known for a distinctive, ethical and approachable style. This guides the way we work with candidates and clients alike, and they underpin our commitment to transparency, fairness and inclusion.
We also offer guidance on succession planning, board composition and long-term leadership strategy. Whether you are recruiting a new Chief Executive, building a diverse board, or strengthening your senior team, we support you with practical advice and insight shaped by years of experience.
Our work is never transactional. We focus on creating the right outcome for your organisation, with people who will lead with clarity, care and conviction.
If you're planning a senior appointment within a charity or non-profit, we’d be glad to support you. Get in touch today for a friendly, informal conversation.
Charity and not-for-profit case studies
The case studies below illustrate the diverse appointments we deliver within the charity and not‑for‑profit sector, highlighting how our work helps organisations build capable, values‑led teams.
Space Youth Services
Space Youth Services were looking to secure two new Trustees. They were particularly keen to hear from candidates with legal, HR and governance experience.
Bath Cats & Dogs Home
The charity has ambitious growth plans to expand its geographical reach. To support this expansion securing an outstanding Trustee who can lead financial oversight with governance expertise was a priority.
Amplify Education Trust
Amplify Education Trust were looking to appoint two new Trustees to strengthen its Board with expertise in two priority areas: the strategic use of AI and technology and Special Educational Needs (SEN).
The Green House
Moon Executive Search was approached by The Green House to find them a new CEO. They are a Bristol based charity which supports children, young people and families who have experienced sexual abuse.
Wesport
Wesport partnered again with Moon to recruit two key positions: Director of Place & Communities and Strategic Lead, Marketing, Communications & Insight.
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution
Moon looked for transferable skills and cultural fit to strengthen the Board of Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI) with the appointment of a Director to lead on its cultural activities.
Bath Welcomes Refugees
Moon supported BWR in recruiting their first Head of Charity, a pivotal role to help the organisation scale into a sustainable and strategically driven charity.
SARI
We were working with a talented candidate who was seeking a trustee role focused on community engagement and equality, diversity and inclusion.
Underfall Yard
Underfall Yard were seeking an Honorary Treasurer to support the rebuilding efforts and broader site initiatives.
Bristol Dockyards
The Trust engaged us to appoint a Development Manager - a newly created role that would be pivotal in strengthening fundraising capability.
Bristol Dockyards
Bristol Dockyards asked Moon to find them a both an interim Director of Finance as well as the permanent successor.
St Monica Trust
We were appointed to deliver two critical Executive-level roles: Director of People and Director of Estates & Capital Developments.
Forest of Avon
Moon was appointed to lead the search for a new Chief Executive during a key stage in Forest of Avon’s development.
Together for Short Lives
For this role, Together for Short Lives needed a strategic thinker who could provide clear, engaging and confident leadership to the Trustees.
Youth Moves
Youth Moves required a Chief Executive who could guide them through a period of significant growth and impact.
CVS South Gloucestershire
The CEO needed a strong grasp of the VCSE sector and South Gloucestershire's demographics to effectively lead the Charity's diverse activities.
Bristol Charities
Bristol Charities were building a passionate and driven team to deliver this change, including a Director of Fundraising & Communications who could secure the resources to launch, grow and sustain this ambitious plan.
Empire Fighting Chance
The role required a strategic thinker who could balance long-term objectives with day-to-day operations. They would adapt the delivery methods and support programmes to the changing needs of young people.
WERN
We helped West of England Rural Network (WERN) find a CEO who could build on successes to date and lead an exciting phase of development.
Clevedon Pier & Heritage Trust
They were seeking a Chair of the Board who could steer the Charity through the first phase of this plan and deliver set objectives.
Bristol Future Talent Partnerships
We helped Bristol Future Talent Partnerships to find an Operations Manager who could expand their reach and further their mission.
Bristol Civic Society
BCS were searching for a Chair of the Board of Trustees to lead the Charity through the next chapter.
Southern Brooks
The organisation was seeking a Chief Executive Officer, to build on successes and set a clear direction for ongoing development.
Active Gloucestershire
Active Gloucestershire were seeking two Trustees who could increase reach and help implement their 2030 strategy.
Enable Trust
They were seeking two skilled Trustees who could assist the organisation through a period of growth.
Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity
The organisation wanted the new Board Members to have a wide range of skill sets and expertise in multiple areas, to strengthen the Board on different fronts.
St Monica Trust
During 2023, St Monica Trust needed Trustees with an in-depth knowledge of social care for older people, experienced in the operational, risk and regulatory aspects of care provision.
Hammersmith United Charities
During 2024, Hammersmith United Charities were seeking two Trustees. One to join their Housing and Property Committee and another for the Finance and Investment Committee.
Futura Learning
We were seeking a Trustee with a legal background, auditing and compliance experience, and an in-depth knowledge of organisational structure, contractual arrangements, policies and disputes
Aardman
As part of their succession planning, Aardman were seeking new Trustees to join the EOT – to help them shape and support the company as they navigate the next phase of life.
Executive recruiters with a global reach
Moon Executive Search are incredibly proud of our network that spreads not just across the UK but also across the globe, meaning we have both the reach and capability to conduct search campaigns all around the world.
We have successfully managed campaigns in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, offering retained executive search services to many global branded corporations, from manufacturing to professional services and retail.
News, Insights and Trends
Find out more about Moon Executive Search and glean insights from around the business and non-profit landscape.