St Mary’s Hospital Almshouses (St Mary’s) has a proud history of providing homes, support and community for people in Chichester. For more than 800 years, it has evolved to meet changing needs whilst remaining true to its Christian foundation and charitable purpose. Today, it combines that heritage with an ambitious vision for the future, creating an opportunity for an inclusive and values-led leader to work with the Board of Trustees to shape the next chapter of its story.
Working closely with an engaged and committed Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across every aspect of the charity, from governance, finance and people to property, partnerships and long-term sustainability. Working collaboratively as part of a team of four and supported by a network of specialist professional advisers, you will ensure St Mary’s continues to deliver exceptional support to its residents and remains financially strong for the future.
This is an outstanding opportunity to lead one of Chichester’s oldest charities at a pivotal moment. Recent years have seen significant governance reform, organisational modernisation and investment in both the almshouses and wider property portfolio. As St Mary’s completes its transition to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), you will play a central role in helping the charity extend its current footprint, identifying opportunities for growth, partnerships and innovation whilst remaining true to its founding purpose.
We are looking for a senior leader with relevant experience gained in housing, charity, health, social care or closely related sectors. You will be comfortable working with Trustees, identifying growth opportunities and providing sound financial and strategic stewardship. Just as importantly, you will bring the credibility, judgement and personal values to build trusted relationships in an organisation where visibility, accessibility and compassionate leadership are central to its success, together with a respect for the Christian values and heritage that underpin the charity’s work.
If you are motivated by this opportunity to preserve an important legacy while helping shape its future, we would be delighted to hear from you.
In the first instance please review the Candidate Brief which will provide you with further information and can be accessed at https://hilarychanningassociates.co.uk/vacancies
Closing Date: Friday 18 September 2026 at 9.00am
