The Wheel is Ireland's national association of community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises. Representing over 2500 members, from large well-known charities to smaller voluntary groups and social enterprises, the Wheel champions the role of Irish charities and community organisations in building a flourishing society. The Wheel supports the sector by providing advice, training, networks and other development opportunities to people working or volunteering in the charity and community sector and importantly represents the sector on significant issues and in a range of advisory groups established by government and policy-makers. THE POSITION Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive will play a pivotal role in leading and overseeing the organisation's strategic direction, operational management, and compliance with regulatory standards. The successful candidate will manage and influence a diverse group of stakeholders and take responsibility for the public representation of the Wheel and its members. Leading a talented and committed team of 38 staff, the Chief Executive will continue to grow membership while enhancing financial resilience by developing impactful and sustainable services and revenue streams, to achieve its important vision of creating a thriving charity, community and social enterprise sector at the heart of a fair, just and inclusive Ireland. REQUIREMENTS Suitably qualified and interested candidates will be operating at or near Chief Executive standing with an exemplary track record of leadership in an organisation of relevant size, scale and complexity. The ideal candidate will be a credible advocate for the Wheel's mission and have appropriate financial acumen coupled with the experience of managing and developing high-performing teams. An exceptional communicator, the appointee will have a thorough understanding of the key issues affecting the charity, community, and voluntary sector in Ireland. Given the nature of the role, the appointee will be a fast learner, able to grasp complex issues quickly and explain them clearly to others. As well as possessing a high level of emotional intelligence, the post-holder must be a dynamic and visionary leader, with the capacity to engage, inspire, and influence all stakeholders. REMUNERATION A competitive remuneration package will be on offer to the successful candidate. HOW TO APPLY If you believe that you meet the requirements necessary to take on this important role, please submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae via the available 'Apply Option' in strictest confidence, for the attention of Eilish Devine, Partner of our retained executive search partners, Principal Connections - executive search on or before 12 noon on Friday 13th February 2026. For a confidential discussion please contact Eilish Devine on. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Principal Connections is acting as an employment agency and has been retained to manage this important appointment process. Principal Connections and our clients are committed to equality of opportunity in employment. We adhere fully to the principles of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 and the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998. Candidates for this post will be sourced through both an advertised selection and executive search process. Only applications submitted through the available online application options or via the email address provided where a print advertisement will be considered. Please note that any offer of employment will be made subject to satisfactory reference checks as well as any other background checks and/or assessments deemed appropriate to the process. By applying for this vacancy with Principal Connections, you accept the Term's & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Cookies Policy which can be found on our website. ABOUT PRINCIPAL CONNECTIONS Principal Connections is a leading executive search and leadership consulting firm serving organisations across Ireland, the United Kingdom and internationally. We are also part of Agilium Worldwide LLC (Est. 1984), independently ranked one of the world's top global executive search groups. (55+ offices, 30+ countries, 250+ consultants). Visit our other Live Assignments Skills: CEO Senior Executive Chief Executive