The Chief Executive Officer provides visionary, values-led leadership to ensure the long-term sustainability, influence and impact of DAGCAS. Working in partnership with the Board, the CEO is responsible for developing and delivering the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring high-quality services that meet the changing needs of communities across Dumfries and Galloway while influencing policy and practice at both local and national levels.

The CEO is the organisation’s principal ambassador, building strategic relationships across local government, Scottish Government, Citizens Advice Scotland, the NHS, the third sector, regulators, funders and elected members. Through political awareness, strategic insight and collaborative leadership, the CEO anticipates emerging policy, legislative and funding developments, positioning DAGCAS to influence decision-making and secure opportunities that strengthen services and improve outcomes for citizens.

The CEO leads organisational transformation, innovation and continuous improvement, creating a high-performing, inclusive culture that empowers staff and volunteers to deliver excellence. As principal adviser to the Board, the CEO ensures robust governance, effective risk management, financial sustainability and organisational resilience while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and public accountability. The CEO is a visible and accessible leader who actively role models the organisational values.

The successful Chief Executive will be recognised as a strategic leader who can shape the future of the organisation through vision, influence and collaboration. They will build confidence with the Board, staff, partners and funders, champion the needs of communities locally and nationally, and build on the position of the organisation as an influential and trusted voice within Scotland’s advice sector.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for an accomplished senior leader who can provide clear strategic direction, strengthen organisational sustainability and build influence across Dumfries and Galloway and beyond. The successful candidate will combine strong organisational leadership with a genuine commitment to social justice, equality and citizen-centred services.

Strategic & Organisational Leadership

You will bring significant senior leadership experience, ideally gained within the public, third or regulated sectors, together with a proven track record of developing and delivering organisational strategy and achieving measurable impact.

You will be able to:

• Set a clear strategic direction and translate it into effective organisational plans.
• Lead organisational change, transformation and continuous improvement.
• Anticipate emerging opportunities and risks and make sound decisions in complex and changing environments.
• Build organisational resilience, sustainability and long-term capacity.

Governance, Finance & Accountability

You will have a strong understanding of corporate governance, organisational accountability and risk management, together with the financial acumen required to lead a sustainable organisation.

This will include experience of:

• Working effectively with a Board and providing clear, constructive strategic advice.
• Leading financial planning, resource management and the delivery of balanced budgets.
• Securing funding, negotiating contracts and developing sustainable income streams.
• Understanding charity regulation, public sector funding and, ideally, commissioning and procurement arrangements.

Influence, Partnerships & Advocacy

This role requires an individual who can operate confidently across a complex stakeholder environment and build credibility with people at local, regional and national levels.

You will demonstrate:

• Strong political awareness and diplomacy.
• Experience of developing high-level partnerships across public, private and third sector organisations.
• The ability to influence decision-makers, elected members, government officials and other stakeholders.
• Confidence representing an organisation publicly, including with the media.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation and presentation skills.

Knowledge of the Scottish public sector, third sector and advice landscape will be important. Experience of influencing policy, contributing to consultations or working within complex partnership or integrated service environments would be advantageous.

People & Culture

You will be an inclusive and values-led leader who can inspire, empower and develop others and create the conditions for people to perform at their best.

You will bring experience of:

• Leading and developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
• Creating an inclusive culture where people feel valued, supported and accountable.
• Building trust and collaboration across different teams, organisations and professional disciplines.
• Leading people effectively through periods of change and uncertainty.

Advice, Social Justice & Public Service

A strong understanding of the issues affecting people who experience poverty, inequality and barriers to accessing services will be important to this role.

We would particularly welcome candidates with experience in advice services, welfare rights, social justice or community-based organisations. Knowledge of Citizens Advice Scotland systems and standards would be desirable.

You will demonstrate a genuine commitment to equality, inclusion, human rights and citizen-centred services, together with an understanding of the legislative and policy environment in which advice organisations operate.

Leadership Approach

Above all, we are looking for a leader who combines vision with pragmatism, strategic thinking with strong delivery, and influence with collaboration.

The successful candidate will be:

Visionary and strategic – able to see the bigger picture, identify opportunities and create a clear sense of direction.

Values-led and authentic – demonstrating integrity, professionalism and a strong commitment to social justice and organisational values.

Collaborative and influential – able to bring people together, build partnerships and influence across organisational and governmental boundaries.

Politically astute and diplomatic – comfortable operating within complex stakeholder environments and able to navigate competing priorities with sound judgement.

Resilient and adaptable – able to lead confidently through ambiguity, challenge and change.

Decisive and accountable – willing to make difficult decisions, take responsibility for outcomes and continually learn and improve.

Qualifications & Professional Development

You will ideally have a degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in leadership, business management, public administration, organisational development or a related discipline, alongside evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the role.

A postgraduate qualification, such as an MBA or MSc, or professional accreditation in leadership, governance, finance, HR or organisational development would be advantageous.

Other Requirements

The role requires the ability to travel throughout Dumfries and Galloway and nationally as required, together with a willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends. Satisfactory Disclosure Scotland/PVG Scheme membership will also be required.

For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion about this vacancy, please contact either Alan Surgeon or Donna McKay at AWS Executive:

Email:  [email protected]

Closing Date for Applications:

Tuesday 17th November 2026 at 9am