Chief Executive Officer and Centre Manager

Heatree Activity Centre is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer and Centre Manager to lead the charity and the centre into an exciting new phase. Set on a stunning 180 acre estate in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, Heatree exists so that children and young people can encounter God through adventure. We are now looking for a leader who can unite prayerful, Christ-centred leadership with strategic direction, operational excellence, and team development.

Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will shape and deliver a bold, five year strategy focused on growing our Christian youth ministry, enriching our school programmes and building strong relationships with churches and partner organisations across the South West. They will oversee people, operations, safeguarding, finance, fundraising, facilities, and estate stewardship — ensuring Heatree remains safe, sustainable, and spiritually vibrant.

We are seeking a committed Christian with senior leadership experience in a charity, education, outdoor/adventure, or Christian ministry setting. The role requires a strong communicator, with a heart for developing organisational culture, while also living out a prayerful dependence on God.

About Us

Governed by the Christian charity Heathercombe Brake Trust, Heatree is an outdoor residential activity centre welcoming thousands of children and young people each year through school residentials, youth groups, and community organisations.

For over 35 years, Heatree has provided a safe, exciting, and transformative environment where young people can explore faith through adventure. We aim to offer outstanding hospitality and high-quality outdoor instruction, creating a setting that is welcoming, inclusive, and respectful to all. While firmly rooted in the Christian faith, our approach is relational and invitational.

The Opportunity

The CEO will lead during a period of purposeful growth, with key priorities including:

• Expanding engagement with Christian youth groups across the South West
• Developing programmes that explore Christian faith through activity-based learning
• Strengthening and developing school residential programmes, with particular focus on Environmental Studies and Religious Education
• Investing in marketing, fundraising, and brand awareness
• Ensuring robust staffing structures, succession planning, and team development
• Overseeing stewardship and development of buildings, land, and facilities across the estate

This role calls for a leader who can integrate strategic vision with hands-on leadership, grounded in a humble and servant-hearted Christian faith.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• A committed Christian with a heart for children, young people, and ministry
• A strategic thinker, able to translate vision into practical action
• An experienced senior leader, ideally within charity, education, outdoor learning, or ministry settings
• Skilled in managing teams, budgets, and complex operations
• A confident communicator, able to engage with churches, donors, and partners
• Passionate about developing people and nurturing a collaborative staff culture
• Prayerful, adaptable, and attentive to God’s leading
• Committed to delivering growth while maintaining a culture of hospitality, safety, and excellence
• Someone who follows through on commitments, stewarding projects with care and diligence

Good to Know

• This role carries a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the post-holder to be a practising Christian, in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010
• Occasional weekend hosting is required (approximately four weekends per year on a rota basis)
• Appointment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check

Our Ethos

Elizabeth Quantick, founder of Heathercombe Brake Trust, displayed Psalm 127:1 as a guiding principle:

‘Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.’

This remains the foundation of all we do. The new CEO will join a team committed to leading and serving in continual dependence on God.