Chief Executive Officer

Overview
Balmer Dawson Executive Search is partnering with Sonas Domestic Violence Charity in the search for their next Chief Executive Officer.
This is a pivotal opportunity for an experienced and hands-on leader to take the helm of Ireland's largest provider of frontline domestic abuse services.
Sonas is seeking a strong operator with drive, resilience and proven management expertise to lead an evolving organisation, oversee significant operational expansion, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, life-changing services for women and children.
You must have CEO or Deputy CEO experience within a charity or an organisation delivering frontline services.
The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with operational excellence, bringing the ability to manage people, systems and resources effectively while representing the organisation credibly to funders, government, regulators and the wider community.
The Role
The CEO will provide strategic leadership and operational management, ensuring Sonas continues to deliver high-quality services while growing its capacity and impact.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will be responsible for:
Implementing and monitoring strategic and operational plans.
Leading the senior management team and fostering a positive, inclusive organisational culture.
Overseeing service delivery, governance, compliance, and risk management.
Managing financial performance, budgets, and funding relationships.
Representing Sonas externally with government, regulators, funders, partner organisations, and the media.
Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders.
A key priority in the immediate term will be overseeing the opening of two new refuges in the Dublin area, significantly expanding organisational capacity.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Lead the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans.
Identify opportunities for growth, improvement and partnerships.
Report to the Board and ensure strong governance practices.
Operations & Service Delivery
Oversee service delivery in line with agreed standards, regulations, and SLAs.
Manage budgets, finances, and reporting requirements.
Maintain risk management frameworks and legal compliance.
Support and manage the senior management team and wider staff.
Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy
Maintain effective relationships with regulators (CRA, AHBRA), funders and government bodies (Cuan/Department of Justice), and other domestic violence and voluntary sector organisations.
Act as the primary spokesperson for Sonas, promoting their work and advocating for change.
Marketing & Communications
Ensure accurate and impactful public messaging.
Represent Sonas at events, conferences, and in the media.
The Person
Essential Experience & Skills
Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior management role.
Proven track record of delivering strategic and operational goals on time and within budget.
Strong financial and commercial acumen.
Experience meeting governance, legal, and reporting obligations.
Excellent relationship-building, communication, and influencing skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
Alignment with the mission and values of Sonas, with a strong commitment to supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse.
Knowledge of governance and legal responsibilities in the voluntary sector.
Experience working with housing bodies.
Experience working in a frontline capacity is an advantage.
Media and public speaking experience.
Previous engagement with government departments.
Experience handling sensitive personal and organisational data.
Salary & Benefits
Salary is €105,000 + per annum (DOE)
Pension – matching contribution up to a maximum of 5% of gross salary
26 days annual leave per annum
Life Insurance
Learning and development programs
Tax-save commuter ticket
Cycle to work scheme
On-site parking
Location & Hours
Monday to Friday – 9.00am to 5.30pm
Dublin 15
On-site requirement of 5 days per week
Travel expected between the different refuges around Dublin
Applications and Queries
To apply, please submit your CV and Cover Letter (maximum one page), in Microsoft Word format, outlining how your motivation, experience and skills are a fit for this role profile.
Please make your application for the attention of both Gilly Balmer and Zena Dawson to the following email address:
Any queries should be directed to Gilly Balmer and Zena Dawson at
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is Friday, 26th September at 5pm (GMT)
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