Sonas Interim CEO Job Description – 15-month Maternity Cover contract

Sonas domestic violence, a frontline support organisation working with people and families affected by domestic abuse, is seeking an experienced and resilient leader to guide the organisation through a period of significant operational growth. We are looking for a strong operator with the drive, strategic insight, and proven management capability to oversee expanding services and ensure the continued delivery of high‑quality, life‑changing support, for a 15-month period, to cover the current CEO's upcoming maternity leave.

Candidates should bring senior leadership experience - such as CEO, Executive Director, Deputy CEO or Director - within a charity, public service, or any organisation that provides essential support to vulnerable communities. The ideal person will balance strategic vision with hands‑on operational excellence, demonstrating the ability to manage people, systems, and resources effectively. They will also represent Sonas confidently and credibly to funders, statutory bodies, regulators, and community stakeholders.

Sonas - About the Organisation

For more than two decades, Sonas has provided critical, frontline support to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Its services include emergency accommodation, safe homes, advocacy, and ongoing support. Each year, Sonas assists around 1,500 people who have been forced to leave unsafe environments, offering safety, stability, and pathways toward rebuilding their lives.

Vision

Sonas is committed to a future where no one experiences domestic abuse or faces the risk of harm. When abuse does occur, every victim should have immediate access to supports and interventions that prioritise their safety, dignity and wellbeing. This vision is advanced by:

• Recognising and upholding the rights of vulnerable individuals.
• Promoting prevention strategies that reduce the incidence of domestic violence.
• Delivering timely, effective, and high-quality support services.
• Advocating for victims' rights within the justice system and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
• Shaping policy, public awareness, and legislation to address domestic abuse.

The Role – Interim CEO

The Interim CEO (a 15-month maternity cover contract) 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 Interim 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 a new refuge in Dublin, 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.

Desirable

• Knowledge of governance and legal responsibilities in the voluntary sector.
• Experience working with housing bodies.
• Experience working in a front-line 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 - €110,000 per annum (DOE)
• Pension – matching contribution up to a maximum of 5% of gross salary (after probation)
• 26 days annual leave pro rata per annum
• Life Insurance
• Wellbeing program
• 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
• On-site requirement of 4 days per week, working from home possible on Fridays
• Travel expected between the 3 (expanding to 4 by the end of 2026) different refuges around Dublin