Location: RNA Central Office, HMNB Portsmouth
Salary: circa 75K depending on candidate
Closing Date: 22 May 26
Interviews: W/C 01 Jun 26
Type: Full-time (37.5 hrs/wk)
The RNA is a vibrant, fully inclusive, rank-blind and free-to-join community for serving and former Royal Navy personnel and the wider naval family. We keep the naval ethos alive, share the camaraderie that binds us, and stand by each other whenever support is needed. We live by the creed of Once Navy, Always Navy
The largest of the naval associations, the Association recruited its 25,000th member last quarter. We have over 200 branches in the UK and overseas and also a number of Sports and Comradeship Groups which allow members to meet to enjoy their interests. With the King as our patron, we are governed by Royal Charter and have an MOU with the RN. The RNA plays an important part in national and local remembrance and commemoration events.
We see ourselves as providing opportunities for the development of Comradeship and social interaction among our large membership base. In doing so we are facilitating ‘upstream’ support between our members while the Association acts as the gateway to any required support provided through the wider naval charity ecosystem. Following the ‘big-bang’ of the RNRMC forming in 2007, there is now a growing opinion in the Naval Charity sector that there could be better rationalisation of the sector to focus output, and reduce duplication. The RNA is committed to this process and will continue to look for and progress opportunities for collaboration. This 2SL led approach to the charity sector with a lens to 2040 will be a major focus of the new General Secretary’s tenure.
If you are looking to lead an innovative, interesting and fun organisation with great capacity to do good in the community and for individuals, this may be the job for you. You will need a mind that ranges from the strategic to the tactical on a daily basis, be adept at people skills and able to lead sensitive change management. The current CEO is moving on, and the National Council of the RNA is looking to recruit a successor. It is hoped that that the recruitment process will be concluded in time to allow the appointed person to attend the RNA’s Annual Conference in Salford (13 June) to observe, even if they are not able to take up the appointment until later. Due to the nature of the duties, the successful candidate will have enjoyed a successful career in the Naval Service (RN/RM/Reserves/RFA)
Further Details about the RNA are available at www.royal-naval-association.co.uk
The job description and person spec are attached. Applications with CV and covering letter explaining why you would be the right person for this role should be submitted by email to ceo-ea@rnassoc.org by cop 22 May 2026. E-mails marked PRIVATE – APPLICATION FOR GS.
Applicants wishing to discuss further with the current CEO, Bill Oliphant, should e-mail to arrange an appointment through his EA, Milly Luxford at ceo-ea@rnassoc.org
