This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Sussex Community Housing Hub team in providing technical advice and support to communities engaged in rural and community led housing projects.
Community-led housing involves local people playing a leading and lasting role in solving housing problems, creating genuinely affordable homes and strong communities.
You will be working in conjunction with other members of the Hub to help deliver quality affordable housing schemes that these communities are truly proud of.
The role
This is a senior, externally facing post reporting to the Chief Executive. You'll manage a caseload of community-led housing projects, lead a small team of advisors, and work in partnership with communities, parish councils, housing associations, local authorities, landowners, and developers across East and West Sussex.
You'll also play a part in shaping Druv Homes, AirS's emerging housing association.
What you'll be doing
- Guiding community groups through all stages of the housing development process — from vision and site identification through to planning, funding, and scheme delivery
- Advising on site selection, RP partnerships, planning applications, S106 agreements, and funding strategies (both capital and revenue)
- Building and managing relationships with a wide range of partners — communities, RPs, local authorities, planners, developers, and agents
- Supporting communities to access funding and drafting bids where needed
- Overseeing professional advisers (architects, engineers, etc.) commissioned by community groups
- Leading project team meetings, maintaining project plans, and problem-solving
- Contributing to lobbying and sector advocacy alongside national partners
- Keeping pace with policy and legislative changes in affordable housing and community-led development
What we're looking for
Essential:
- At least 5 years' experience in affordable housing development
- A relevant degree (surveying, building, business management or equivalent experience)
- Proven track record in project management and scheme delivery
- Experience working with local authorities, RPs, and community organisations
- Team management experience
- Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills
Desirable:
- Experience of rural affordable housing and community-led models e.g. Community Land Trusts (CLTs)
- Knowledge of rural housing policy
- Background in the not-for-profit sector
- Experience reporting to boards or executive teams
Practical
The role is based in Lewes with hybrid working. Regular but infrequent travel across East and West Sussex is required — a driving licence or equivalent transport access is essential.
For more information about the role and the organisation download the Job Description, Person Specification and AirS Prospectus.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
To increase the capacity of rural communities to manage change for the benefit of all their constituents.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The South East District are excited to advertise the opening for a full time District Mission Enabler to support the District, its churches, circuits and people, in mission. Home based, own transport is essential. There will be an expectation to attend the District Office in Crawley, Sussex, on occasion, as well as other locations across the South East District.
Thank you!
At Samaritans, our vision is that fewer people die by suicide. Every day, our volunteers and staff provide life-saving emotional support to people in distress, and behind that work is a culture built on compassion, inclusion, learning and human connection.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and organised Events Fundraising Assistant to join our Community & Events Fundraising team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people, delivering great supporter experiences and being part of events that raise vital funds and awareness for Samaritans.
Contract
- £25,500-£28,000 per annum plus benefits
- Full Time (35hrs per week)
- Permanent
- Hybrid working - Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. This role is linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office with a blend of home working and option to work out of our London office as required.
- In-person working - expectation of a minimum of 2 office days per month. We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
About the role
As Events Fundraising Assistant you’ll support the recruitment, care and stewardship of event participants making sure their fundraising experience across a diverse programme of mass participation and challenge events with Samaritans is exceptional.
You will build long lasting relationships with supporters while developing valuable experience in charity events fundraising.
You’ll work closely with colleagues across External Engagement, other central teams, and our incredible network of branch volunteers.
What you’ll do
- Support the recruitment and stewardship of participants taking part in events and challenges
- Create engaging content for webpages, social media, fundraising materials and participant communications
- Deliver participant care plans that inspire fundraising and build lasting relationships with Samaritans
- Track and respond to participant enquiries via inboxes and other communication channels
- Maintain accurate participant records on our fundraising database
- Refresh and update events content on the Samaritans website and intranet
- Attend and represent Samaritans at fundraising events and social gatherings when required
- Help identify external trends in community and events fundraising
About you
You’re someone who thrives in a busy, people‑focused environment and enjoys juggling multiple priorities. You take pride in producing high‑quality work and bring a positive, adaptable attitude to everything you do. You’re comfortable communicating with a wide range of people and feel motivated by work that has real social impact.
What you will bring:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational skills and great attention to detail
- The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
- A customer‑focused, supportive approach
- A genuine interest in community and social events
- Confidence building relationships and working as part of a team
Full outline in the Job description below
Why Samaritans?
At Samaritans, people matter deeply. We know that meaningful impact starts with how we support each other.
We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and flexible workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity of thought, background and lived experience, and we actively encourage applications from people from all communities.
Every person at Samaritans plays a role in helping fewer people die by suicide. If you are motivated by purpose, compassion and the opportunity to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.
For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available below. You can also visit our careers website to access this.
We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.
To Apply
Please complete the application questions including those outlined below, and submit your CV.
Please note the following questions have a 300word limit for each answer.
Q1 What interests you about working in community and events fundraising, and why do you want to work for Samaritans in particular?
Q2 Please describe a time when you communicated with members of the public, supporters or stakeholders as part of an event, campaign or project. How did you ensure your communication was clear, supportive and appropriate, and how did you ensure they had a positive experience?
Q3 This role involves managing multiple tasks such as participant enquiries, communications and record‑keeping.Please give an example of a time when you were responsible for organising multiple tasks or activities with competing deadlines. How did you plan your work, stay organised, and maintain attention to detail?
Q4 How would you contribute positively as part of a team supporting community and social events? Please include an example of working collaboratively or supporting others.
At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.
We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.
We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar.
Applications close at 9am Monday 1 June
All applicants will receive notification of the outcome of their application, at the appropriate time.
Interviews
Online interviews: 8 & 9 June
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We prevent suicide through the power of human connection. Connecting people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.