Community Led Housing Development Manager

The role

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.