Chief Executive Officer

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop Build Studios – a small and dynamic built environment charity – and Build Workspace – the charity’s central London co-working space in Waterloo.

This role could suit an experienced sector leader looking for a leadership role, or a rising leader ready to step up.

Working closely with our dedicated Board of Directors and our small team, you will lead the development of the charity, oversee development and delivery of projects and identify new opportunities, partners and funders.

You will also oversee the smooth running of the co-working space, delivering a high quality service to members and promoting a collaborative environment for a diverse group of small and start-up practices.

The role is a part time opportunity (2 days/week) with the potential to expand. Salary £60,000 FTE (pro rated to 2 days/week - £24,000 per annum)

About us

Build Studios is a charity that works to inspire the next generation about the built environment through collaboration and learning. We have been working from our central London base in Waterloo since we were established nearly ten years ago.

We work with our community to improve awareness, access and aspiration for young people to careers in the sector. This takes place through outreach work with schools, careers enrichment and events.

Our engagement with young people takes place at a number of points in their school journey – from our ‘Healthy Homes’ programme with primary pupils, built environment careers enrichment with secondary aged students and digital design for sixth formers – inspiring them about the importance of good city design to their everyday lives. We continue this engagement into the world of work through Alternative Practice, our community of students and young workers, who come together through events and activities, to collaborate with others from across the sector.

Our workspace company, Build Workspace, provides co-working space, support services and events for start-ups and small businesses in the built environment sector.

We aim to attract entrepreneurs, creative young businesses, self-employed specialists and freelancers, providing an affordable, collaborative workspace in a central location, right next to Waterloo and the South Bank.

Profits from the co-working space are ploughed back into the charity.

About You

You will be

-        Passionate about the built environment and knowledgeable about the sector

-        Experienced in managing people and projects

-        Experienced in managing finance and budgets

-        Willing to take a hands-on and proactive role across all aspects of the running of a small organisation

-        Proficient in presenting and advocating for an organisation or cause

-        Able to demonstrate successful fundraising and business development experience

You may also be

-        Experienced in developing projects and programmes

-        Experienced in working with boards or committees

We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Job Description

The role will involve the following:

Line management: managing and developing Build Studios and Build Workspace’s small staff team, with access to retained HR support agency. Leading annual appraisals and regular 1:1s.

Governance : managing the annual cadence of quarterly board meetings, AGM and associated companies house and charity commission filing, liaising closely with the boards of directors of both companies.

Business Planning: annual business planning, working with the board, staff team and other stakeholders to develop an ambitious annual plan in line with Build Studios five year strategic plan.

Budgeting and financial management: production of annual budget, working closely with the Treasurer and Chairs of Build Studios and Build Workspace; quarterly monitoring of financial performance in liaison with accountants; day to day management of project budgets and payments.

Fundraising: Leading fundraising bids with relevant grant funding bodies, developing new programmes in line with their (and Build Studios’) strategic priorities. Approaching sponsors for financial support, making a compelling case for investment.

Project management: Taking a lead role in managing projects, ensuring delivery, reporting and impact measurement are conducted in line with funder requirements and our own standards.

Communications and marketing: Supporting the team with delivering strong communications and marketing through our various channels (website, LinkedIn, Instagram, newsletters). Engaging external agency/freelance support where appropriate. Working with the operational team to deliver timely and effective communications to members in the Workspace.

Operations: Working with operations team to ensure high quality management of the workspace, having oversight of health and safety, space management systems and software and landlord liaison, and maintaining a healthy pipeline of prospective members. Ensuring appropriate operational cover is in place for the workspace during staffed hours.

Engagement: Building positive relationships with Build Studios and Build Workspace members and partners, seeking mutually beneficial opportunities to develop profile and engagement, through events and collaborations.

Other information

The contract of employment will be with Build Workspace, but the post-holder will work across both Build Studios and Build Workspace.

We would expect at least one of the two days to be worked on site at Build Studios (Waterloo, London). The remaining day can be worked flexibly at the office or from home.

Build Studios is actively seeking additional funding from grants and sponsors to grow our outreach and engagement programmes. Future successful funding bids will enable this role to be extended to more days beyond the core 2 days/week.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a full DBS check.

The role has 25 days paid annual leave (pro rated to 10 days for 2 day/week role) plus bank holidays. Additionally 5 days’ paid sick leave (pro rated to 2 days for 2 day/week role).

How to apply

Please apply with CV and covering letter, demonstrating how you would be well suited to the role, to Helen Santer 

Closing date for applications: Friday 21st August at 5.00pm

Interviews are scheduled for 1st and 2nd September.

We will offer written feedback to all candidates shortlisted for interview.

No agencies please.