Housing And Homelessness Jobs in Birmingham

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the Chief Executive, the post-holder will lead on all aspects of development, marketing and fundraising, and people/HR development; maintaining high level relationships with donors and prospective donors and maximising opportunities to secure new sources of income from individuals, companies and charitable trusts, as well as improving our internal comms.

We are looking for someone who has experience working in collaborative environments to meet organisational goals and build and manage relationships. They will demonstrate a willingness to learn and develop in order to surface and establish partnerships, lead funding bids, develop our people, and act as a key representative of the Centre to the outside world. 

Time off

• 30 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ service (plus public holidays) 

• Paid carers’ and compassionate leave 

Financial 

• Contributory pension scheme – employer contribution 8.5% (employee contribution 2.5%)

• Non-contributory group life assurance scheme (4 x annual salary) 

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay 

• Enhanced sick pay scheme (after 6 months’ service)

Wellbeing 

• Employee assistance programme through life assurance cover.  WeCare: 24/7 online GP, mental health support service, get fit programme and more.

• Flexible working arrangements i.e. part time, compressed hours, working hours etc.

You will spearhead our efforts in evidence implementation and practice. Collaborating with our Programmes and Evidence Teams, you will drive our efforts to build the capacity of practitioners and policymakers working in homelessness to use evidence to create impact.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of homelessness, commitment to using evidence in practice, and excellent relationship-building skills. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape an organisation dedicated to using evidence to end homelessness for good.

Time off

• 30 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ service (plus public holidays) 

• Paid carers’ and compassionate leave 

Financial 

• Contributory pension scheme – employer contribution 8.5% (employee contribution 2.5%)

• Non-contributory group life assurance scheme (4 x annual salary) 

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay 

• Enhanced sick pay scheme (after 6 months’ service)

Wellbeing 

• Employee assistance programme through life assurance cover.  WeCare: 24/7 online GP, mental health support service, get fit programme and more.

• Flexible working arrangements i.e. part time, compressed hours, working hours etc.

Job Purpose

To lead the development, implementation, and scaling of major programmes, ensuring high quality delivery, impact and compliance across the Association’s strategic priorities and geographical areas.

Working closely with the Chief Officer and the Heads of Business Development and Operations, you will co-ordinate programme-related work across the organisation, fostering collaboration with stakeholders and positioning the Association at the forefront of community-led thinking, development, and practice.

At the heart of the role is the management, oversight,  succession and growth of thematic programmes and partnerships linked to the Association’s Flourishing Communities agenda.

To deputise for the Chief Officer (CO) when required.

Job Title: Assistant Director Activism & Advocacy

Location: Flexible - Home-based, Shelter Office-based, or combination with regular travel to London and other locations

Contract Type: Permanent Full Time

Salary: £78,414 per annum

Hours: 37.5 per week (pro-rata if part-time)

Leave: 30 days holiday per annum + Exceptional Benefits

Closing Date: 27th May 2024 at 23.30pm

About Shelter

A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination, and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home.

We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.

We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

About the Team

This role is part of the Communications, Policy, and Campaigns (CPC) team, which drives Shelter's ground-breaking campaigning efforts.

The CPC team leads initiatives advocating for social housing, renters' rights, and ending the housing emergency.

As our Assistant Director Activism & Advocacy, you'll work alongside other Assistant Directors, contributing to a collaborative, non-hierarchical decision-making environment.

About the Role

As Assistant Director Activism & Advocacy, you will provide strategic direction to the heads of Digital campaigning, Community Organising, Policy, Research, and Public Affairs teams.

You'll support the development of high-profile campaigns and drive continual improvement to achieve Shelter's strategic goals.

This role involves building strong relationships across Shelter, promoting collaboration, and acting as a spokesperson when required.

You'll need excellent political instincts, campaign experience, and the ability to oversee the production of high-quality policy and research.

About You

We're seeking candidates with experience in matrix management environments, senior leadership skills in project/change management, and a track record of impactful campaigning, policy, research, or public affairs activities.

You should demonstrate the Shelter Behaviours, including collaboration, prioritising diversity, enabling decision-making, creating change, openness to risk, and learning from experiences.

How to apply

You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement should include why you’re interested in the role and address the following 3 questions. The supporting statement should be no more than two A4 pages.

1. Can you provide examples of your experience leading and implementing high-profile campaign strategies that have resulted in significant political impact, particularly in influencing complex policy decisions at the highest levels?

2. Please provide an example of how you have successfully worked across different teams/departments and delivered on cross-organisational objectives?

3. Considering Shelter's commitment to being an anti-racist organisation, can you outline how you would integrate anti-racism and equity principles into your leadership approach within the context of driving strategic change and delivering impactful activism and advocacy initiatives?

Please note any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.
 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension, and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support, and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter please visit our website. Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing, and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies. 

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Baird and Co Recruitment, a specialist Social Housing recruitment firm, have been retained by The Yardley Great Trust Group and Sir Josiah Mason Trust in their acquisition of a Finance Director.

The role will work across both businesses following their partnership agreement in January 2023. Both businesses are steeped in the history of Birmingham, with the origins of The Yardley Great Trust Group going back to the 14th Century and SJMT’s beginnings in 1868. Their work in the Alms House arena is also highly individual, an area of support found in the heritage of SJMT.

The Finance Director role would ideally start swiftly and will take on a largely strategic direction whilst still requiring operational input.

Based in Olton, candidates with experience in a senior leadership role in finance whilst holding an understanding of how charities, housing providers or public sector organisations work will be highly advantageous.

The Finance Director post will cover many facets including, but not limited to:

Executive Leadership

• Working with the executive team to develop and manage the delivery of robust corporate, strategic and financial business plans
• Demonstrating positive leadership behaviours and bringing values to life within the organisational culture
• Effectively planning and providing for the resources required to action strategic and operational plans
• Undertaking quarterly reviews of the Charity's Risk Registers, reporting on major risks and mitigations at each Board meeting.

Financial Strategy and Control

• Leading on the delivery of strategic and annual financial business plans, ensuring viability is regularly tested through scenario modelling, appraisals, and stress tests
• Taking responsibility for annual budget and management accounts processes and preparation of statutory accounts
• Maintaining up-to-date reserves policies that meet the requirements of both the Charity SORP and RSL SORP
• Managing relationships with investment managers, ensuring regular review of performance and satisfaction
• Developing and maintaining effective systems of financial control that ensure that business plans are continually reviewed and reported on
• Maintaining overall responsibility for the computerised accounting system, including sales ledger, purchase ledger, cash book and nominal ledger

Treasury

• Being responsible for each Trust’s Treasury Management strategy and policy to ensure the availability of and flexibility of funding to support the achievement of strategic objectives and reduce exposure

Risk Management

• Leading on the development of risk management strategies and registers, audit frameworks, procedures and appraisal systems for capital projects and all other significant areas of risk.   

Growth and Innovation

• To support the Chief Executive in the development of the Strategic Business Plans in a way that supports innovation and growth in services

ICT / HR

• Leading on the development and delivery of an effective ICT and Telecoms Strategy which supports mobile and agile working and customer relationship management that underpins our drive for excellent business
• Supporting with the development, implementation and review of an effective People Strategy which supports the vision and values of each Trust
• Reviewing the administration of all statutory returns and sector-relevant returns/surveys
• Leading on the annual remuneration review to approve or decline and make recommendations for salary increases
• Taking responsibility for the outsourced payroll and workplace pension scheme
• Overseeing the relationship with the outsourced IT support provider, ensuring optimal support to staff and monitoring performance against contract
• Working with and developing the use of financial accounting software to meet the operational and strategic development needs of the business

To secure the Finance Director post, the Trusts are seeking the below:

• Proven experience at a senior leadership level in a finance environment
• Experience preparing financial business plans, modelling scenarios and sensitivity analysis
• A track record of delivering on a range of other corporate support services such as IT or HR and Governance
• A relevant Professional Qualification i.e. CCAB or equivalent and membership of a recognised UK body desirable
• Up-to-date knowledge of all regulatory requirements including Finance, People, IT & Governance
• Experience developing services to achieve and support strategic organisational objectives.

The Trusts are also seeking a Finance Director who can demonstrate the values of SJMT and YGT:

• Personalised
• Dignity
• Innovation
• Excellence
• Honesty
• Fun

If interested or want to discuss other Social Housing Executive roles please get in touch with Matt Baird.