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A great opportunity to join our Sussex focussed charity as we embark upon a new 4 year strategy.
This is a senior, high-impact post. You will lead on business development and income generation — writing bids, building partnerships and developing strategy — working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.
A key part of the role is dedicated to securing funding for our Lost Woods Project, a multi-agency community development initiative running until November 2027.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and driving an organisational Business Development Strategy
- Writing and submitting high-quality grant applications and competitive tender bids (including £150k+ bids)
- Maintaining a strong pipeline of funding and contract opportunities
- Building and sustaining strategic partnerships across the public, voluntary and private sectors
- Leading on AirS communications, marketing and profile-raising
- Supporting smooth handover of awarded contracts into delivery
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Proven track record of securing grant funding and winning contracts, including large bids of £150,000+
- Experience of collaborative bidding and partnership development
- Management experience in a similar organisation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience of CRM systems
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
- Knowledge of the national and local funding landscape and public sector commissioning
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
Desirable:
- Knowledge of the voluntary and community sector in Sussex
- Experience of Social Value and Theory of Change impact evaluation
- Formal fundraising or project management qualification
- Knowledge of community asset development, rural housing or nature-based solutions
Personal attributes: You are self-motivated, highly organised, calm under pressure, and a genuine completer-finisher. You can write compelling bids, build trusted relationships, and present confidently to a range of audiences.
Accountable to: Head of Finance and Operations Staff responsibilities: None initially (line management potential)
Salary: £45,000 (pro rata) Hours: 35 hours per week (part-time considered at 28 hours) Contract: Permanent Location: Lewes, Sussex — hybrid working.
AirS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
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 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.
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.