At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a community-focused charitable trust and oversee impactful programmes.
- Company: Besson Street Trust, dedicated to creating an inclusive community in New Cross Gate.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to shape community development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to expand services with a new community centre.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and strong partnership development skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
About Besson Street Trust
Besson Street Trust (formerly The New Cross Gate Trust) has worked for more than 18 years to create a connected, inclusive and ambitious community in New Cross Gate. Based in the Besson Street Community Garden, we deliver a range of services supporting the health, wellbeing, and development of local residents. With a focus on collaboration and sustainability, we interact with more than 600 beneficiaries annually and support numerous community groups in the local area. Our activities are funded primarily by rental income from an endowment portfolio of residential and commercial properties, investments, and supplemented through fundraising.
This is a pivotal moment for the Trust; our long standing Centre Manager is stepping down after 21 years both serving the community of New Cross Gate, working initially for our predecessor - New Deal for Communities - and subsequently for the present successor Trust. She has overseen the development of the vibrant oasis that is our Besson Street Community Garden and the services that we deliver to our local communities. We are growing and evolving. The neighbouring Besson Street development, part of which will deliver a community centre to be run by the Trust, provides a welcome opportunity to expand our support for the community.
About the Role
Managing Director (0.6 FTE) Besson Street Community Garden, Southeast London (Hybrid by arrangement) £36,000 (0.6 FTE)
The Besson Street Trust is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to become our Managing Director, leading our community-focused charitable trust delivering impactful programmes and overseeing the management of the residential and commercial property portfolio, income from which underpins our charitable activities. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Trust and its activities, including the anticipated opportunity for the development of a new community centre on a neighbouring site, and the expansion of our charitable activities. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees to drive strategy, secure additional funding, and ensure strong governance, while leading a small, committed team.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading strategy, business planning, and organisational development
- Managing senior staff and fostering a positive organisational culture
- Building partnerships with funders, local authorities, and community organisations
- Overseeing financial sustainability and asset strategy
- Leading fundraising and income diversification
We are looking for someone who:
- Has senior leadership experience in a relevant sector
- Is confident working with Boards and governance structures
- Has a strong track record in partnership and funding development
- Combines strategic thinking with hands‑on leadership
Managing Director employer: Besson Street Trust
Besson Street Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a connected and inclusive community in New Cross Gate. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, sustainability, and employee growth, we offer a supportive work culture where your leadership can make a tangible impact on local residents' health and wellbeing. Join us in this pivotal moment as we expand our services and develop new community initiatives, all while enjoying the unique benefits of working in a vibrant community garden setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the community and sector. Attend local events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to express your enthusiasm for community work and the mission of the Besson Street Trust. Let them see how much you care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Trust, its projects, and the community it serves. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to share specific examples of your past successes in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Besson Street Trust team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Managing Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in community-focused leadership and strategic planning, as this will show us that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you've made in previous positions. We want to see how you've led teams, secured funding, or developed partnerships that benefited the community, so don’t hold back!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your professional achievements. Share your passion for community work and why you’re excited about this opportunity.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us directly, please apply through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures we don’t miss out on your amazing application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Besson Street Trust
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly research Besson Street Trust. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and the community.
✨Prepare Your Leadership Examples
As a Managing Director, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed change, or developed strategies in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Skills
Since fundraising is a key part of the role, be ready to discuss your experience in securing funding and building partnerships. Think of successful campaigns or initiatives you've led and be prepared to explain how you can apply those skills to benefit the Trust.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask the panel. This could be about the future direction of the Trust, challenges they face, or how they measure success. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
