At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful community programmes and manage property portfolios for a charitable trust.
- Company: Besson Street Trust, dedicated to building an inclusive community in Southeast London.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, opportunity to shape community initiatives, and work with passionate teams.
- Other info: Join us at a pivotal moment of growth and expansion for the Trust.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while leading innovative projects and partnerships.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and strong skills in partnership and funding development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Besson Street Community Garden, Southeast London (Hybrid by arrangement)
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.
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
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
Besson Street Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises community impact and employee development. Located in the vibrant Besson Street Community Garden in Southeast London, we offer a unique opportunity for meaningful engagement with local residents while providing flexible hybrid working arrangements. Our commitment to sustainability and growth ensures that employees can thrive both personally and professionally, making a significant difference in the lives of over 600 beneficiaries annually.
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 industry. Attend local events, workshops, or even volunteer at community projects. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! If you get the chance to meet potential employers or stakeholders, make sure to present yourself confidently. Share your vision for community engagement and how you can contribute to the Trust's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Leverage social media! Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your experience and connect with others in the sector. Share insights about community development and engage with posts related to the Besson Street Trust.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Tailor your application to highlight your leadership experience and passion for community-focused work.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community work shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Besson Street Trust and how you can contribute to our vibrant community.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that matches the key responsibilities of the Managing Director role. We’re looking for someone who can lead strategy and manage a team, so showcase your leadership skills and achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your experience in partnership development and fundraising, and how you plan to drive our mission forward.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of Besson Street Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Besson Street
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into understanding Besson Street Trust's mission, values, and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their community initiatives and how they impact local residents. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewers but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Managing Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in leading teams and driving strategy. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to foster a positive organisational culture and manage senior staff effectively. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about strategic planning and financial sustainability. Think about how you would approach securing additional funding and building partnerships with local authorities and community organisations. Having a few well-thought-out strategies ready will show that you're proactive and ready to take on the challenges of the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Trust’s future plans, especially regarding the new community centre development. Engaging with the interviewers shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the Trust is the right fit for you.
