At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of the Homestead Estate into a vibrant community hub.
- Company: Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a pioneer in social change and equity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £92k, inclusive work environment, and impactful projects.
- Other info: Join a visionary team dedicated to creating sustainable futures.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by nurturing community, nature, and culture together.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing capital projects and a passion for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 92000 - 92000 £ per year.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) is an independent social change organisation, working to support and speed up the transition to a more equitable and just future, free from poverty, where people and planet can flourish. Today, JRF supports and undertakes many different types of work in all four nations of the UK. This includes policy development and insight gathering, advocacy and campaigns, impact investment, funding pioneers and visionaries, field building, and supporting those building grassroots movements. Our work is supported by around 150 permanent staff across York, London, Glasgow and Belfast.
We are looking for a visionary leader and collaborator to lead the transformation of the Homestead Estate and develop this as a living, breathing ecosystem where community, nature, and culture intersect and flourish together. You’ll develop and nurture the Homestead as an inclusive commons: a space for shared care, collective learning, and bold experimentation that supports changemakers, local groups, and JRF’s mission to imagine alternatives to broken systems and to prototype these, within Homestead which will be a site of transitions.
Your role will be to steward the estate’s physical and social fabric – from managing the restoration of historic buildings through regenerative retrofit, to opening up the grounds and our buildings to community groups and local communities. We’re looking for people who are natural connectors, enablers, and visionaries who are committed to stewarding place as an act of civic care. Direct experience of successfully managing and delivering a capital project is essential.
Your role will be to unlock the estate’s potential as a hub for ecological sustainability, creative collaboration, shared wellbeing and prototyping. You will lead with care and humility, embracing emergent, adaptive practice that honours the site’s legacy and its place in our collective futures.
Application Information: Please visit cadence-jrf.co.uk to find out more and to apply. If you need candidate materials in an alternative format or have questions not covered on the microsite, please contact Cadence Partners at jrf-ad-homestead@cadencepartners.co.uk. Closing date: Monday, 25th May 2026.
Associate Director (Homestead) employer: Cadence Partners
Contact Detail:
Cadence Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director (Homestead)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to JRF or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for social change and community engagement shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to the Homestead vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching JRF’s projects and values. Tailor your responses to reflect their mission and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit, but a perfect match!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at JRF and contributing to their important work.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director (Homestead)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the organisation. Dive into JRF's mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their vision for the Homestead. This will help you tailor your application to show why you're the perfect fit!
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! Don’t just list your qualifications; share your passion for community, nature, and culture. Use your own voice to convey your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to the transformation of the Homestead.
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight your direct experience with capital projects and any relevant leadership roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed similar initiatives in the past. This will give us a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website at cadence-jrf.co.uk. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about JRF and the Homestead!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cadence Partners
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, dive deep into the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's mission and values. Understand their commitment to social change and how they envision a future free from poverty. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Visionary Leadership
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading transformative projects. Think about times when you've successfully managed capital projects or fostered community engagement. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these experiences to develop the Homestead as a thriving ecosystem.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
As a natural connector, it's crucial to showcase your ability to collaborate with diverse groups. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate your teamwork and partnership-building skills, especially in community settings. This will show that you can nurture relationships and support changemakers effectively.
✨Be Ready for Adaptive Practice Discussions
Expect questions about your approach to adaptive practice and how you honour a site's legacy while embracing change. Reflect on past experiences where you've had to be flexible and innovative. This will demonstrate your readiness to lead with care and humility in this role.