Director – Communities & Neighbourhoods
Director – Communities & Neighbourhoods

Director – Communities & Neighbourhoods

Ashton-under-Lyne Full-Time 48218 - 58350 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead community initiatives and drive sustainable growth for vibrant neighbourhoods.
  • Company: Groundwork Greater Manchester, committed to people, place, and planet.
  • Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, pension contributions, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in communities while leading a passionate team.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in community engagement and partnerships.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 48218 - 58350 £ per year.

About the role

It’s a pivotal leadership opportunity shaping strategy, service innovation and driving income growth across a £2.5m+ directorate. As part of the senior team, you’ll also play a vital role in cross‑organisational leadership – supporting workforce development, embedding ED&I, and stepping in for the Executive Director when needed.

You’ll lead an ambitious, passionate team delivering services that drive real and measurable impact across:

Community and youth engagement – including climate action, development and outreach

Energy & homes – tackling fuel poverty and improving sustainability

Urban nature – empowering communities to protect green spaces and biodiversity

About you

You’re a natural communicator and connector, someone who thrives on forging relationships and sees the ‘bigger picture’. With a whole‑systems mindset, you bring nuance, insight and the ability to chart a clear path through complexity.

We’re looking for a strategic leader with

  • In-depth knowledge of relevant local, GM and national policy agendas that feed into funding streams
  • Strong track‑record building partnerships across complex systems that deliver on purpose and income
  • Understanding of community‑led approaches and how they connect with climate and environment
  • Collaborative, coaching style that empowers people to thrive
  • Real passion for place‑based working and amplifying community voice

Highly desirable

It would also be a real advantage if you’ve worked in the voluntary, public or environmental sectors – giving you the confidence to navigate the complex stakeholder landscape GGM operates in.

In return, you’ll be part of an organisation that values, supports and invests in its people.

Interested and ticking the boxes? Then we’d love to hear from you.

To apply

Please send your CV or profile to Amelia Lee at Charity People as the first step. If your experience aligns, we’ll be in touch with details on how to apply.

Deadline

9am on Wednesday 24th September

Interviews

Will be confirmed soon – likely to be mid‑late October.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

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Director – Communities & Neighbourhoods employer: Charity People

Groundwork Greater Manchester is an exceptional employer that prioritises community impact and employee well-being. With a flexible hybrid working model based in Ashton-under-Lyne or Trafford, employees enjoy generous holiday allowances, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth within a passionate team dedicated to creating a greener and fairer Greater Manchester. Join us to make a meaningful difference while being part of an inclusive organisation that values diversity and empowers its workforce.
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Contact Detail:

Charity People Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director – Communities & Neighbourhoods

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the community and environmental sectors, attend local events, and connect with others on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

Tip Number 2

Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your vision for community development and climate action. Let them see your enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation’s recent projects and initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Director – Communities & Neighbourhoods

Strategic Leadership
Community Development
Climate Action
Nature Recovery
Partnership Building
Policy Knowledge
Funding Stream Management
Community Engagement
Sustainability Improvement
Collaborative Coaching
Stakeholder Navigation
Place-Based Working
Communication Skills
Complex Systems Understanding

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for community and environmental issues shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to making Greater Manchester a greener and fairer place.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director – Communities & Neighbourhoods. Highlight your relevant experience in community engagement, climate action, and partnership building. We love seeing how your background fits into our mission!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the job. We appreciate clarity and want to understand your journey without any fluff!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People

Know Your Community

Dive deep into the local community issues and initiatives that Groundwork Greater Manchester is involved in. Familiarise yourself with their projects on climate action, community engagement, and urban nature. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to discuss your collaborative and coaching leadership style. Think of specific examples where you've empowered teams or built partnerships across complex systems. Highlight how your approach can drive innovation and inclusivity within the Communities and Neighbourhoods directorate.

Understand the Bigger Picture

Be ready to talk about how local, GM, and national policies impact community development and funding streams. Demonstrating your knowledge of these agendas will position you as a strategic thinker who can navigate the complexities of the role effectively.

Connect Passion with Purpose

Express your passion for place-based working and amplifying community voices. Share personal stories or experiences that reflect your commitment to making a positive impact in communities. This will resonate well with the values-driven ethos of Groundwork Greater Manchester.

Director – Communities & Neighbourhoods
Charity People
Location: Ashton-under-Lyne

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