At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community and prevention services, driving innovation and collaboration.
- Company: Join a supportive charity dedicated to tackling homelessness and poverty.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days leave, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team that values every contribution and promotes well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while fostering a positive work culture.
- Qualifications: Strategic leader with experience in homelessness and strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Hours: 30 – 37.5 hours
Contract Type: Permanent
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Line Reports: x2 -3 (tbc)
Place of work: DENS locations in Hemel Hempstead/Some home working will be possible.
Overall Job Purpose
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will be instrumental in developing and driving forward DENS community and prevention services, during an exciting period for the charity, as we move into the new DENS Centre and relocate our Foodbank. As an ambassador both internally and externally, you will work collaboratively with the CEO and the wider leadership team to deliver DENS strategy and role model organisational values. With a focus on building and maintaining a strong network of external relationships, you will identify opportunities for growth and partnership working. You will be responsible for a diverse range of services in the community.
About You
You are a strategic and visionary leader with a solid background in the homelessness sector, a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the client community, and a firm grasp of safeguarding principles. With proven line management experience, you know how to motivate teams, coach peers, and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture. You excel at building strong external partnerships with local government and funders, using your exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to influence, negotiate, and champion DENS’s strategy. Highly organised and proactive, you bring strong project delivery skills to drive service innovation, such as leading the long-term development of the new DENS Centre, while remaining deeply committed to equity, diversity, and DENS’s mission to help rebuild lives.
Why join DENS?
You’ll be part of a supportive, friendly, and dedicated team of fundraisers who foster a collaborative "One Team, One Goal" culture. We value and celebrate every member's contribution, ensuring you thrive in our positive working environment. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, along with ongoing training and development to enhance your skills. Your fundraising efforts will directly contribute to creating positive change and making a lasting impact in our community.
Benefits include:
- 25 days or equivalent annual leave, excluding Bank and Public Holidays
- One additional day of annual leave after each 5 years’ service, up to 3 days.
- Flexible working environment
- Medicash plan, including Virtual GP, some dental and optical cover
- Employee assistance programme – 24/7 mental health support helpline
- Blue Light Card discounts
- Professional development and training, including on-going access to e-learning platform
- Staff Networks, Wellbeing Days and whole team events
- One day to volunteer for DENS or another organisation
About DENS
Our aim is to be the first port of call for people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion; to support and empower them to take the next positive step in their lives, secure and maintain a long-term housing option and be an active member of their community. We ensure individuals have access to temporary and short-term accommodation, and individuals and families have access to emergency food and provisions. We provide a range of services so that people can develop the resilience, skills, and confidence to take the next step in their lives.
Head of Communities and Prevention Services in Hemel Hempstead employer: DENS - Helping Rebuild Lives
DENS - Helping Rebuild Lives is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, making a real difference in the Dacorum community. Employees enjoy flexible working arrangements and ample opportunities for professional development, ensuring that each team member can grow while contributing to meaningful fundraising efforts. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to rebuilding lives and creating positive change.
Contact Details:
DENS - Helping Rebuild Lives Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communities and Prevention Services in Hemel Hempstead
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by DENS - Helping Rebuild Lives.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like DENS - Helping Rebuild Lives.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at DENS - Helping Rebuild Lives.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at DENS - Helping Rebuild Lives. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communities and Prevention Services in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of DENS - Helping Rebuild Lives. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Head of Communities and Prevention Services, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at DENS - Helping Rebuild Lives
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of DENS - Helping Rebuild Lives. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
