Executive Director of Public Impact in London

Executive Director of Public Impact in London

London Full-Time 118750 - 118750 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The Wild

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead impactful initiatives in social housing and public affairs.
  • Company: Join the National Housing Federation, the voice of housing associations in England.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, private healthcare, and professional development.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while tackling exciting social and economic issues.
  • Qualifications: Significant leadership experience and understanding of housing policy required.

The predicted salary is between 118750 - 118750 £ per year.

Salary: £118,750 per annum

Hours: Full time

Contract: Permanent

Benefits:

  • 27 days’ annual leave + statutory holidays + three closure days over the Christmas period.
  • Flexible working for all staff including working from home/hybrid working, and flexitime/TOIL scheme.
  • Attractive family friendly policies.
  • Private healthcare cover.
  • Season ticket loans.
  • Employee awards, and training and development opportunities.

Office location: London based but with extensive travel around England. Please note, the successful candidate will be expected to carry out two days in-person working per week on average which will include attending the office.

An exciting opportunity has arisen at the National Housing Federation (NHF) for an Executive Director of Public Impact. The NHF is the voice of housing associations in England. We are the trade body to almost 600 housing associations, who have grown from philanthropic roots to provide 2.6 million homes to around six million people.

After years of campaigning, the government's recent Spending Review delivered a transformational package of funding for social housing. It will enable us to deliver the biggest social housebuilding programme since the post-war period and to better protect our existing social homes. It couldn’t be a more exciting time to join our organisation.

Over the coming years we’ll be a key partner in helping the government achieve its housebuilding targets, delivering long-term benefits to residents and communities. We also have exciting plans to boost the public’s understanding of our sector and ensure that housing associations are seen as an employer of choice.

This is a chance for someone with significant leadership experience, and a real interest in social housing, public affairs and policy to join us and help make those ambitions a reality. You will find great colleagues and a brilliant team, and get the opportunity to work on some of the toughest (and most interesting) social, economic and policy issues in the country. Quite simply, this role is one of the best jobs in housing! It’s challenging, rewarding and thought provoking, giving you the chance to make a real difference. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

Significant leadership and management experience as part of senior leadership team.

In-depth understanding of the political environment and how this impacts on housing.

Proven track record of developing relationships with government and associated bodies at a senior level.

Understanding of policy development and how it can be supported by research to influence and change the operating environment for housing associations.

Experience in developing successful organisational strategies and translating those strategies into actionable plans to deliver results.

Confident media spokesperson with experience of giving high profile interviews.

Proven track record of delivering high performance through management, coaching and driving culture change.

Ability to manage budgets effectively and deliver value for money.

Ability to work flexibly to meet the requirements of the job role.

Experience of working in a membership organisation/trade body (desirable).

Further information can be found in the job role profile and recruitment pack attached to the advert.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are proud to be an inclusive workplace and we value the contribution each individual makes to our work. We are champions of diversity and encourage and welcome applications from people with the widest possible range of backgrounds, personal or professional.

Disability confident employer

We are a disability confident employer and if you are a disabled person who meets the skills and experience, we consider essential for the role, we will offer you an interview. Please note: there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. In certain recruitment situations such as high-volume of applications, we may be required to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances the NHF will select the disabled candidates who best meet the minimum criteria for the job rather than all of those that meet the minimum criteria, as we would do for non-disabled applicants. This is in line with the Disability Confident guidelines.

We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process if you have a disability or have a condition that you feel may affect your performance during the recruitment process. Please e-mail the People team at with your request or to arrange a time to discuss in more detail. Our role profile and job advert can also be requested in large print or in accessible format via this email address.

Uploading your CV and cover letter

If you decide to apply for this role, when requested, please upload a version of your CV that does not include any personal details, such as name, gender, age etc. You should also ensure that you do not add your name at the end of the cover letter. This will help us to shortlist candidates for interview based solely on their knowledge, skills and experience. Please also ensure that your cover letter is no longer than one side of A4 and includes a clear explanation of why you are applying for this role and the skills and experience you would bring.

Right to work in the UK/UK VISA sponsorship

You must have the right to work in the UK and it is important to note that the NHF does not sponsor individuals to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications: 31 August 2026

First interview date: 17 and 18 September 2026

Second interview date: 1 October 2026

Executive Director of Public Impact in London employer: The Wild

At Aquarium of the Lakes, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment where our team members can thrive. As part of Parques Reunidos, you will benefit from comprehensive training, competitive salaries, and unique perks such as complimentary attraction tickets and discounts. Join us in delivering exceptional guest experiences while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth in a dynamic leisure park setting.

The Wild

Contact Details:

The Wild Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Director of Public Impact in London

Dive into Local Government Events

Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like The Wild, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!

Join Relevant Networks

Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.

Utilise Your University’s Resources

If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like The Wild and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.

Stay Updated with Government Initiatives

Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of Public Impact in London

Leadership Experience
Understanding of Political Environment
Relationship Development with Government Bodies
Policy Development
Research Skills
Strategic Planning
Media Spokesperson Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.

Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for The Wild and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Wild

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with The Wild, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.

Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge

Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.

Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration

The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!

Prepare Real-Life Examples

Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for The Wild.