At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community engagement and build impactful partnerships to strengthen the voluntary sector.
- Company: Hackney CVS, a dynamic organisation focused on community empowerment.
- Benefits: Join a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in Hackney.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the voluntary sector and amplify community voices.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, partnership building, and community engagement.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative journey in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hackney CVS is in an exciting new phase and we’re looking for a senior leader to help shape it. Following a major restructuring and redesign of our support offer, we’re focusing more sharply on our core mission: strengthening, connecting and championing the voluntary and community sector (VCS) across Hackney and the City of London.
Our Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships will:
- Lead our networks, forums and engagement work.
- Amplify community voice in local decision-making.
- Build powerful cross-sector partnerships.
- Support the voluntary sector to influence systems change.
You’ll join our Senior Leadership Team at a pivotal moment, helping us embed new ways of working and secure a brighter future for the VCS. If you care deeply about equity, collaboration and the potential of the VCS to transform lives, and if you thrive in complexity, influence and relationship building, we would love to hear from you.
Application process
Deadline: Please answer the following three questions and submit with your CV to recruitment@hcvs.org.uk by midnight on Sunday 15 February 2026.
Application questions:
- Why would you like to be our new Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships? (up to 500 words)
- Please share an example where you successfully influenced a public sector or system‑level partnership (e.g. local authority, health or care system) to meaningfully involve the voluntary and community sector in shaping strategy or decision‑making. (up to 500 words)
- Hackney CVS plays a key role in convening and amplifying the voice of the voluntary and community sector (VCS). Please tell us about your experience of strengthening leadership, representation or collaboration across a diverse VCS. (up to 500 words)
Please note: We are not accepting cover letters. You may use AI tools to support your application. However, your submission must reflect your own thinking, experience, ideas and voice.
Shortlisting: Week commencing Monday 16 February 2026. Interview dates: Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 February 2026. For an informal conversation about the role, please email Carrie Hirst, outgoing Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships.
Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships – Hackney CVS Hackney CVS employer: Tower Hamlets Council for Voluntary Service
Contact Detail:
Tower Hamlets Council for Voluntary Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships – Hackney CVS Hackney CVS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the voluntary and community sector. Attend events, join forums, and engage with local leaders. The more you know, the better your chances of landing that Director role!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your influence! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking, share specific examples of how you've successfully influenced partnerships before. This will demonstrate your ability to amplify community voices and build powerful connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to Hackney CVS directly through our website and express your interest in the Director position. Sometimes, a little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for those interviews! Research Hackney CVS thoroughly and think about how your values align with ours. Be ready to discuss how you can help us strengthen and champion the VCS in Hackney and beyond.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships – Hackney CVS Hackney CVS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When answering the application questions, let your true self shine through. We want to hear your voice and your unique perspective, so don’t hold back! Share your genuine passion for the role and the VCS.
Showcase Your Experience: Make sure to highlight relevant experiences that align with the job description. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've influenced partnerships or strengthened community voices in the past. We love a good story!
Stick to the Word Limit: Each question has a word limit for a reason. Keep your answers concise and focused. We appreciate clarity and directness, so make every word count while ensuring you cover all the key points.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your materials properly. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tower Hamlets Council for Voluntary Service
✨Know Your Why
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to be the Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships. Be ready to articulate your passion for the voluntary and community sector and how it aligns with Hackney CVS's mission. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show them that you're genuinely invested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Influence
Prepare a compelling example of a time when you successfully influenced a public sector or system-level partnership. Focus on the strategies you used to engage stakeholders and how you ensured the voluntary sector had a voice in decision-making. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex relationships and drive meaningful change.
✨Highlight Collaboration Skills
Think about your experience in strengthening leadership and collaboration across diverse VCS groups. Be ready to discuss specific initiatives you've led or been part of that fostered inclusivity and representation. This will showcase your capability to build powerful cross-sector partnerships, which is crucial for this role.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the future direction of Hackney CVS or how they envision the role evolving. Engaging with the interviewers shows your interest in the organisation and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.