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 senior leadership team with opportunities for influence and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local decision-making and champion community voices.
- Qualifications: Experience in influencing partnerships and a passion for community collaboration.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting phase of transformation in the voluntary sector.
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.
Recruitment pack: Download the recruitment pack for details about the role.
Application process:
Deadline: Please answer the following three questions and submit with your CV 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 in London 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 in London
✨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 on social media. The more you put yourself out there, 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 capability to amplify community voices and build powerful connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for those tricky questions! Prepare answers for the application questions by reflecting on your past experiences. Think about how you’ve strengthened leadership and collaboration in diverse settings – this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Hackney CVS and making a difference in the community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships – Hackney CVS Hackney CVS in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When answering the application questions, let your true self shine through. We want to hear your unique voice and perspective, so don’t hold back! Share your passion for the voluntary and community sector and why this role excites you.
Use Specific Examples: For the questions about influencing partnerships and strengthening the VCS, make sure to include specific examples from your experience. We love hearing about real-life situations where you've made a difference, so paint a vivid picture of your achievements!
Stick to the Word Limit: Each question has a word limit, so be concise and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of the matter. Use bullet points if it helps to clarify your thoughts!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website by the deadline. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
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 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 systems and build meaningful relationships.
✨Highlight Collaborative Successes
Think about your experiences in strengthening leadership and collaboration within diverse VCS groups. Be ready to share specific instances where you facilitated partnerships or enhanced representation. This will showcase your skills in fostering collaboration and your commitment to equity.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about Hackney CVS's future initiatives 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.