At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy for a community-driven housing project and ensure affordability.
- Company: Join RUSS, a pioneering Community Land Trust in south London.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in finance while making a real difference in the community.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid work arrangement with a focus on collaboration and community values.
- Why this job: Shape the future of affordable housing and support community-led initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or housing management; strong communication skills required.
Join RUSS, a groundbreaking Community Land Trust that delivers mixed tenure, permanently affordable homes in south London. In 2024 we completed 12 Church Grove, the largest community-led, partially self-built housing project ever realised in the capital.
The Treasurer is a trustee and volunteer director with overall responsibility for financial stewardship at RUSS. The role supports the organisation as it transitions from delivering its first development into long-term housing management and future growth. The Treasurer ensures that financial decision‑making underpins affordability, resilience, and social mission, while meeting regulatory and governance requirements. This is a hands‑on strategic role in a values‑led, community‑controlled housing organisation.
Responsibilities:
- RUSS is now managing completed homes, service charges and long‑term assets for the first time.
- The organisation carries social investment debt and must plan clearly for refinancing and future projects.
- Strong financial leadership is essential to protect residents, affordability and community control.
- The Treasurer plays a key role in shaping RUSS’s next phase of stability, growth and impact.
- The Treasurer provides strategic financial leadership to RUSS, ensuring the organisation remains solvent, compliant, and transparent.
- As a volunteer‑led Community Land Trust (CLT), the Treasurer bridges the gap between high‑level board strategy and the practical, granular management of rents and service charges, social investment debt, and community‑led projects like the Ladywell Playtower.
Person Specification:
- Experience: Professional background in finance, accounting, or housing management.
- Skills: Ability to explain complex financial data to non‑experts; experience with social investment or CLT models is a plus.
- Commitment: Ability to lead a "sprint" during peak periods (e.g., audit season or new project launches).
- Values: Contribute to a collaborative and open culture that upholds RUSS’ guiding principles.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Treasurer for Community Land Trust - Volunteer employer: Urban Synthesis Society Limited
RUSS is an exceptional employer that champions community-led initiatives, offering a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about affordable housing and social impact. As a volunteer-driven organisation, RUSS fosters a collaborative and values-led work culture, providing meaningful roles that contribute directly to the community's well-being. With a focus on professional growth and strategic financial leadership, the Treasurer position allows you to make a significant difference while being part of a pioneering project in south London.
Contact Details:
Urban Synthesis Society Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Treasurer for Community Land Trust - Volunteer
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Treasurer for Community Land Trust - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Urban Synthesis Society Limited, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Urban Synthesis Society Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at Urban Synthesis Society Limited
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Urban Synthesis Society Limited and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
