Job Description

In a nutshell:

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a new organisation driving the use of evidence to tackle homelessness. You will be a key member of a small team, handling a range of issues, strategic and practical, setting up systems and engaging with stakeholders so that the CEO and researchers can focus on where they add most value. You will enjoy being busy and with variety in the day, from negotiating partnership arrangements to making sure the bills are paid on time.

This is a new role and demands someone who is entrepreneurial with a high level of discretion, empathy, and motivation. We are looking for someone who is quick, enthusiastic, and has an extremely high level of detail and organisation. Flexibility, curiosity, and multi-tasking are key given the ever-evolving nature and complexity of our work. 

This is a permanent and part-time role (3 days) with scope to increase in the future. There is flexibility, with at least two days in office on an average week.Ideally, you will live within easy commute to central London

Why is this role important for the Centre’s work?

The Centre is currently in its infancy and we are in the process - which is envisaged to be completed by June 2019 - of becoming a fully independent charity (in England and Wales as well as Scotland), and incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. Over the last year we have been hosted by Crisis UK and our charity will continue to receive back office support from them on matters such as finance.

We are looking for someone who can work closely with the CEO in all operational aspects of the transition and establishment of the Centre and thereafter be responsible for ensuring operations play a critical role at the charity by: enabling the smooth operation of the Centre; helping protect and foster our culture by managing risks and creating organisational processes; and communicating best business practices effectively (using narratives as well as excel spreadsheets).

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Oversee the operations of the Centre and its portfolio of projects, communicating regularly with Project Leads to ensure they’re well supported and that commitments are being met in a timely manner. Key responsibilities include ensuring project teams achieve operational objectives such as: delivering projects on time and on budget, timely invoicing, collections and payments, as well spotting scope change. You may also connect with contractors or clients should they have any needs or questions during the course of a project.
• Lead on all governance processes and procedures including secretariat to the trustees Board.
• Working with the finance team at Crisis to prepare various types of monthly and quarterly financial reporting for our charity: including but not limited to things like organisational KPIs, management accounts, business development data, credit card reports, and be comfortable with sharing a narrative that compliments the data.
• In collaboration with the Head of Business Operations, track our performance. You’ll assist with much of the ongoing reporting that goes to the Board and constantly revise these based on our organisational needs.
• Take lead responsibility for liaison with Crisis service functions, building good relationships and ensuring effective service delivery.
• Work closely with the CEO and Head of Business Operations; assist in reviewing statements of work, pricing new programme opportunities, shepherding the legal process as appropriate, and preparing invoice schedules.
• Lead on all aspects of premises, office facilities including IT, including all internal policies e.g. GDPR and H&S.
• Provide thoughtful analyses of our core business. You’ll marry disparate pieces of information from finance, HR, evidence and comms/design teams to provide a holistic perspective that informs thoughtful decision-making.
• Continually seek opportunities to help us work smarter via new/refined tools and processes, and be able to identify the places where measurement matters most.
• Lead the annual Business Planning process of work plans and budgets in line with Centre policy and timetables.
• Embed sound financial management practice across all our activities
• Collaborate on special projects as needed.

Relevant experience and behaviours:

• You have at least 5 years work experience in a strategic planning, operations, or finance role.
• You’re the go-to for analytical questions. You don’t need to be an ex-accountant, but you must be comfortable in Excel, and have a command of finance and accounting.
• You’ve successfully created the systems, policies and structures needed to oversee the delivery of operational plans in organisations, including sound performance monitoring and management. You can establish, co-ordinate and monitor projects and delivery programmes to ensure that services, products and resources are prepared and delivered on time, in budget and at a high standard.
• You’ve led annual budget creation, management accounts verification and quarterly re-forecasting in a similar organisation.
• You can manage several projects with high impact and quality. You’re flexible, very detail-oriented, and have exemplary time management and organisational skills.
• You construct stories from data. You make solid, actionable recommendations and focus on the “so what” behind the numbers and tasks.
• You can input to tender applications, funding bids and other activities required to develop organisations as well as contribute to the development and implementation of business diversification.
• You are dynamic and able to adjust course and thrive operating within small teams, as well as working closely with a wide network of associates, academics and others.
• You’re an articulate, confident communicator and even better listener.
• You’re collaborative. You have strong interpersonal skills and are able to build relationships. 
• You work well with a diverse community of individuals and enjoy working in teams.
• You demonstrate sound judgment in dealing with confidential discussions and information.
• You embrace the championing of evidence to end homelessness sustainably and are genuinely passionate about the work we do.

Application requirements and instructions:

Is this you? If so, please send your CV and cover letter, tell us why you want to work at the Centre and explain what excites you about this role.

Closing date 2359 28 Jan 19

Shortlisting 29 Jan 19

Interviews: Round 1: Friday 1st Feb - London, and 2nd Round: Thursday 7th Feb - London