Job Description

Salary: £38,000 to £40,000, plus pension

Hours: 35 hours per week

Accountable to: Director of Services

Accountable for: Services Managers, Caseworkers, Purple Door team

Permanent

Benefits: 28 days holiday, 8 Bank Holidays and pension

akt is looking for a dynamic person to join our leadership team as our Assistant Director of Services, helping to shape the future of the national charity for lgbtq+ young people experiencing homelessness. Based in our Manchester service centre, you will lead on expanding our Greater Manchester based offer as well as supporting our Director of Services by overseeing the operational delivery of our services to young people across our other three regions. You will ideally have a strong background in housing and homelessness.

Job summary:

To provide management and leadership for the organisation’s direct service offer to young people: strengthening and developing our position as the national LGBT youth homelessness provider

Key Tasks:

• As day to day operational lead for akt’s services, oversee the re-shaping and effective delivery of our offer to young people nationally
• To ensure the effective design and delivery of akt’s digital offer to young people
• Be responsible for managing the Services Team managers and providing oversight to the management of the direct delivery team
• Lead on the forthcoming programme to redesign / develop our offer across the north of England, including the expansion of our Purple Door housing project
• To lead on the management of contracts and partnerships relating to our services
• To lead on the performance management of our service delivery
• To deputise for the Director of Services when requested and to undertake the role of deputy safeguarding lead nationally
• In this national role, to undertake regular travel between akt’s bases and also to other locations in developing akt’s national footprint
• In conjunction with the Director of Services, liaise with and brief Trustees, as appropriate, including attending Services Committees and Board meetings

Senior Management Team Responsibilities:

• To be a public leadership figure for the organisation in the North at external and internal events and deputise for the Director of Services when requested
• In partnership with the Director of Services, identify and develop business opportunities to ensure the growth and sustainability of the organisation, to include developing strategic partnerships nationally to ensure the growth of our services
• As a member of the Leadership Team, contribute to strategic planning and business development, including supporting the Chief Executive in facilitating the process of establishing the business plan and strategic plan
• Work in partnership with the Director of Services to implement the delivery of the strategic plan as agreed by the board
• Take a leadership role in promoting the organisation and representing the organisation effectively to external stakeholders
• Work with the Director of Services to ensure that the Board receives appropriate advice and information on all relevant matters to enable akt to fulfil its governance responsibilities
• Undertake any other tasks that may be requested, commensurate with the nature and level of the post and as may be required by the Director of Services

Performance Management:

Performance in the role will be assessed against key performance indicators and other targets relating to the organisation’s business plan.

Other Responsibilities:

• To represent akt appropriately and effectively at all times
• Comply with akt’s policies, procedures, management and monitoring systems
• To organise and participate in some events out of hours, e.g. fundraising and publicity events
• Other duties commensurate with the nature of the post
• Act as a Deputy Safeguarding Lead

All akt employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the values, codes of practice and involvement of young people, which underpin and govern our work

Person Specification

Essential:

• Significant demonstrable experience in a housing or homelessness setting
• Experienced manager with proven track record of success, excellent time management skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure
• Natural leader, capable of innovative thinking and the ability to inspire others
• Experience of managing targets and developing operational plans for a team/department
• Proven experience of partnership working and stakeholder management
• Strong budget management skills
• Ability to review and manage service delivery risks, implement change and ensure the development of an effective team/department
• Proven experience in managing change, achieving objectives and establishing and implementing innovative solutions
• Experience in contract management
• Demonstrable strong team-work skills
• Ability to negotiate, influence and persuade others in complex situations to achieve required outcomes
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written – including the ability to interpret complex information and advise clearly and concisely to a range of audiences
• Flexibility to undertake national travel and evening and weekend working
• Direct experience of preparing high-quality written work in a professional environment
• Excellent information technology skills

Desirable:

• Relevant qualification in housing, social work or equivalent
• Experience of working within a senior management team
• Experience of negotiating contracts and partnership working with the statutory sector
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues facing young LGBTQ+ young people
• Degree-level education or equivalent
• Lived experience of homelessness
• Experience of leading and managing a multi-site department
• Knowledge of the issues facing young LGBTQ+ homeless people, including the consequences of vulnerability and poverty, intersectional identities and multiple disadvantage.

At AKT we are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity, we are committed to our team reflecting the diverse community we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability or age. We particularly encourage applications from BAME, transgender identities and disability groups, who are currently under-represented within AKT. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.