Jobs at Generation Rent

Director 

Closing date Monday 6 February 2023 

Generation Rent represents the UK’s 13 million private renters and campaigns for a safe, secure and fair rental market. Since its launch in 2014, the organisation has made a substantial impact on the national debate and scored significant legislative wins for tenants, consistently punching above its weight.  

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic and committed team to radically improve the lives of Britain’s private renters at a moment of huge political opportunity. As the Director you will lead the organisation and strengthen its position as a leading participant in the housing debate.  

You will develop and deliver the organisational strategy, strengthen our stakeholder relations, and lead our fundraising efforts as the head of our staff team – including the management of the Campaign Manager for the Renters’ Reform Coalition, a coalition of twenty members organisations who are working together to influence Westminster government legislation for renters.  

Key responsibilities 

Organisational leadership 

  • Develop the organisational strategy to achieve Generation Rent’s mission.  
  • Lead the organisation’s advocacy, becoming a trusted voice in the debate by policymakers across the political spectrum. 
  • Be the public face of Generation Rent in the print and broadcast media, and at speaking engagements. 
  • Oversee the team’s policy and campaigning activity. 
  • Manage a team of seven to get the best out of a talented and committed staff. 
  • Liaise with and report to the board on progress against organisational objectives and legal obligations. 
  • Enhance and protect the organisation’s reputation 

 Fundraising and stakeholder management 

  • Secure and attract grant funding and ensure the organisation is financially stable.  
  • Report to funders on the delivery of agreed outcomes. 
  • Develop and implement the fundraising strategy to diversify the organisation’s income streams in line with its status as a company limited by guarantee. 
  • Continue to build our partnership working with local authorities to influence policy and diversify our funding base. 
  • Work closely with the Public Affairs manager to build strong relationships and engage with policymakers. 
  • Facilitate coalition working with other leaders in the renter movement, ensuring that Generation Rent makes a unique contribution that adds value to the sector’s collective impact. 

 Person Specification 

 This role will be suitable for someone who: 

  • Is an enthusiastic self-starter able to lead, influence, persuade and inspire 
  • Has a strong grasp of the policymaking process and how effective policy is made 
  • Is able to use evidence and commissioning analysis to strength the organisation case for change 
  • Has a good understanding of all types of campaigning and influencing activity 
  • Is an excellent written and verbal communicator, capable of tailoring his or her message to a wide range of audiences 
  • Is inspired by the desire to bring about social change 

The kind of experience we are looking for is: 

  • Senior leadership or significant management experience and ready to take a step up 
  • Substantial experience in a policy or campaigns role 
  • Experience of fundraising from a variety of sources including funding foundations, corporate partnerships and individual donations. 
  • Experience or understanding of organisational governance and charitable foundations 
  • Development and maintenance of a diverse network of stakeholders 
  • Experience of using a variety of campaigning tools and methods, particularly mobilisation and coalition building 
  • Programme oversight experience including initiating, planning and implementing campaigns 
  • Knowledge and understanding of the role and political power of the voluntary sector 
  • An interest in the private rented sector and housing in general 
  • Experience of working in and maximising the impact of a small team 

 Job Terms 

Reports to: Board of Directors 

Responsible for: Deputy Director, Policy & Public Affairs Manager, Campaign Manager of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, Campaigns and Partnership Officer 

Length of employment:  Permanent 

Hours: 35 hours per week, flexible working permitted 

Location: London, occasional trips to other parts of the UK, including overnight trips 

Salary: circa £57,000, or dependent upon experience, plus employer pension contribution of 7% 

Leave: 25 days per year plus bank holidays 

Probationary period: 6 months 

Start Date: ASAP 

Application Instructions 
If this job has piqued your interest, in the first instance please contact [email protected] to arrange an informal chat with a member of our board to discuss the role. 

When you are ready to apply send your CV and a cover letter to [email protected] with Director Job Application in the subject line. 

Application deadline: 10am, Monday 6 February 2023 

Interviews: To be held by the end of February 2023 

Equal Opportunity Employer:  Generation Rent is committed to the diversity of our team. We encourage applications from all suitability qualified people regardless of age, gender expression, sexuality, race, religion, and ethnicity. 

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK independently, as we, unfortunately, are unable to provide visa sponsorship.