Director, Project & Program Management, Management

The Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF) is the membership body for community-controlled housing associations and co-operatives across the west of Scotland.

Representing 68 member organisations responsible for around 85,000 homes, GWSF provides a strong and influential voice for the community-based housing movement. We campaign on behalf of our members, influence national and local policy, promote the achievements of community-controlled housing and ensure that the views and experiences of our members are heard by those shaping the future of housing in Scotland.

We are now looking for our next Director.

This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation with an influence and reach far beyond its size. Our Director is a highly visible voice for GWSF and its members, building relationships and representing their interests with the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, Scottish Housing Regulator, local authorities, Westminster and partners across housing and regeneration.

At a time of significant challenge and change for housing, the role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the national debate while championing the value, independence and continuing importance of strong community-based housing associations.

Reporting to and working closely with the GWSF Board, you will provide leadership to the organisation and its staff team while ensuring that GWSF continues to deliver effectively for its membership.

A significant part of your role will be outward-facing. You will develop and communicate policy positions, respond to emerging issues, campaign on behalf of members and establish strong relationships with politicians, civil servants, regulators and senior stakeholders across the sector.

You will also bring together the different perspectives of a diverse membership. Our members will not always hold identical views, so you will need the judgement,

diplomacy and credibility to listen, build consensus and articulate positions which represent the collective interests of the community-based housing movement.

Alongside representation and policy, you will ensure members continue to receive high-quality advice, information and services. You will promote good practice, showcase the innovation and achievements of community-based housing associations and support a strong culture of collaboration and self-help across the membership.

You will also have overall responsibility for GWSF’s effective operation, including leadership of the staff team, governance, financial planning and control, and supporting and advising the Board.

We are looking for an accomplished and credible leader who combines strategic and policy capability with excellent communication, relationship-building and influencing skills
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You will understand how to operate successfully in a complex stakeholder environment and be comfortable representing an organisation publicly and at the most senior levels. You will be confident enough to challenge and campaign where necessary, while having the diplomacy and political awareness to build and maintain the relationships that make effective influence possible.

Above all, you will understand and share our commitment to community-controlled housing and the importance of strong, independent, locally accountable housing associations and co-operatives.

You may already be a Chief Executive, Director or senior leader within housing. Equally, we are open to individuals who have developed relevant leadership, policy, political or representative experience elsewhere and who can demonstrate a genuine…