About the Role

We are seeking an experienced programme manager to continue the delivery of a programme of Rural Housing Enablers (RHEs) across England.  RHEs are professionals attached to members of the ACRE Network who help communities to address their need for affordable housing locally and who broker relationships with planners, landowners, and developers to identify suitable sites for development. The Programme was launched in 2023 and you will build on the work of the last eighteen months, operating predominantly at a national level, and focusing on the overall management and delivery of the programme and on its longer-term development.  Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will also manage a part-time Programme Officer and advise and support the wider team and our member bodies.

About You

You will have a track record of leading and managing a programme involving multiple partners and the skills to support a network of RHEs.   You will be confident in working with government officials, other stakeholders and colleagues within the ACRE Network.  You will have strong numeracy and literacy skills and experience of providing both financial and narrative performance and monitoring reports.  You will be skilled and experienced in partnership working and in facilitating the best performance in others, partners and contractors alike.  You will enjoy getting the job done and be used to dealing with multiple priorities at one time as well as spotting new opportunities and in driving change to improve programme efficiency and effectiveness.  You will have direct experience of living in a rural community or have a strong empathy with our cause.

About Us

Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) champions thriving, sustainable and inclusive rural communities that have the services they need and the resources to secure equitable outcomes for everyone.  We are the only national charity speaking up for everyone in rural areas. We work closely with our 38 member organisations who support local communities across England.  Together we campaign for change, enable local action, and improve support for people most in need.   We work with government and other national partners to explore the issues affecting rural communities and identify solutions so that no one is disadvantaged by where they live.

To apply:

Please send your CV and a covering letter of two pages maximum summarising your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification to Sue Kirkman at s.kirkman@acre.org.uk

Closing date for applications:  9am on Monday 31 March.

Interviews: In person at ACRE in Woodstock on the 11 April.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please email s.kirkman@acre.org.uk to arrange to speak to Richard Quallington on 10, 12 or 24 March.

NB: Please let us know in your application that you are available for interview on 11 April.  Please assume that you have not been shortlisted if you have not heard from us by 8 April. Thank you.