Overview

Be among the first 25 applicants. Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. High Trees Community Development Trust is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Community Action to join our senior management team and lead one of our core service areas.

This is an exciting and important role within our work, continually shaped by the needs and priorities of the communities we work alongside. While the focus of our Community Action service evolves year on year, it always centres on social action, capacity building, and strengthening community voice. The coming year will see this work expand rapidly, following High Trees’ bid to deliver the local authority contract for capacity building support to voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations across Lambeth. We are keen to hear from candidates with experience in this area, but more important are the leadership, skills and aptitude to oversee the delivery of this vital workstream. The service also plays a central role in driving forward social action within our flagship partnerships, including Building Young Brixton, the Lambeth Peer Action Collective, and the Lambeth Community Research Network – helping ensure communities take a leading role in action linked to research and advocacy.

As Head of Community Action, you will lead a diverse range of areas that shift each year in response to community needs and opportunities to strengthen civic voice and local infrastructures. Recent work has included supporting residents to lead community organising campaigns to improve the built environment, coordinating digital inclusion initiatives during the Covid-19 pandemic, capacity building Tenants and Residents Associations and supporting the creation of local neighbourhood plans that put residents’ voices at the centre of decision-making. You will also help shape organisational strategy, grow partnerships and income, and ensure we work as one High Trees – keeping our practice responsive, collaborative, and always led by community need.

About High Trees

Based in Tulse Hill, High Trees has been rooted in the local community for over 27 years. We deliver community action, employment, education, youth services and community research, working in partnership with local people and local organisations to build stronger communities and create meaningful change. We are recognised for our collaborative, long-term approach and our ability to adapt and respond to the issues that matter most to local people.

About the role

As Head of Community Action, you will:

• Lead and inspire our Community Action team to deliver high-impact, community-led work.
• Oversee a portfolio of projects and contracts, ensuring they are delivered to time, budget, and quality.
• Drive forward High Trees’ new local authority contract for capacity building support across Lambeth’s VCS.
• Work collaboratively across High Trees and with our partnership projects to support impactful community action and capacity building support.
• Support and develop High Trees’ consultancy and volunteering offer, including corporate social responsibility partnerships.
• Contribute as a member of High Trees’ senior management team, ensuring a joined-up approach across all our services.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Significant experience in community organising, social action, or community development.
• A proven track record of leading teams and managing complex projects.
• Excellent communication and partnership-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to balance day-to-day delivery with long-term vision.
• A passion for collaboration and supporting communities to have a stronger voice.

Why join us? This is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a values-led organisation at a time of growth and ambition. You will shape meaningful, responsive community action work and be part of a collaborative team dedicated to creating lasting change.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Non-profit Organization Management