Centre Director

About St Augustine's Centre

‘The St. Augustine Centre lays a clear path of hope for each of us. It is my family. Now I can start to live again.’ (Besara, Centre Member)

St Augustine’s Centre has been working with diverse communities for over 50 years. At our vibrant community centre in Halifax, we welcome refugees and people seeking asylum. Working across Calderdale with partners, we give people the practical support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity, and we offer a range of activities that help them feel happier and more connected. Together we are building a diverse community which challenges injustice and puts the needs and voices of our Centre Members at the heart of our work.

We are a community of 22 staff (15 full-time equivalent), 150 volunteers, and over a thousand Centre Members from 86 countries. Our ‘Centre Members’ are people seeking sanctuary in Calderdale. 33% of our staff and trustees and 50% of our volunteers have lived experience of the asylum system; their insights and experiences shape what we do.

About you

Do you have a proven track record as a compassionate and inspirational leader or manager?

Do you have the skills to define and execute strategy, secure funding from multiple sources, build diverse partnerships, and ensure organisational compliance with the law and regulatory frameworks - all whilst overseeing the delivery of front-line services and a wide range of life-enhancing activities?

Do you care deeply about the challenges facing people fleeing war and persecution? Are you passionate about leading a unique humanitarian organisation which provides crucial practical support – and a deep sense of belonging – to some of the world’s most vulnerable people?

The role - your main responsibilities

• Provide clear leadership and strategic direction for the whole organisation, in collaboration with the Board of trustees, and with a spirit of positivity and possibility.
• Oversee the effective delivery of a diverse range of services, including immigration and asylum advice and a wide range of support and activities.
• Ensure the financial sustainability of the organisation including budgeting, monitoring and keeping the organisation well-funded and resourced.
• Work collaboratively, compassionately and effectively with trustees, staff, volunteers, Centre Members to inspire and lead an inclusive and enabling culture; including managing staff and overseeing all key processes and policies.
• Model our values of sanctuary, diversity, community, collaboration and growth and deliver on our purpose to provide practical support and challenge injustice.
• Engage with our Centre Members and amplify their voices at all times.
• Manage effective partnerships with voluntary and statutory organisations, funders and donors locally, regionally and nationally.
• Ensure that the work of St Augustine’s conforms to all legal, compliance, regulatory, charitable and funding requirements.

How to apply

1. For detailed application instructions, including how to complete the application form, and to review the job pack with the person specification and job description, please visit our website’s job page.
2. Application deadline: 10am on Monday 18th November 2024.
3. Shortlisting notification: By Thursday 21st November 2024.
4. Interview dates: Wednesday 27th or Thursday 28th November 2024.

Key information

• Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours a week)
• Responsible to: Board of Trustees
• Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire (option to work from home occasionally)
• Deadline for applications: Monday 18th November 2024
• 7 weeks holiday per annum including bank holidays
• Employer pension contributions

St Augustine’s Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Recruitment of all staff and volunteers is robust and informed by our safer recruitment policy and procedures. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS.