All Things Urban

Future of London helps build better cities through knowledge, networks and leadership – across disciplines, organisations and sectors. We are the Capital’s independent network for regeneration, housing, infrastructure and economic development practitioners, with 3,800+ professionals using FoL as a hub for sector intelligence, connection and professional development, and a mandate to prepare the next generation of cross-sector city leaders.

This is fantastic opportunity to join our small, diverse and fast-moving team in a critical role that will shape city leadership now and for future generations, and help develop and nurture people who can deliver viable and more equitable places.

You will guide the quality and growth of London’s most sought-after urban professional development courses: Future London Leaders and Leaders Plus. You will also take forward our Council-Led Housing Forum, establishing it as the trusted forum for boroughs and partners to share knowledge and experience; as such, you’ll have a real impact on the capital’s ability to deliver housing, especially affordable housing. You’ll explore and market-test new course options, working with the team, members and associates, and to support all of this, you’ll also work closely with the CEO and Head of Networks on business development, identifying potential partners, drafting proposals and joining pitches.

Leaders/CLHF:

• Identifying & securing speakers, defining content and carrying out quality control on events and communications (supported by Leaders Project Manager ‘PM’)
• Acting as senior contact for providers, sponsors, mentors; leading mentor-mentee matching (with PM)
• Managing/contributing to site visits and key materials including briefs, coursework, evaluation (overseeing PM)
• Writing funding bids and corresponding with sponsors; writing and/or editing event and course reports; writing online articles for publication; contributing to FoL mainstream reports as appropriate
• Leading on content assessment and development
• Speaking at key events such as induction, graduation, seminars and site visits
• Setting and managing programme budgets
• Conducting market intelligence; proposing useful new courses & developing as appropriate
• Being alert to, and reporting or acting on, any risks or issues

Mainstream programme:

• Working with team to link professional development offer with Knowledge and Networks streams. Supporting mainstream projects, including events, reports, best-practice sharing and using Leaders as a test-bed for new ideas

Member engagement:

• With the CEO and Head of Networks, maintaining and increasing contact with individuals within our member organisations, involving them in FoL events, projects and networks. Keeping alert for suitable new members

Business development:

• With the CEO and Head of Networks, researching potential partners and topics; drafting proposals and joining pitches; closing and monitoring sponsorship arrangements; public speaking

You’ll have the following skills and behaviours:

• An entrepreneurial aptitude, whether in small business or the non-profit arena
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to think strategically, from detail to big picture
• Excellent communication skills – Very strong writing and presentation (including spelling & grammar!)
• Strong business development and negotiation skills
• Strong ability to work flexibly, independently or in a small team; to get along with and mutually support a varied team; and to respond ably to deadlines and pressure
• Self-sufficiency in basic tasks, including strong Word/Excel/PowerPoint skills, basic website and social media experience
• A good degree of creativity and curiosity!

Required experience:

• Qualified by education, training and/or successful experience in a relevant role
• Strong track record in programme management
• Experience in planning, commissioning and/or delivering professional development or training
• Experience in front-of-house written and live communication at mid- to senior level
• Knowledge or good understanding of a built environment discipline in at least one of our key areas (planning, housing, regeneration, infrastructure)
• Experience in leadership, change management or other relevant fields
• Strong interest in our sector and awareness of key issues across city governance & delivery

Desirable:

• Experience of working in the SME and/or third sector
• Established professional network in London in the built environment sector

We’re not fully sure whether this role is open to international candidates. If you would need visa sponsorship or work authorisation, we recommend checking directly with the employer before applying.