Main purposes of the post
To provide strategic leadership for Salford CVS’s place‑based work, ensuring the VCSE sector is influential, represented and embedded within key strategic partnerships, boards and system‑wide initiatives across Salford. The postholder will work closely with the Senior Strategic Lead for People and Place to shape strategic agendas, strengthen cross‑sector relationships and ensure VCSE voices help influence the city’s long‑term plans relating to Pride in Place, regeneration, housing, social value, climate action, culture, and wider place‑based priorities.
Specific duties:
Strategic Leadership and Influence
- Support the Chief Executive and the Senior Strategic Lead for People and Place to drive Salford CVS’s strategic role across a wide portfolio including housing transformation, public and VCSE estates, inclusive growth, regeneration, culture, arts and heritage, climate action, digital strategy and social value
- Represent Salford CVS in senior strategic forums and partnerships, including (but not limited to) the Salford Strategic Housing Partnership, Salford Culture and Place Partnership, and Salford Climate Action Board, providing confident, credible VCSE leadership
- Advocate for and embed VCSE sector perspectives within major place‑based programmes (including Pride In Place), ensuring community voice and sector expertise help shape planning, policy and decision‑making
- Identify strategic opportunities for collaboration, influence, co‑design and innovation across Salford’s place‑based agendas
VCSE Voice, Representation and Partnerships
- Facilitate delivery of the Vocal model for VCSE voice and influence, leading strategic forums, workshops and events relating to place, ensuring they enable meaningful learning, influence and partnership development
- Support and coordinate VCSE representatives who sit on cross‑sector partnerships, ensuring they are briefed, supported and able to represent the sector confidently and consistently
- Ensure representative protocols are followed, including expectations for reporting, feedback loops and communication with the wider VCSE sector
- Maintain strong, trusting relationships with VCSE organisations, ensuring they are kept informed, included in strategic conversations and supported to influence system priorities
- Engage proactively with Salford CVS colleagues to ensure the organisation is well‑connected to emerging strategic issues, opportunities and policy developments
Strategic Development, Insight and Alignment
- Monitor and interpret strategic developments, translating complex system information into clear messages for VCSE partners and colleagues
- Align place‑based work with wider Salford strategies, including housing, regeneration, culture, digital transformation, climate action, social value and Pride in Place
- Work closely with the Programme Manager (Place) to ensure community insight, learning and engagement activity is reflected in strategic discussions and decision‑making
- Contribute to organisational strategic planning, influencing priorities and shaping Salford CVS’s approach to place‑based leadership
Deadline for receipt of applications
This vacancy closes on Wednesday 13th May at 12 noon
Please note late applications will not be accepted. Your completed application form and equal opportunities form should be returned by one of the following methods:
Email: Please email recruitment@salfordcvs.co.uk
There is no need to post an additional copy. If successful at shortlisting stage you will be asked to sign your application form at interview.
Post: Recruitment, Salford CVS, The Old Town Hall, 5 Irwell Place, Eccles, Salford, M30 0FN.
Acknowledgement of receipt
Email applications will be acknowledged when we receive them.
Should you wish to receive an acknowledgement for a postal application, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your completed application form and we will return this to you.
Interviews will be held in person on: Thursday 21st May 2026 at Salford CVS’ offices in Eccles.
The Benefits of Working for Salford CVS
- 28 days’ holiday - rising to 30 days (after five years), plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part-time)
- Enhanced company sick and maternity pay, subject to terms and conditions of service
- Pension scheme - with 7% employer contribution (and 1% mandatory employee contribution)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Membership of the Hospital Saturday Fund via an employer subsidised scheme (optional and non-contractual)
- RHS family membership (optional and non-contractual)
- Development opportunities - we support and encourage our staff to progress in their careers (including formal training)
- A supportive working culture - we respect and support one another to do the best we can
Grade: NJC Point 31 - £41,771 per annum Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (excluding breaks)Days: Monday to Friday (core hours are worked between 8am – 6pm)Contract: Initial 12 months fixed-term contract (with option to extend), subject to the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period
