Just over 50 years ago, a group of inspiring people were caring for a loved one living with schizophrenia and came together to help found the organisation that is now Rethink Mental illness. Since then, the experiences and knowledge of carers and people living with mental illness have been vital in helping our organisation improve the lives of thousands of people every year. Together, we’ve done this by developing and establishing expert information and advice, services and support groups for people severely affected by mental illness. We’ve also provided training and launched local and national campaigns that have changed, and continue to change, how people and society as a whole view and behave towards people living with mental illness. We are at an incredibly important moment in the charity’s journey. We have launched an ambitious five-year strategy which looks to build on the great work we do. Our strategy – working together to build communities that care – commits us to growing our services, programmes, and partnerships so that everyone severely affected by mental illness has a good quality of life and feels part of a community that cares.

THE ROLE

As Director of Service Development, you will have a central role in driving this growth as a member of our newly created Directors Group. Responsible for leading new business ventures, with a particular focus on developing new housing services, you will ensure that we continue to transform care and support services and grow our activity, meeting the needs of more people living with mental illness.

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader with a successful track record in developing services which create great outcomes for people. You will develop and hold outstanding relationships with a range of partners including health and social care commissioners, funders, and investors. You will have a clear understanding of how to shape, develop and secure funding for new care and support services, partnerships and programmes working closely with people who use services and Rethink colleagues. You will be confident in understanding complex data and financial models. You will also ensure that we retain our existing services, partnerships and programmes through procurement activity led by our business development team.

Alongside this, in your role as Director you will work as part of a high-performing Directors Group who will lead the work of the organisation and ensure the delivery of our strategic plans.

At Rethink Mental Illness we are committed to building a diverse workforce and leadership group and are taking positive action to increase diversity throughout our charity, at all levels, and to nurture a culture of inclusion for all our people and those that we support. We welcome applications from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

This is a key role at a time and of change and opportunity for Rethink Mental Illness that calls for a distinct blend of strong people, technical and commercial leadership skills. I hope you’ll be inspired by our journey so far and excited by the prospect of contributing to the growth of our incredibly important work.