Living Rent has achieved a lot over its short time, and now we are going to hire a staff member to support and expand our work.
What we’ve already made happen in 2016 is pretty damn good. The new laws we’ve fought for and won will mean that in 2017:
Landlords can no longer evict their tenants with no reason; Tenants aren’t trapped into long leases when their circumstances change; Councils will have the power to implement rent controls for the first time in decades.
All this was achieved through us, tenants and supporters organising and giving in an immense number of volunteer hours to fight for our rights. But we want to up our game and ensure we build a sustainable organisation. This is why we have decided, 6 months after forming as a union, to hire our first member of staff.
A paid organiser would allow us to build active groups across in every city and town in Scotland. Together, tenants will be able to force councils to do make full use of their new powers to make sure nobody is forced out of their home by rent increases.
See below for the job description :
Organiser
£15,379 per annum, pro rata, part time (21 hours), Glasgow or Edinburgh, 6 month fixed contract.
Living Rent is looking for an organiser to join our organisation either in Edinburgh or in Glasgow. This is the first paid position at Living Rent, and an exciting opportunity to take part in the founding moments of Scotland’s tenants’ union.
You will work closely with Living Rent’s members in Scotland, with the ACORN team throughout the UK and will initially focus on the May local elections.
You will be someone keen to work with a young organisation and passionate about member-run and diverse organisations. Experience in recruitment, training delivery, community education or campaigns is welcome, however enthusiasm, willingness to learn and commitment to social justice are more important than previous experience as training will be provided. This role may suit someone who has experience in sales, on street fundraising or other customer facing work: and wishes to move into organising or campaigning.
This is a part-time (21h per week) role with some flexible working. The interview process will take place over a day, where we will provide applicants with preliminary training, introduction to the organisation and hands-on exercises [planning a campaign, street work]
To apply please see the person specification form here, the application form here, and the equal opportunities monitoring form here. You can post them to Living Rent, 4.30 St Margaret's House, 151 London Road, EH7 6AE, or ideally e-mail them with the subject matter: ‘Job Application’.
Closing date: noon 6th of January 2017
Interviews and training: 17th of January 2017