Job Description

Who We’re Looking For and why join us

At Refugee Legal Support (RLS), we seek a visionary and compassionate leader to become our first Executive Director. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a values-driven legal organisation that stands in solidarity with people on the move. 

With our current strategy concluding in 2025, we’re looking for a leader who can build on our strong foundations and guide the development of our next strategic plan, ensuring organisational cohesion at every step of this journey. You will bring strategic vision, expertise, and a collaborative approach to drive RLS’s future direction, strengthen anti-racist practices and accountability whilst empowering teams across Greece, the UK, and Northern France.

This role uniquely combines strategic oversight with hands-on work, bridging urgent client needs with long-term systemic change. For a leader passionate about migrant justice and equity, this is a career-defining opportunity to sustain and grow RLS’s mission while shaping its future.

Role Overview: 

The Executive Director is a new role for RLS. The successful candidate will lead RLS through its next phase of development, providing strategic leadership, promoting organisational cohesion and accountability whilst driving the fulfilment of our mission. As a representative and advocate for RLS, the Executive Director will oversee key areas such as organisational development, strategic planning, fundraising, robust financial planning, risk management, staff well-being, and external relations.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Organisational Development

   • Review and enhance RLS’s organisational structure and cohesiveness across offices and teams.

   • Implement strategic outcomes to ensure efficient and aligned operations.

2. Strategic Planning

   • Lead on developing and delivering strategic plans in alignment with RLS’s values and mission, incorporating regular reviews.

   • Ensure the sustainability of RLS’s mission and core programmes.

3. Lead the Management Team

   • Guide and support the Management Team, fostering effective collaboration.

   • Promote project integration, efficient delivery, and cross-team development.

   • Embed and promote robust accountability.

4. Governance

   • Work with and leverage the knowledge of the RLS’s Board of Trustees and thematic sub-committees to drive positive change and ensure sustainability.

   • Work with the chair of trustees and relevant subcommittees to maintain, review and improve existing governance structures and delegation schemes to enhance efficiency.

5. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

   • Ensure RLS’s compliance with relevant regulations and effective risk management across operations in collaboration with managers. This includes SQM, OISC, LAA, employment law and regulations in foreign jurisdictions.

6. HR Oversight & Staff Development

   • Oversee HR functions, promote professional growth, and prioritise staff well-being.

   • Foster an inclusive and supportive working environment.

7. Fundraising & Financial Oversight

   • Deliver robust financial planning and drive RLS’s fundraising efforts in collaboration with management team and trustees.

   • Engage with key funders and develop sustainable funding strategies.

8. External Representation & Advocacy

   • Serve as the public face of RLS, advocating for our mission through media, events, and partnerships. Where considered appropriate, the Executive Director will be deputised by members of staff or management in external communications.

   • Act as a key contact for the Board of Trustees, promoting transparent communication between staff, management and board.

9. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

   • Own, review and implement appropriate MEL frameworks and practices. 

   • Implement progressive and compassionate accountability structures to ensure transparency across the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Proven leadership in an organisation focused on human rights, migration, or a related sector.

• Strong strategic planning and organisational development experience, ideally in a fast-growing setting.

• Experience of fundraising and financial management within the third sector.

• Experience leading remote, diverse teams and implementing inclusive HR practices.

• Deep understanding of the immigration and asylum landscape in the UK and Europe.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to represent RLS effectively to partners and the public.

• Be responsive

• Culturally sensitive

• Have a strong commitment to advancing migrant justice.

• A dynamic and innovative self-starter.

• Be highly organised.

• Be an active listener and a progressive leader.

• Be objective and apply good judgement in difficult situations.

• Fluent in English.

• The successful candidate will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS certificate (we cover the cost). However, a criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to recruitment but should be disclosed on application;

• Have the right to work in the UK.

Desirable:

• Deep understanding and/or experience of working in an international context.

• A qualified practising or non-practising lawyer in the area of immigration and/ or human rights.

• Lived experience related to migration, or legal knowledge in immigration and asylum.

• Language skills relevant to our areas of operation, particularly Greek or French.

• Experience and understanding of pro bono legal projects.

• Experience in public speaking, media engagement, or international advocacy.