As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.
You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement.
You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.
By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).
You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
Strategic Leadership:
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Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities
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Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required
Comms & Marketing:
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Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources
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Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience
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Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice.
Influencing & Public Affairs:
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Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful
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Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities
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Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:
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Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact
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Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do
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Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries
Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:
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Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels
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Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector.
Membership, Events & Communities:
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By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).
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Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications
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Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth
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Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach
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Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity
General Responsibilities
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Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity
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Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend
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Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group
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Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities
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Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group
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Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design
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Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies
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Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required.
Personal Development
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Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing
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Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions
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Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession
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Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.
Organisational Responsibilities:
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Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.
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Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.
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Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.
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Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.
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Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.
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Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.
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Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.
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Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.
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Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.
This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.
Person Specification
Job Title
Director of External Relations
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Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills
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Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills
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Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships
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The ability to work effectively within a small team
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Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload
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A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work
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A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative
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A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity
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Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post
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Fit to undertake the duties of the post.
Experience/Skills/Competencies
Essential
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Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success
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PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR
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Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback
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Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development
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Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making
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Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making
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Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT
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Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders
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Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms
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Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.
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Experience managing budgets and associated reporting
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Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events
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Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team
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Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector.
Desirable
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Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity
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Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment
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Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications
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Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)
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Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events.
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Experience supporting and manging a remote team
Education and Qualifications:
Other Requirements:
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Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
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Regular travel to attend meetings and events.
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Occasional evening meetings.
Legal requirements:
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Enhanced DBS check.
Your application should include an up to date CV together with a supporting statement detailing how your skills and experience align with the job description and person specification.
Please note that we will be unable to progress applications from candidates who do not answer the screening questions.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Our vision is a society where everyone can enjoy the same rights and opportunities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Little Village makes a big difference to families with babies and young children living in poverty across London. Via its network of baby banks and partners such as Family Hubs, community organisations and all of London’s maternity units, the charity passes on pre-loved goods from one family to another – clothes, toys and equipment – so that many more children have the essential things they need to thrive.
Families are supported through welcoming hubs or home deliveries, and connected into a wider network of support in community settings, while Little Village also raises its voice to highlight the realities of child poverty.
Little Village is entering an exciting new phase as it approaches its 10-year milestone and prepares to launch its next strategy. QuarterFive are partneruing with Little Villag to find a Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications to play a central role in shaping its future – leading how the organisation grows income, strengthens its brand and amplifies its voice. Sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead a newly integrated fundraising, marketing and communications department, driving a cohesive, high-performing function and building on strong foundations to deliver a more strategic, scalable and insight-led approach.
With an income base with high potential for growth and particular strength in high-value fundraising, there is significant opportunity to grow and diversify income further, while also increasing visibility and influence at a time when public awareness of child poverty is rising.
We are looking for a strategic and hands-on leader with a track record in delivering income growth. You will be motivated by impact and excited to help drive Little Village’s next phase, strengthening long-term income and increasing its influence.
This role is home-based with regular travel to Little Village hubs across London. Core hours: 09:30-15:00. Weekly or fortnightly team and SLT meetings in London plus other meetings as needed.
As Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, you will:
- Lead and deliver an integrated fundraising, marketing and communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities
- Set and achieve ambitious income targets across multiple streams, including high-value philanthropy and partnerships
- Develop a more structured, data-informed approach to fundraising, including pipelines, forecasting and performance management
- Oversee brand and communications, ensuring a clear, compelling and consistent narrative
- Build and steward relationships with major donors, partners and senior stakeholders
- Act as a senior ambassador, raising Little Village’s profile and influence
- Lead and develop a high-performing, collaborative team
Essential skills and experience:
- A strong track record of developing and delivering successful multi-stream fundraising strategies, weighted towards high value income streams including major donors, corporates, and trusts and foundations
- Proven success in securing significant and multi-year funding
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
- Exposure to or interest in mass fundraising
- Strong financial, forecasting and pipeline management skills
- Expertise in working with senior stakeholders/volunteers, ideally including reporting to Committees and Trustee boards
- A successful track record of involvement in launching, managing, and evaluating campaigns
- Strong understanding of brand management, digital engagement, and integrated campaigns across multiple channels
- Understanding of digital transformation, including CRM/data integration, marketing automation, and analytics
- A data-informed approach, with experience using insight and systems to drive performance
- Excellent influencing, relationship-building and storytelling skills
Desirable:
- Experience leading an integrated fundraising and communications function within a frontline charity
- Experience of using Beacon CRM
- Lived or personal experience of the issues faced by the families Little Village supports
Diversity and Inclusion:
Little Village operates in London, one of the most diverse cities in the world. The charity are working towards a goal where their team fully reflects that diversity and difference in lived experiences and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups including: people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with lived experience of poverty either personally or through family, experience of the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates. As part of their commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed without names and any protected characteristics.
As part of our commitment to increasing representation of people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, we are piloting a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for this role, as a new approach to make our recruitment more equitable. If you identify as Black, Asian or other Minority Ethnic backgrounds and meet the essential criteria for the role, you can choose to opt in to the GIS. We will be aiming to offer everyone who opts into the scheme and meets the essential criteria a first stage interview/ assessment. See the applicant pack for further details.
Employee benefits include:
- 25 days per year annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for those working fewer than 35 hours per week)
- Team members are usually given time off between Christmas and New Year, which doesn’t come off your allowance
- Pension contributions matched by 3%
- A period of sick leave at full pay regardless of length of service
- Enhanced family friendly policies including Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave and Adoption pay, with a Fertility Policy designed to support employees during fertility investigations and treatment
- Death in Service benefit (x3 annual salary)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Rewards Gateway and Tickets for Good
To apply, please upload your CV, making sure it reflects the essential skills and experience within the person specification. You can use the notes section to share any additional information. Suitable applicants will be contacted and given full support with the formal application process.
First round interviews (online): Thursday 21st May
Second round interviews (in-person): w/c 1st June
Registered Charity
51 - 100
To bring about change for children and families through the power of sharing, reusing and connecting
