An exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional with exceptional leadership skills to manage the development of Citizen’s Advice Bucks’ funding strategy and external communications.

About the role

As Head of Development & Communications, you will manage multiple income streams, including commissioned services, trusts, grants, direct giving and community fundraising, ensuring the charity has sufficient resources to deliver effective services that meet local need. You’ll work closely with the CEO, as well as in partnership with other VSOs and statutory bodies, to create proposals for major funders. A strong networker, you’ll develop strong relationships with funders, partner agencies and Bucks Council which lead to positive impact for our communities.

As part of the leadership team, you will be responsible for supporting the organisation’s business and development plant, ensuring that defined objectives are translated into team and individual targets. You will be an inspiring and effective manager, responsible for the Fundraiser, Communications Officer and Research and Research and Intelligence Officer.

You will lead on the charity’s marketing and communications, building on our strong reputation and brand through our newsletter, website, digital content and external media, to ensure we continue to be recognised as a key part of Buckingham’s community infrastructure.

About you

As the ideal candidate you will have:

• Experience of developing and managing effective relationships with funders, partners and stakeholders
• Proven track record of raising 6 figure sums from trusts and/or statutory processes
• Strong understanding of local government, statutory commissioning and procurement
• Experience of delivering impactful marketing and communication strategies
• Ability to create business cases and manage budgets
• Excellent creative writing and editing skills

About us

As of April 2021, Citizens Advice Chiltern, Aylesbury Vale and High Wycombe Citizens Advice have come together to form Citizens Advice Bucks and provide great local support for individuals across the county.

We help people find a way forward. We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. At Citizens Advice Bucks we believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice. That’s why we’re here: to give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.

Citizens Advice Bucks is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from suitably skilled candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

If you’d like to find out more about this opportunity, please visit our website to download the job description and apply. First round interviews will take place on Tuesday, 25th  May and final Interviews on Friday 28th May.

Closing date: Sunday 16th May 2021

Fundraising and Communications Officer - Are you looking to contribute to something meaningful and have a sense of job satisfaction in your working life? We have the opportunity for you to join our small team who support people in the Milton Keynes community that need practical help to manage their finances effectively, reducing their debt problems and the emotional challenges that often accompany these.

We are recruiting a Fundraising and Communications Officer to help us stay in touch with our supporters and to lead our fundraising activities.  This is a one-year post so that we can continue to expand our services to meet the increasing need in this difficult economic climate. We are looking for an individual with communication and fundraising experience, who will bring both passion and professionalism as an ambassador for our vision within the local community.

About the role

The post holder will work with the Centre Manager to secure income from different income streams (including individuals and organisations) through grants as well as donations, and to deliver communications with supporters, volunteers, partners and potential clients, to support funding needs as well as raise the number of clients.

About you

The ideal candidate will be proactive and self-motivated to achieve success, with excellent verbal and written communication skills. You will be experienced in charity fundraising and grants.  You will have experience of communication management, as well as design and execution of suitable communication material.  You will have had demonstrable success at engaging people to a cause, and motivating giving.

Your values will fit with our own. We are driven by a compassion to reach out to those who are in need or disadvantaged in our city. Staff must be able to demonstrate a professional attitude, curious, compassionate, and nurturing.

About MK Money Lifeline

Our aim is to enable as many people as possible in the city of Milton Keynes and surrounding areas to understand and manage their finances effectively; reducing debt problems and the emotional challenges such as stress, anxiety and poor mental health often related to those who are in crisis with their money.

MK Money Lifeline is an independent Registered Charity which has been offering free and practical debt advice since 2001. We hold Christian values and enjoy the financial and spiritual support of local churches and their members.  We approach our work with our clients with respect and confidentiality and we are committed to providing the best possible support to those experiencing financial difficulties.

To Apply

We encourage applications from all sections of the community. This role is subject to a criminal records and safeguarding check; DBS basic disclosure, required for all those who work with vulnerable groups. Applicants will need to have a right to work in the UK.

Applications will be accepted by CV with a covering letter explaining your suitability for the role. Interviews will be scheduled as suitable applications are received.

A full role description can be found below.

Role Description:  Fundraising and Communications Officer

Reporting to the Centre Manager.

12-month fixed term post (part time), 12 hours per week.

Location: Acorn House, Central Milton Keynes (with remote working option during the Covid-19 pandemic).

Job Purpose:

Working as part of a small team, with specific responsibility for Fundraising and Communications which is essential to the maintenance and growth of MKML's services, the successful applicant will be expected to:

• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy for MK Money Lifeline (MKML) to secure the funds required to enable the strategic plan for MKML.
• Create and deliver a communication strategy for MKML, which maintains and develops communications with supporters, volunteers, partners and potential clients, in order to support the funding needs as well as raise the number of clients.

Role Overview

1. Develop a fundraising strategy encompassing grants and donations that aligns and supports the strategic plan for MKML, working with the Centre Manager.
2. Research, create and coordinate suitable funding applications.
3. Ensure relationships with funders and donors are effectively managed across the MKML team, ensuring they are suitably thanked and receive timely updates on the impact of their support.
4. Write and implement communications for MKML to key audiences including volunteers and potential clients as well as supporters and donors, to promote the work of the organisation and publicise its services, as well as to support funding efforts.
5. Plan for succession of responsibilities at end of the funded post.
6. Report to the Centre Manager and liaise with the Operations team and Trustees as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

1. Produce fundraising and communications strategies and plans based on MKMLs Business Plan and 5-year Strategy.
2. Identify sources of funding and understand grant-making criteria of potential funders. Generate applications, and manage the process including timetables, plans and sources of data.
3. Seek to establish relationships with local organisations (businesses, churches etc). Represent MKML at meetings with potential supporters.
4. Arrange and/or host networking events and visits to showcase MKML’s work and to build connections with new and existing funders and donors.
5. Manage the outcomes of applications and monitor success.
6. Develop and maintain a database of donations.
7. Create relationships with potential supporters / funders and develop existing ones.
8. Develop closer and stronger relationships for MKML with other agencies working for the community.
9. Draft a range of suitable and engaging communications material for use across a variety of channels including web, email, social media and newsletters. To include client case studies as well as collateral for supporting promotional activity.
10. Champion the objectives of the fundraising and communications strategies, making sure that all communication is of an appropriate and high standard.
11. Support the development of MKML’s website to ensure it reflects the work and values of MKML for a range of different audiences.
12. Recommend a way forward for the work encompassed by role after the post finishes.
13. To undertake any other duties as required by the Centre Manager.

Essential Competencies and Skills

1. Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Ability to articulate the vision and values of MKML and establish rapport and credibility with all sectors of the community.
2. Able to forward plan and deliver against targets, with the organisational skills and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
3. Effective IT skills including Microsoft Office suite as well as web based and social media applications.
4. Experience of securing funds from grant funders, and a proven record of preparing and managing compelling and successful bids for funding.
5. Good interpersonal skills with experience of forming and maintaining productive relationships with a range of stakeholders.
6. Research and assessment skills.
7. Track, monitor and report the outcomes.
8. Excellent attention to detail.
9. Understanding (or demonstrable willingness and ability to learn) of the voluntary sector and the effect that holistic money advice has to the local community.
10. Ability to travel within Milton Keynes.

Personal Qualities

1. Diplomacy and team working skills.
2. Flexible and self-motivated with a can-do approach to problem solving.
3. Enthusiastic and with personal warmth and sensitivity.

Buckinghamshire Mind shares National Mind’s vision: “We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect.” We deliver high quality community-based services across the county of Buckinghamshire to reach out and ensure everyone with a mental health problem gets access to the help they need.

Post Title: Fundraising and Communications Officer (Job Share)

Contract:Permanent

Reports to: Chief Executive

Salary: £22,950 per annum pro rata FTE 37 hrs

(£14,886 pa actual 24hrs - £18,608 pa actual 30hrs)

Location: Aylesbury or High Wycombe

Hours of Work:  Part-Time (flexible – between 24-30 hours per week)

Basic Function

The Fundraising and Communications Officer main function will be to maximise income generation via community fundraising and profile raising and to develop and deliver an effective community fundraising plan.  The role will involve the on-going creation and evaluation of marketing and communication activities to maximise opportunities for promoting the charity and build links with potential and existing supporters, including volunteers. This role requires creativity, an entrepreneurial outlook and the ability to develop high quality communications, including plans, materials and messages for all fundraising activities, in order to increase support for Buckinghamshire Mind.

Fundraising: Main Responsibilities

• To develop and deliver a community fundraising plan to achieve an agreed income generation target.
• To identify and profile grant making organisations and corporate bodies with the potential of supporting our work.
• To assist with developing effective and well‐targeted appeals aimed at trusts, corporate bodies and supporters in order to raise funds for Buckinghamshire Mind.
• To plan and deliver a calendar of fundraising events.
• To manage the stewardship of individual, corporate and community group fundraisers.
• To work closely and pro‐actively with the Chief Executive to source information in order to develop high quality funding applications. 

Communications and profile building: Main Responsibilities

• To act as a point of contact within the organisation for the promotion of Buckinghamshire Mind’s services and recruitment of volunteers.
• To manage all public relations and monitor the results.
• To utilise technologies and channels such as e-newsletter, social media, video, blog and podcast to creatively communicate with Bucks Mind stakeholders and supporters.
• To keep the Bucks Mind website up-to-date regularly.
• To communicate with supporters through our existing external social media sites including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
• To assist in the development and distribution of e‐newsletters, printed communications and annual reviews to Bucks Mind supporters.
• To attend and represent Buckinghamshire Mind at promotional and profile-raising events.

Other

• To attend staff meetings and external meetings as agreed with the Chief Executive.
• To keep the Chief Executive informed of matters relating to fundraising and communications, particularly those which have a bearing on the reputation and development of Buckinghamshire Mind.
• To keep up-to-date with research and developments regarding mental health and wellbeing and/or have a bearing on the fundraising and communications work of Buckinghamshire Mind.
• To undertake such duties not included in the job description as are reasonably requested by the Chief Executive. 

Person specification

Post: Fundraising and Communications Officer

The person specification seeks to define a person most likely to be suited to the job of Fundraising and Communications Officer.  Candidates are required to meet all the essential Conditions listed.  E = essential criteria; D = desired criteria.  Reference to both Conditions and Requirements in completing your application form will help in selecting candidates for interview.

Conditions

• Supports the aims and work of Buckinghamshire Mind (E)
• Maintains strict confidentiality concerning all Buckinghamshire Mind matters (E)

Requirements

Qualifications and experience

• Relevant professional qualification e.g. degree or diploma (E)
• Relevant experience (E)
• Experience of marketing and business development within the voluntary sector (E)
•  Experience in or aptitude for fundraising/generating income. (E)
• Experience of writing and distributing press releases (D)
• Experience of creating content for and using social media channels for PR purposes. (D)
• Experience of the issues affecting hard to reach and excluded groups (E)

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Is committed to working in an anti-oppressive way and striving to create equal opportunities for all people (E)
• Maintains confidentiality in line with Buckinghamshire Mind policy (E)
• Has knowledge of social and situational factors influencing people’s mental health and wellbeing (E)

• Has excellent IT and communication skills (E)

• Is able to network and build sustainable working partnerships with other agencies (E)

• Is able to organize own workload and work without direct supervision (E)
•  Is able to prioritise competing tasks, manage a busy work load, work quickly and deliver to deadline. (E)
• Is able to monitor and evaluate work and produce reports (E)
• Is able to keep written records and data (E)
• Has a current clean driving license and use of own vehicle (work related mileage will be paid) (D)
• Understanding of equality and diversity principles (E)

Employee Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and 2 wellbeing days pro rata

• Sodexo employee benefits - access to a portal with discounts on supermarket shops, holidays, high-street shops, days out, cinema and gym membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme – free professional confidential counselling
• Childcare vouchers
• Annual leave purchase scheme
• Flu vaccinations
• Free eye tests
• Pension: Auto Enrolment (currently 3% employee contribution, 3% employer contribution)

To apply, please send the following 2 documents:

- CV

- Supporting Statement (explaining how you meet each criteria in the job description)

Buckinghamshire Mind is an Equal Opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. Any offer made relating to this post will be subject to satisfactory references and a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore please apply as soon as possible.  

Are you an experienced communications or marketing professional with a background in the healthcare sector and a passion for using your skills to make a difference? Do you have drive, energy and creativity and enjoy working in a busy and hands-on role? If so, you could be the person we are looking for to take on and develop this new role as Content Manager.

Your focus will be on raising awareness of our services with patients and families and with GPs and other healthcare professionals, driving an increasing number of early and appropriate referrals to help us improve end-of-life experiences for people in our local community.

It’s an exciting new role with plenty of scope for initiative, innovation and creativity. You will develop and implement multi-channel communications plans driven by high quality content to grow our engagement with our clinical audiences and meet our strategic objectives. Working as part of a friendly team with a wider communications remit, you’ll liaise with our clinical teams and be responsible for producing digital and printed resources to support them and ensure the successful delivery of your communications plans.

This is a full time position with opportunities for a blended approach to home and office working. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you. We are committed to employing talented people from all backgrounds and walks of life and we welcome applications from all.

We can offer development, flexible working, opportunities to volunteer, pension, Blue Light discount card and 33 days holiday per year.

At Rennie Grove, we believe that everyone with a life-limiting illness should be able to live well for as long as possible and have the choice to die at home.

Closing date: 19 May 2021 at 12 noon

Interviews: w/c 24 May 2021

Due to NEF’s continued growth, we’re looking for a part time Marketing Assistant to support the Marketing Manager in delivering activity across all of our energy efficiency, renewable energy and fuel poverty projects.

A key focus of this role will be to look after our social media channels, so it’s important you understand how platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok work and you’ll need to be able to create regular (often daily) content to suit specific audiences. You will work with the Marketing Manager and project teams to implement a full social media plan and create relevant and engaging posts.

You will build a monthly calendar of newsletters and work closely with the project teams to gather content, write copy and design emails within our email platform.  You will update project websites by uploading new blogs, running reports, editing profiles and sharing news stories. There will also be the opportunity to work with the Marketing Manager on the development of new websites and support them with any tasks that might be required in the delivery. You will likely further support the Marketing Manager in researching advertising opportunities, helping organise internal and external events and contacting third parties to gather quotes and information to help deliver the overall NEF marketing plan.

No marketing experience or marketing qualification is required and full training will be given on the necessary platforms. We’re more interested in finding someone who has a passion for learning, an interest in sustainability and a flair for language with the potential to develop a successful career in marketing. This is a new role within NEF and a great opportunity to learn and develop skills across the marketing mix.

This is a part-time role for 20 hours a week on a fixed term contract for one year. NEF is a very flexible employer, with most staff currently working from home as a result of the COVID pandemic. Usual working hours (up to 20) are negotiable and could be worked partly from home, although the need to visit our offices in Milton Keynes at least once a week is anticipated (when restrictions allow).

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and create social media content for all NEF platforms and help set up new channels to grow NEF’s reach.
• Work with project teams to gather content for project newsletters and create these in our online email platform.
• Update company websites and work with Marketing Manager to design and deliver new websites and website content.
• Led by the Marketing Manager, undertake research on marketing opportunities and outlets, gather information and pricing.
• Use online design platforms to create marketing materials including leaflets and posters.
• Create a media library and work with project teams and external suppliers to organise content creation.
• Help organise and deliver external (or virtual) events and meetings to showcase NEF.
• Help organise and deliver a strong NEF presence at conferences and/or industry events.
• Proactively get involved in any other duties (such as they arise in a fast moving diverse charity) sometimes deputising for the Marketing Manager if required.

Person Specification

• Understanding of social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
• Excellent verbal communications skills and confidence when talking to people at all levels.
• Ability to write accurate, confident and engaging copy that always sets the right tone.
• Interest in sustainability and renewable energy.
• Organised, good levels of attention to detail and able to meet strict deadlines.
• Confident attitude and able to work independently and remotely.
• Ability to work outside of office hours, by arrangement
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Outlook, Excel, Word, Office 365 and databases.

To apply for the position of Marketing Assistant, please upload your CV and Cover Letter outlining why you feel you would excel in this role by Friday 21st of May.

Join our team!

Job title: Partnerships Assistant
Part time: 30 hours per week
Salary: £20,000 (FTE)
Location: Milton Keynes (flexible home-based working available during pandemic)

We are a national charity that exists for spinal cord injured people, run by spinal cord injured people. For more than 45 years, we have empowered spinal cord injured people to rebuild their lives after injury through provision of vital information, representation, and support. Spinal Injuries Association is a truly inspirational place to work.

SIA is a beacon of light for the 50,000 spinal cord injured people in the UK living day-to-day with paralysis, incontinence, and a high risk of life-threatening conditions. With determination, flexibility and creativity we are responding to a huge increase in demand for our services, ensuring that the support we offer is available to everyone in need, no matter their circumstances.

We’re looking for a Partnerships Assistant to join our evolving fundraising team, working to support the management of a dynamic and varied portfolio of fundraising events and campaigns. If you are looking for your first role within the charity sector, or are looking to gain valuable experience in multiple areas of fundraising, then we have the perfect job for you!

Spinal Injuries Association is in the midst of transformational change. We already make a significant difference to the lives of people affected by spinal cord injury, but there is so much more we plan to do.

Roughly 2,500 people each year sustain or acquire a spinal cord injury, and we are currently undergoing a period of rapid development. SIA is soon set to become a true Association of people and partners to ensure that a fulfilled life is a possibility for everyone affected by spinal cord injury.

And with the recent launch of one of our most ambitious public-facing fundraising and awareness raising campaigns to date, it is a very exciting time ahead for SIA. We are soon expecting massive engagement from the general public, third party groups, and companies big and small:  all of whom will be looking to support SIA in whatever way they can, to help us rebuild lives after spinal cord injury.

If you share our passion, drive, and can-do attitude and are willing to take on a role where you can make a real difference, then we would love to hear from you.

Application deadline: 5pm 17th May 2021  
Interviews will be held on May 24th over MS Teams

TO APPLY AND FOR MORE INFORMATION:

If you would like to find out more about this position and to apply, please click the 'Apply' button to be directed to the SIA website, where you can download the application pack. 

No CV’s or agencies please.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Community Fundraiser who has excellent experience of working with donors and volunteers. We are looking for someone who can hit the ground running and has ideally worked within a similar role or can demonstrate the relevant skills and experience required in the job description.

You will need to be an excellent communicator and confident in contacting supporters over the phone as well as giving presentations to various groups, schools and associations.  You will need to demonstrate your abiliy to be a real team player, as well has having the ability to work well on your own initiative.

You will have experience of recruiting, managing and working with volunteers to deliver organisational objectives as well as a proven track record in achieving financial and non-financial targets.

The successful candidate will benefit from working in a dynamic and well supported team.

The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association have an exciting opportunity for a Digital Marketing Officer ( within MND this is know as Digital Fundraising Officer ) to join our Individual Giving Team at our national office in Northampton, where we operate a trusting, collaborative, and agile working environment.

Salary: c.£29,000 per annum plus benefits

Location: Northampton with agile working

Hours: Full-time 37 hours per week - Agile

Contract Type: Permanent

About the role

Digital is at the heart of our fundraising strategy at the MND Association with ongoing investment in digital development and marketing activity. The Digital Fundraising Officer will support with planning and managing all digital fundraising and marketing activity to maximise fundraising income. This role will work to increase and improve digital fundraising, working closely with all fundraising teams, digital and communications.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for an individual that has a passion for digital marketing and a thirst to deliver their digital marketing techniques in the charity sector.

You will have a strong background in managing digital marketing campaigns and experience of using Google Ad Words, Analytics, HTML and open-source content management systems such as WordPress.

To be successful in this role you will also need:

• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• First-class writing, editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to make complex information engaging and accessible.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to present to a large audience.
• Proven ability to measure, interpret and evaluate campaign results.

Please view the job description to see the full role responsibilities.

How to apply?

We would love to hear from you. If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, apply online now and submit a supporting statement and CV.

Please don’t delay in applying as we are reviewing applications as they come in and the role may close early.

About Us

The MND Association was founded in 1979. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We also fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised and addressed by wider society.

We operate an agile working environment within a flexible office space using the latest technology and digital infrastructure. This, together with a high level of trust and performance driven culture, gives staff the freedom and flexibility to work in the best way for them, the Association and, most importantly, people with MND.

We are committed to equality and value diversity. We are working hard to remove perceived and actual barriers to participation for people with and affected by MND, current and future staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Important Notices

This role is currently based remotely due to the covid pandemic. In normal circumstances this role will be based at our national office in Northampton with an option for agile working.

Please submit your application as soon as possible; due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the closing date once we have received sufficient applications.

Our selection process will be multi-stage; this may include video call screening, psychometric assessments, and competency-based interview/s.

We request that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this role. We work hard to fill our roles directly and if assistance is required, we operate a PSL, which currently closed for review. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies/ head-hunters.

We are looking for a Health Promotion Worker to work in our Health Promotion team to support in the delivery of free, confidential Sexual Health information sessions which encourage young people between 13-24 years old to access free condoms through the Condom Card Scheme (C-Card). Your role will also include encouraging young people to speak with a professional about healthy relationships, consent, sex, contraception and sexual health testing.

You will be responsible for the co-ordination, promotion and delivery of the C-Card Drop in Clinic while providing administrative support for the Emergency Hormone Contraception scheme (EHC). You will also oversee the promotion and training of professionals to deliver the C-Card scheme in the community.

You will have a good understanding of issues relating to HIV and Sexual Health, as well as experience of meeting challenging targets.

This role is varied and will involve outreach interventions, as well as the delivery of health promotion activities in community settings.

Citizens Advice Milton Keynes is a local charity that helps people to resolve their legal, money and personal problems. We have been providing free, confidential, and impartial advice since 1972 and helped over 8000 local people last year.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible, reliable, and confident person to join our Triage Team. The ideal candidate will provide support to clients via a range of channels, acting as the ‘first contact’ with the organisation for local people. They will conduct triage interviews with clients via telephone, video call and webchat to understand their problem better and in greater depth, as well as to determine the next steps for supporting them.

Triage and Referral Officers assess and identify the main issues relating to people’s welfare, debt, and housing enquiries, as well as other legal and practical problems. You will not need to be an ‘expert’ in any one subject, but in the time, a successful candidate will need to ‘know a little about a lot’ and full training will be given to them to develop a good foundation knowledge of each advice area.

The ideal candidate will also need to be patient, calm under pressure and possess great communication skills and able to explain information to people from a variety of backgrounds, including those living in the community who could be considered ‘vulnerable adults.

This is a challenging role within a service that is in high demand – especially considering Covid-19 and the social and economic impact of the pandemic. All our staff work to strict quality standards and ensure that all work is compliant with our contract funders.

Applicants need to be –

• Computer-literate, although training on our case recording systems will be given.
• Confident and have some experience of using telephony and video call systems.  
• Confident in working to performance targets.
• Able to show good communications skills, both written and verbal. These are essential in the role, as are excellent customer service skills with a non-judgemental approach.
• Prepared to work independently and from home or a remote location if required. 

A minimum of 12 months’ experience in an advice agency or similar setting is desirable.

The successful Applicant/s will be asked to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Closing date: Thursday 27th May 2021 12:00pm 

Interviews: w/c 7th June 2021

Academic representation is at the centre of any effective Students' Union. We are seeking an ambitious individual with the skill and vision to develop a sector-leading representation system that empowers our members and delivers visible impact.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities of post-holder

1. Position the Students’ Union’s representation system as a vital feedback mechanism for the University of Northampton, providing respected and trusted customer feedback that influences UoN’s decisions on academic experience.
2. Provide strong and regular support to our Vice President (Education), acting as a coach and mentor so they can achieve their stated ambitions during their year in office.
3. Champion an evidence-based approach to our representation activity, working with the Insights Coordinator on larger pieces research projects.
4. Ensure that the SU communicates in a clear, bold way to our students, the University and internally on academic representation matters.
5. Lead on communication and events which celebrate the impact of our representation work.
6. Be responsible for writing the annual Academic Representation Impact Report.
7. Work with the UoN Graduate School to improve our impact on postgraduate research academic experience.
8. Lead the design and delivery of our Course Representative training programme, ensuring that Reps are empowered to represent with confidence and independence, and know when they need to communicate with the SU and access support.
9. Support the Vice President (Education) to consult and feedback to Reps as appropriate, ensuring that matters of importance are discussed widely and in a timely fashion.
10. Consult with the Vice President (Education) and ultimately write the SU’s annual Academic Review, ensuring we set out a clear vision for improvements to the academic experience for UoN students each year.
11. Provide coaching and mentoring support to Faculty Reps ahead of their faculty level meetings, ensuring they are well briefed and ready to be effective.
12. Be the main SU Staff support for all University-level academic meetings.
13. Work alongside the Student experience Manager (Voice) to create an effective democratic structure for Student Voice in the area of education.
14. Run events that allow reps to network, share ideas and hold the Vice President (Education) and Faculty Reps to account for the work that they do on students’ behalf.
15. Ensure that the SU embeds the relevant functions within SUMS (Students’ Union Management System) into how we support academic representation activity.

The opportunity

Have you got the merchandising ability and the desire to play a critical role in our fight to beat heartbreak forever? 

Do you want to make a big impact most successful charity retailers in the UK? You could be the Assistant Merchandiser we are looking for!
 
About the role

Working within our New Goods Buying and Merchandising team, the Assistant Merchandiser supports the Merchandiser in all aspects of their role. You’ll be responsible for managing store and e-commerce distribution according to the range plan, analysing sales, administrative tasks and managing stock levels.

You’ll be key to liaising with field management and over 700 British Heart Foundation stores, product suppliers, our warehouse, the digital team and many other internal contacts.

Please note that is a fixed term contract for 15 months.

About you

You’ll have previous merchandising experience gained in a retail Head Office environment with strong commercial awareness. You'll also have experience at Assistant Merchandiser level or as an experienced Admin Assistant/MAA looking for the next step.

With strong analytical skills and be highly numerate, you’ll be IT proficient with strong systems and Microsoft Excel skills.

A team player, you'll have strong communication skills and the ability to build excellent relationships with people across the organisation. You'll be highly organised and able to manage a range of tasks with competing deadlines. 

About us

We research all heart and circulatory diseases and the things that cause them. Heart disease, Stroke, Vascular Dementia, Diabetes and many more. All connected, all under siege. Because our research is the promise of future cures and treatments.

Here at the BHF we understand that you might need a little help balancing your work and home life.  Many of our people work flexibly in many different ways. Please feel free to talk to us about the flexibility you may need; we’re happy to explore what’s possible for you and the role.

Interview process

The interview process will consist of two stages and will be held virtually over MS Teams.

The BHF is currently following Government guidelines regarding working from home. Although the role is based in Northampton, the expectation is that once restrictions are eased, we will follow a blended approach between office and home working.

Area Manager of the Reuse and Retail shop with sites at High Heavens and Aston Clinton.  Management leadership and retail expertise to oversee all aspects of Retail including the management of the local teams, department activities and operational requirements to delight customers. Identify and recommend retail opportunities and lead their implementation. Achievement of all agreed sales, financial and operational targets with an aim to maximise profits. 100% compliance with policies and procedures and compliance. Maintaining a presence on the sites to raise the profile of South Bucks Hospice in the community, cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with third parties.

Key Responsibilities

Key Result Areas

• Driving the achievement of all sales targets across the sites, working in close conjunction with the Managers to ensure consistency and compliance;
• Driving revenue growth and profitability across all sites;
• Appropriate management of the team to ensure operational effectiveness through the variety of management tools available to encompass all HR activities, staff appraisals, performance management, training and health and safety.  This includes the training of and coaching of the Managers to deliver for their teams;
• Overseeing the department and all activities to ensure that it complies with the Reuse Operation Manual, at both reuse sites, including:
  • Health and safety legislation (The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974);
  • Consumer law (Consumer Rights Act 2005);
  • Trading standards requirements (The General Product Safety Regulations 2005);
  • Lottery regulations (Gambling Act 2005);
  • FCC’s operational requirements;
  • Portable Appliance Testing (PAT);
  • Gift Aid;
  • South Bucks Hospice’s internal policies and procedures.

• Develop and review all retail policies, procedures and handbooks and recommend any changes to the CEO;
• Review and develop retail performance, operational needs and general capacity to streamline costs, increase income and efficiency and grow profit to that retail operates to its full potential;
• Effective management of the shops and sites to reach agreed sales targets and plans for achievement;
• Identify and recommend new retail opportunities taking into consideration local market conditions and competitor activity. Play a lead role in implementing any new initiatives once approved;
• Ensure adherence to agreed pricing policy and stock control measures, ensuring the shops are well stocked at all times;
• Fully engaged and driving the use of Gift aid sign up to maximise the available funding opportunities;
• Support the Hospice Lottery Partnership meet budgeted through the upselling of the lottery tickets with each sale;
• Support fundraising events through providing merchandise and personnel;
• Agree an annual retail marketing calendar and ensure that all stores consistently reflect this in presentation standards and promotion;
• Create effective relationships with colleagues, customers, traders and the local communities to the benefit of South Bucks Hospice;
• Motivate the team and create a positive environment resulting in a working environment that is clean, organised and suitable to support shop trading;
• Maintain effective staffing levels at all times and recruit volunteers and provide relief cover as required;
• Ensure that all staff are fully trained and training is reviewed to ensure compliance;
• Quick and successful resolution of all customer queries and complaints and escalate where necessary;
• Actively supporting the acquisition and engagement of Volunteers in all locations.

Behavioural Values

• Appreciates the impact that decisions and actions have on the business;

• Ability to ensure that objectives or tasks are delivered on time and to an agreed quality;

• Crucial front line operational role as part of team that delivers high quality services to a range of customers;

• Pro-active and responsive to requirements to customers and colleague; a team player;

• Fully understands internal and external customer expectations and requirements, and works to ensure these are exceeded and delight customers;

• Works co-operatively and productively with others, to achieve results;

• Demonstrable knowledge and interest in retail and reuse;

• Takes the initiative to work across boundaries to resolve challenges;

• Demonstrates commitment and loyalty to South Bucks Hospice;

• Self-motivated individual with strong customer focus;

• Able to choose a method of communication that is appropriate and effective for a given situation, to incorporate the difference mediums of listening, verbal and written;

• Uses original and creative thinking to make improvements or support the initiation of new approaches;

• Works with honesty and integrity and maintains the reputation of South Bucks Hospice;

• Does the right thing for the long term success of South Bucks Hospice.

Essential Requirements

• Previous retail management experience, ideally in a charity environment and multi-site location;
• Demonstrate a consistent high standard of work and attention to detail;

• Punctual and presentable;

• Willing to learn;

• Effective Communications with colleagues and Management team;

• Calm temperament under pressured conditions;

• Willingness to travel to other locations;

• Customer Service focussed;
• Approachable and accessible;
• Basic computer skills.

Main purpose of the role:

“To ensure Lindengate achieves and maintains excellence in the following 6 aspects of volunteering:”.

• Volunteering  is embedded within the overall vision, values, culture and aims of the charity and its impact is recognised, evaluated and communicated.
• People policies and procedures have been put in place to ensure volunteering is well managed
• There is a positive approach to inclusion, equality and diversity and a proactive approach to making volunteering accessible
• It is easy for people to find out about opportunities, explore whether they are right for them, and get involved
• Volunteers feel supported at all times, that they are part of the charity and that their contribution makes a difference
• Volunteers are valued and there are opportunities for volunteers to develop and grow through their experiences.

Responsibilities

• To recruit and retain volunteers in accordance with the agreed needs of the charity
• To manage the overall provision of training for all volunteers in all departments and work alongside the relevant staff to review and agree the content and ensure that all statutory and mandatory training is given and recorded.
• To ensure that all new volunteers are on boarded correctly and receive an agreed induction in line with current Health and Safety and safeguarding legislation and which ensures they are well-prepared to undertake all aspects of their volunteering role.
• To propose and subsequently manage agreed volunteer budgets in line with the agreed business plan
• To work with other Managers and where appropriate make decisions, to ensure that volunteers are appropriately placed within Lindengate’s programmes, according to their skill sets and wellbeing resilience.
• To ensure that mechanisms/processes are in place so all volunteers have the opportunity of a voice within Lindengate and that their wellbeing needs are met at all times as is reasonably possible in line with Lindengate’s ethos.
• To further develop, protect and uphold Lindengate’s credibility and reputation for offering an exceptional volunteering experience.
• To work with the General Manager to develop new volunteering initiatives with a view to fulfilling Lindengate’s more long term strategic plans

• To work with Lindengate’s partners and Managers to promote, successfully facilitate and evaluate existing volunteer programmes and proactively look to develop new ones in line with suitably researched and recognised need.
• To liaise with all managers to define roles and put together Job specs for new volunteers
• To advertise both internally and externally the required volunteer job roles and complete all necessary checks, initial inductions, and other relevant recruitment and selection matters, before handing volunteers over to team Managers/co-ordinator’s.
• To Update the volunteer handbook and complete all processes for producing and updating all volunteer materials, policies and procedures
• To work with Managers to review and agree the process for on boarding and training volunteers, depending on their roles and the needs of the charity
• To liaise with the Communications Manager to ensure all existing volunteers are kept well informed of all Lindengate news, activities, training opportunities and necessary updates.
• To manage the process of providing accurate and up to date records for all volunteers and to liaise with the Business Operations and Systems Manager to ensure that internal and external reporting requirements are met.
• To design and implement surveys and evaluations to build a database of information/outcomes, i) for inclusion in grant applications, ii) reporting and, iii) to enable the Senior Management Team to understand the strengths and weaknesses of Lindengate’s recruitment, onboarding, training processes and how the charity can ensure it continues to recruit and retain happy and appropriately skilled volunteers.
• To organise all volunteer socials
• To attend and participate actively in all Management Team Meetings, and compile all necessary reports as and when required.

Person Specification

• Previous experience as a Volunteer manager for a similar sized organisation would be a strong advantage

• A proven ability to develop and implement volunteer strategies in other organisations

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to understand people’s wellbeing needs

• Empathetic personality as you will have contact with many different people, possibly with low to moderate mental health needs

• Interest in conservation and the environment and inspired by Lindengate’s vision, mission and values

• Able to work cross-departments to achieve results

• Experienced in running efficient and effective meetings and confident in delivering presentation

• Experience in designing and delivering training programmes and interventions

• Strong attention to detail

• Able to think big and design and deliver innovative strategic solutions

• Experience in managing budgets

• Understanding of mental health needs is desirable

• Confident in using technology and to make effective use of Microsoft Office, Google Docs, databases and all online interfaces.  Mailchimp and Zoho an advantage.

• Multi-tasking skills: ability to manage several projects at once

• A good understanding of confidentiality and data protection

• Able to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong personal resilience

Support:    Training, where specifically required for the role, will be provided.

Security Checks: Employment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.