Contract Development Officer Jobs

Introducing Harington

Harington is an Ofsted registered specialist college based in North London rated good, working with around 52 young people with learning differences aged 16-25. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment, that delivers outstanding personalised education, learning, and support, which leads to further education, employment opportunities, and a fulfilling life for each of our students. 

We specialise in horticulture, retail and general employability. Our students undertake individualised learning programmes and supported internships that lead to vocational qualifications and achieving other aims. We support the wellbeing of our young people through providing mentoring, counselling, enrichment and other one-to-one support.

Our charity has two learning centres in Highgate and Hornsey. We also operate a gardening business and two charity shops, providing income for our charity, work experience placements for our students and employment for 14 young people. We work with local employers and partners to provide work experience and other opportunities for our students.

The Role

This is an exciting time to join the Harington, as we have recently appointed a new Principal/CEO. We want to ensure that the Harington is able to fulfil and secure its mission to benefit our young people, both now and into the future.

In the next year we will consolidate what we do well and seek to strengthen the areas where we could do better. The Interim COO will work with all stakeholders and closely with the Principal/CEO to review, plan and implement the necessary changes. The role is initially for 9 months, but it is anticipated that it will continue after the initial review and planning period.  

This Interim Chief Operating Officer role will:-

1)Support the development and implementation of the strategic plan and through the annual Operations Plan and Budget, and be responsible for measuring and evaluating progress against goals and targets

2)Drive excellence and efficiency across Finance, HR, Governance, Operations, and IT, strengthening and embedding the right policies, systems, processes, technology and infrastructure ensuring seamless execution and robust management of risk.

3)Manage our three commercial businesses (two charity shops and Harington Gardeners) so they meet our social, learning and business aims

4)Oversee Harington’s fundraising so we secure the income we need from trusts and foundations, individual donors and community fundraising

5)Ensure effective management of the buildings and estate of a multi-site organisation, and the support services required to provide a suitable and safe environment for learning and working, that meets the required health and safety standards

6) Ensure that all staff feel valued and supported, with effective management of staff, operations and administration

The person

 You are an exceptional senior leader that is passionate about achieving the best outcomes for young people with learning differences.

Working as part of the senior leadership and management team you will ensure that Harington is a safe environment where students can learn, work, thrive and grow. You will ensure our staff team is valued and supported, and our management team and trustees are kept up to date and fully informed.

You are an energetic, organised, and positive team player, similarly comfortable working independently. It is a very varied role and one that needs calm focus as well as spontaneity and initiative.

You are adept at getting to the root of an issue, finding the solution and making things run smoothly and efficiently.

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements and would consider 4 days a week or compressed hours.

Essential skills

• Successful senior leader within a medium sized organisation for a minimum of three years, with a results-proven track record
• Worked in charity and/or education setting
• Sound understanding of financial management, reporting and accounting systems
• Experience of successfully managing and implementing changes to improve the way things run
• Highly motivated and driven self-starter, able to adapt quickly when priorities change
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office products and database management systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience in creating high-level reports and presentations

Our benefits 

In addition to excellent staff training, our employees are also rewarded with various other benefits offered as part of your employment: 

• Confidential employee assistance programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fully paid for DBS
• Contributory pension scheme

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

We value diversity and positively welcome applications from all backgrounds. This will help ensure our workforce better reflects the diverse wider community we support. Applicants who declare a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.

Safeguarding 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing and safety of our students and our staff.  We expect everybody working for the Harington to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service for applications of employment as part of our safeguarding procedures.

Some of our positions involve regulated activity relevant to vulnerable children, adults and young people. It is a criminal offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group. Our vacancies are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All offers are conditional and subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks and references including an enhanced DBS check. The salary range advertised is based on the full-time equivalent and appointment on the scale is dependent on the role, qualifications and experience.

Resurgo’s mission is to inspire and equip organisations to bring about ambitious and sustainable social change through our expertise in coaching, impact management and programme delivery. We’re a bold and innovative organisation with the ambition to transform society.

We are looking for a capable and creative individual to join the leadership of Resurgo, with oversight of strategy development and implementation, finance and governance. As a strong leader and people manager with experience across strategy and finance, you will have an ability to lead projects with multiple complex priorities through to completion, be a confident decision maker and communicator, and be passionate about social transformation.

The important stuff 

Salary: from £65,000, flexible dependent on experience

Contract: Minimum 6-12 month fixed-term contract

Hours: 5 days per week (4 considered), 9.30am – 5.30pm, with occasional evening work for events such as our Spear Celebrations.

Location: Hammersmith, London – we are an office-based organisation with some work at home possible in agreement with the line manager

Closing date: Friday 3rd May, 09.00am (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate).

Interviews: We anticipate interviews to commence from w/c 6th May. 

Application Pack: Have a look at our application pack for more information.

Person Specification 

• An active Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Resurgo, and a demonstrated commitment to social impact and our mission to play a meaningful part in the repair of our social fabric
• Strong strategic thinking and business and financial acumen – experience in a management consulting or financial management role is essential
• Self-motivated forward planner with the ability to navigate complex fast-moving environments, adapt to changing circumstances, and exercise initiative, with a track record of driving growth and achieving results
• Financially literate, with experience overseeing strategic financial processes, e.g., budgeting, financial management and resource allocation
• Good IT skills with a working knowledge of Salesforce and Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. An awareness of charity regulatory and compliance requirements is beneficial
• Strong proven leadership skills and the ability to relate confidently to a range of audiences
• Relational team player with high emotional intelligence, a sense of humour and fun, and the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams

Key Responsibilities
 

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Leading the organisation through the iterative development and implementation of strategic projects to serve the ambition of Resurgo, to “inspire and equip organisations to deliver ambitious and sustainable social change”
• Provide direction and support to Heads of Department, setting them up to succeed in the implementation of ambitious plans
• Line management of the Strategy Managaer, who project manages and drives the delivery of annual departmental targets and strategic projects across the organisation.

Finance

• Line management of Head of Finance, providing strategic leadership in the development of the finance function and oversight of organisational financial management
• Lead the annual planning process, working with the Head of Finance and Director of People, Culture & Operations to shape and deliver annual financial planning

Oversight of Governance, Risk and Opportunity

• Executive Chair of the Strategy, Finance and Risk steering group, owning the most significant risks and opportunities facing Resurgo at an organisational level, ensuring actions are taken to mitigate risks and that we are set up to maximise opportunity
• Responsible for overseeing governance structures and ensuring they are fit for purpose as the organisation develops and grows
• Supporting the Executive Assistant to the CEO in the facilitation of the effective running of the Boards of Resurgo Trust and Resurgo Consulting, including planning and overseeing Board and key Steering Group meetings.

Active Participation in and Support for Resurgo’s team and mission

• Help build and develop Resurgo’s ethos and Christian life as a team member, including leading and contributing to daily team prayer meetings as an integral part of Resurgo’s operation and for the success of its mission

Please feel free to let us know if you may require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully in our recruitment process.

Head of HR (Maternity Cover)
Hours: 28 hours per week (flexible working opportunities available)
Salary: £50,500 - £54,351 per annum (FTE)
Contract: Up to 12-month maternity cover (anticipated start date of 1st August 2024)
Base: Osney Mead, Oxford & work from home with occasional travel across Oxon & Wokingham, Reading, West Berks

People are the very heart and soul of Oxfordshire Mind. The purpose of the HR function is to ensure that the right people are recruited, developed and able to thrive to deliver our vision of ensuring everyone experiencing a mental health issue gets both support and respect.

The Head of HR works closely with the Senior Management Team, Trustees and all staff and provides operational leadership of Oxfordshire Mind’s HR services to enable our Vision and Purpose and deliver our strategic objectives through our people whilst upholding the values of the organisation.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a passionate team and play a central role in this Oxfordshire and Berkshire West based charity. This role offers the chance for a proactive individual who is passionate about people, to confidently navigate us through the forthcoming 12 months of change and support our internal team.

About the role

Reporting to the CEO and managing a talented team of 2 HR Business Partners and 1 HR & Recruitment Administrator you will:

• Develop and implement HR strategies, processes and services aligned with our overall strategy and vision
• Develop Staff Wellbeing strategy and oversee the Staff Wellbeing Action Group
• Lead the HR function and team and be a pro-active member of the Senior Management Team
• Ensure high quality delivery of HR responsibilities including policies and processes, HRIS, resourcing, reward, employee services, management development, employee relations and learning
• Be the appointed competent person to advise on Health & Safety across the organisation, this includes ongoing monitoring via KPI’s and internal audits and leading the Health & Safety committee meetings
• Support and continue to develop the Employee Forum, including being a point of contact for the Union
• Embed a co-productive approach with partners, managers and leaders to achieve strategy and targets
• Monitor and provide insight and guidance on the effectiveness of people management practices and processes via a range of KPIs
• Support change initiatives and programmes
• Be an influential and visible figure in the business driving improvements forward in relation to people and culture
• Budget management and oversight
• Ensure HR compliance and risk management for employee relations issues and ensuring the organisation remains up to date with relevant legislation

About you

Applicants should respond explicitly to each of the points listed in the Essential Selection Criteria below. The shortlisting panel make their decisions based on this information and no assumptions about your skills or experience will be made.

Essential criteria

• Previous experience across most HR disciplines such as recruitment and retention, wellbeing, learning and development, and HR administration as well as navigating complex HR issues
• Strong team manager who inspires and motivates hybrid and remote team members, promoting a positive and productive work environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Strong relationship building skills at a senior level internally and externally and able to nurture partnerships and collaborative relationships with a range of organisations and stakeholders
• Ability to lead change projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely and successful implementation
• Proficient in identifying and mitigating risks associated with change initiatives
• Experience of using office productivity software such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) or equivalent and HRIS
• Takes a values-based approach to HR, aligning practices and decisions with the core values and culture of the organisation
• Has an understanding or passion for mental health and what we do

Desirable criteria

• Strong experience in all HR disciplines including Reward management, organisational design and talent management
• Significant leadership experience gained at senior level in a complex environment including working with unions either formally or informally
• Demonstrates self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and integrity, working with clarity and honesty
• Experience of working in the charity/mental health sector or with a board of trustees
• Ability to think strategically, develop a clear vision for the organisation, and influence key stakeholders. Proven track record in making sound strategic decisions considering long-term impact
• Passionate about the organisational vision, inspiring and motivating teams towards ambitious goals. Visionary and resilient during periods of change

Closing date: 10am on 13th May 2024
Shortlisting date: w/c 13th May 2024
First Stage Interview date: w/c 20th May 2024
Second Stage Interview date: w/c 3rd June 2024
Interview location: Oxfordshire Mind, Osney Mead, 2 Kings Meadow, Oxford, OX2 0DP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Oxfordshire Mind is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.  We therefore require a Disclosure and Barring Service check, for all our roles. The level of which will vary depending on the nature of the role.

No agencies please.

About the Foundation:

The Avicenna Foundation was set up in 2023 to to support outstanding young British Muslims by providing them with scholarships for their undergraduate degree. The scholarships are mainly focused on awarding scholarships in the Social Sciences and Humanities for those interested in politics, policy-making and becoming agents of positive change.

Alongside the scholarship, the Avicenna Foundation runs a development programme for the scholars to expand their skills and abilities in various areas like leadership, communication and collaboration.

The Foundation has developed immensely in the first year with the launch of the charity; onboarding of it’s first cohort of 30 scholars and the development of a leadership programme.  It now needs propelling into the next stage as the charity develops to ensure a robust charity structure and programme in place.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations:

- Manage the day-to-day operations of the charity, and manage changes required within programmes and activities as a result of changing external landscapes or contexts.

- Implement strategies for advertising the scholarships, receiving and reviewing applications, shortlisting candidates, conducting interviews, and making final selection decisions. Some of these things are already in place and may need reviewing and enhancing.

- Work with the Scholar Development Coordinator to oversee the leadership development programme, provide guidance and help the programme to grow.

- Maintain regular communication with the scholars, their progress, and address any issues or concerns that may arise.

- Ensure programme objectives and outcomes align with the overall strategy and aims of the Foundation, and are realistic and achievable within timeframes and budgets.

- Organise any events, programmes necessary to the scholars.

- Use data to track progress and drive improvement; proactively manage risks; and ensure effective use of the Foundation’s resources and budgets allocated to you.

Governance:

- Provide leadership and guidance to achieve consistency of governance across all of the Foundation’s activities, from development, delivery, measurement and evaluation and reporting perspectives.

- Regular communication and updates to the board, prepare board papers and contribute to Trustee meetings as required.

- Create, maintain and ensure continued adoption of governance frameworks, policies and templates.

- Ensure implementation and maintenance of risk registers for the charity and across all programmes.

- Manage finances, budgeting, reporting, and record-keeping

- Prepare the Foundation’s annual report.

External Engagement

- Lead on strategic communications by developing and implementing an integrated public affairs and communication plan that are consistent with the goals and values of the Foundation.

- Building and cultivating exceptional diverse reciprocal partnerships across a wide range of stakeholder groups, grounded in delivering impact through collaboration.

- Work with educational partners to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the scholarship programme

-  Leverage messaging and networks to positively impact the growth and reputation of the Foundation.

- Strengthen our brand reputation to maximise our impact and reach.

- Help identify, create and develop meaningful opportunities for the young people the Foundation works with.

- Establish an alumni network and support continuous professional development for alumni.

- Produce briefings and critical information for internal and external stakeholders, and review reports, submissions, and letters where appropriate.

Experience and Skills

This is not a prescriptive list, and we do not expect applicants to meet every item outlined below. We recognise that it can be hard to find the ideal balance of knowledge and skills for this role. We are open to what this balance is, so if you are stronger in one or the other area but think you could do the job please still apply, and tell us why the role is right for you.

Required

- An appreciation and understanding of the Foundation’s values and vision.

- Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, combined with the ability to liaise with senior stakeholders.

- Experience in successful partnership working.

- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, lead, influence and motivate others.

- Good financial acumen and experience of managing and working within set budgets.

- A proactive, flexible approach, and ability to progress work independently in a fast-paced environment.

- Diplomatic approach and highly self-motivated with a positive and energetic attitude.

- Focuses on what matters most, setting priorities and adapting them where required, with the right level of communication.

- Excellent attention to detail, accuracy and organisational skills.

- Takes satisfaction in delivering work to a consistently high standard, and programmes on time and on budget.

- Communicates clearly and confidently to senior team members, and presents information effectively, at the right time, with the right level of information.

- Plans ahead, anticipates and reacts to change and project needs, and remains flexible and adaptive in the face of change.

- Experience of working to tight deadlines without close supervision.

- The ability to identify personal strengths and weaknesses, and a willingness to develop, adapt and learn

- A passion and interest in developing work streams to support the development of young people.

-  A high level of digital literacy to include MS Office, G Suite, social media and other online platforms.

Advantageous

- Knowledge and experience in effective charity governance, with experience working within the charity/non-profit space.

- Understanding of the policy and campaign landscape in the UK as it relates to issues impacting students, young people and Muslim communities.

- Expertise in project/programme management with proven ability to manage complex projects, including the ability to develop and manage budgets, timelines, and resources.

- Structured thinking when working through problems, overcoming hurdles, mitigating risks and dealing with issues.

- Confidence in, and experience in, liaising with a wide range of stakeholders and project participants

- Previous work within areas of young people, local communities, or further education is a plus.

- An understanding of effective safeguarding (training can be provided, but experience an advantage)

- An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant field.

Please note that this job description is a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake, but does not cover all of the duties the post holder may have to perform. Responsibilities will evolve over time, in discussion with the post holder.

New Routes Integration

Since 2003 New Routes has been working with, and supporting, refugees, asylum seekers and isolated migrants in Norwich to support their wellbeing and ambitions by providing skill-building and social programmes in a safe and welcoming environment. We promote cross-cultural integration and community awareness, working with individuals and families from over 60 countries of origin. We work closely with an extensive network of partner organisations, both third-sector and statutory. New Routes is one-third of the Norwich Integration Partnership (NIP), alongside English+ and the Bridge Plus+.

 Principle purpose of the post:

The Operations Manager will work closely with the Chief Executive supporting on contractual service delivery (including the management of risk), quality and improvement across the organisation and ensure quality services are provided. This will be informed and implemented by ensuring that our participants have appropriate methods to inform programme delivery routinely. 

The Operations Manager will support the Chief Executive in leading and monitoromg service and organisational quality, financial/income activity and expenditure, adherence to policies and procedures, and overall compliance with health and safety activity through a range of measures, including the use of reports and data to make critical and informed assessments.

The Operations Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing the Fundraising Strategy in order to diversify our funding streams enabling New Routes to develop exceptional services that meet our participants existing and emerging needs.

In conjunction with the Chief Executive, the Operations Manager will hold responsibility for ensuring all staff are effectively supported to undertake their roles, and will administer formal HR policies and procedures when standards fall below expectations.

The Operations Manager will provide support and deputise for the Chief Executive when required.  The postholder will be expected to demonstrate a high ability to be pro-active in anticipating and managing their workload, and work without high levels of direction.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.  If you are committed to improving the lives of marginalised communities, we would love to hear from you.  If you would like further details prior to submitting your application, please call our Chief Executive, Gee Cook, for an informal discussion.

Hours: Full-time 37.5 hours per week with flexible/hybrid working (after initial probationary period)

Would you like to work for an organisation that makes a difference and improves lives every single day? The people who turn to us need our help to address the obstacles in their lives. You will be leading services helping some of our most vulnerable clients with complex and life changing issues. In our 85 year history, we are the busiest we have ever been and people need our help.

Citizens Advice Hammersmith and Fulham is an award-winning charity that provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice and information. We are a modern, innovative and progressive organisation working in a diverse and vibrant community. We employ over 50 people and have around 80 volunteers who help us to deliver generalist and specialist advice, undertake campaigning, and have a thriving portfolio of projects embedded within the local community. We are a flagship Local Citizens Advice within a nationally recognised network, delivering a multi-channel service including, face to face, telephone and digital channels.

About the role

You will oversee all phases of our funded services and programmes, working at senior management level. This role will be a driver of change, leading on all our funded services and the development of CAHF Innovation Hub which aims to test and pilot ideas on a small scale.  We want to continue to evolve our services with the aim of increasing the reach and the impact of our work.  The ideal candidate will have  experience of delivering project(s) in the Advice Sector or demonstrable transferable skills, including:

• Collaborating positively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders to maintain cohesive project delivery. 
• Working with the Chief Officer to assess and review opportunities for securing new programmes of activities to strengthen our response to the community advice needs.
• Working with CAHF’s Advice Service Managers to ensure robust line management for project staff.
• Monitoring and reporting on project performance to KPIs to required quality standards. 
• Manage conflicting priorities to ensure that objectives are achieved and deadlines are met.

What we can offer you:

We value our people and can offer a supportive culture within a high performing and award winning organisation. 86% of our workforce recommend us as a place to work. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and workplace to represent the diverse communities we service. We are committed to increasing our diversity and whatever your background, we welcome your application. We offer an attractive remuneration package with excellent terms including:

• Pension scheme
• Healthy work/life balance with flexible/hybrid working
• Generous holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year  ( in addition to bank holidays) and rising to 30 days with long service
• Access to mental health support helpline
• Learning, development and personal growth opportunities

Closing Date: Thursday 25th April 2024 by 08.00am 

Test: 1st May 2024 

Interview: 2nd and 3rd May 2024

We reserve the right to close the applications earlier if suitable candidates are found, so encourage early applications

About TASO

The Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) is an affiliate What Works Centre, and part of the UK Government’s What Works Movement. Our vision is to eliminate equality gaps in higher education (HE). Our mission is to improve lives through evidence-informed practice.

TASO was set up in 2019 and became an independent charity in April 2021. Our work focuses on the generation, synthesis and dissemination of high-quality evidence about effective practice in widening participation and student outcomes. We primarily focus on developing and disseminating causal evidence. 

The Role

The Head of Communications and Engagement will lead TASO’s communications and engagement work plan to raise the profile of the organisation. They will also lead on TASO’s evidence mobilisation work plan, working with the Chief Executive, to ensure TASO’s research and evaluation outputs are effectively disseminated. 

This will involve ensuring a strategic approach to all communications activities, leading on the delivery of external-facing materials and publications, overseeing a vibrant social media presence and events programme. The role will have overall responsibility for a website redevelopment project over the next year. 

• Ensure a strategic and effective approach to communications, dissemination and stakeholder engagement.

• Lead on the design, branding and dissemination of innovative and engaging communications – both print and online, including oversight of the editorial and publication process for all TASO research reports and resources. 

• Lead on TASO’s evidence mobilisation plan, working with the Chief Executive and Research and Evaluation Team to ensure research outputs are effectively disseminated and achieve impact.

• Support the Chief Executive on delivering TASO’s policy aims. Lead on engagement with and monitoring of Westminster activities (e.g. select committees, reports, consultations) and liaise with key communications and policy stakeholders in the Department for Education, Office for Students and other relevant bodies.

• Take overall responsibility for TASO’s online and social media presence. This will involve overseeing a critical website redevelopment project over the next year and also includes oversight of the creation, upkeep and management of digital channels and content.

• Lead on TASO’s media relations, producing high quality press releases and news stories for the website, liaising with journalists, as appropriate.

• Lead on the delivery of a programme of stakeholder engagement events for a wide range of audiences. The events will range from small training sessions to larger events including publication launches and an annual conference.

• Provide line management for communications staff who will support all activities – including two direct reports and overseeing a team of three. 

• Undertake projects and duties as required or requested by the Chief Executive or broader team.

We are seeking to recruit an individual with purpose, passion and integrity to lead our Health team. In this role, you will use your skills, knowledge and experiences to help ensure movement and physical activity is embedded into health and care systems. You will work with partners across the system, in the leadership of GM Moving; our whole system approach across the city-region to reduce inactivity and grow a movement for active lives for everyone, with a specific intent to reduce physical activity and health inequalities. 

Hours: 22 hours per week 

Salary: NJC Points 49-53 Band H, £58,072 – £66,182 p.a. pro rata (salary to be at entry level except for exceptional circumstances)

Contract:1 year fixed term from July 2024 (maternity cover - we are open to flexible working arrangements/secondments).

Greater Manchester Moving is the Greater Manchester charity committed to changing lives by inspiring a healthier future in Greater Manchester through moving more, physical activity and sport. We play a strategic leadership role in support of the Greater Manchester wide movement, for movement.

The person appointed will be driven to make a difference to the lives of people and the places in which they move.  You will play an important role in leading the Active Partnership, GM Moving, to deliver its organisational business plan as it contributes to GM Moving in Action.

You will provide executive leadership, direction and management to the health team as they provide leadership, support and connection to support the mission of Active Lives for All in support of,  and working closely with, the NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a high performing Active Partnership team working with a network committed to making positive change through physical activity, sport and movement. You do not have to have a background in physical activity or sport but just be passionate about the difference you know it can make to people’s lives.

We have permanent office space in the House of Sport in Manchester, and regular team and co-working days in venues across Greater Manchester, blended with homeworking.

As an employer committed to flexible working, we will work around other commitments you may have; we trust you to work in a way that suits you and that enables you to be your most productive and happy.

Greater Manchester Moving is committed to providing equal opportunities and promoting diversity, irrespective of ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, pregnancy or personal circumstance. We aspire to being a diverse, inclusive and responsible organisation.

Our aim is to have a workforce that reflects and understands the communities we work alongside. We are therefore particularly keen to receive applications from people belonging to under-represented groups.

Closing date for applications: Monday 29 April 2024, 5pm 

Interview date: week commencing 6 May 2024

Job Title

Interim Head of Communications (maternity leave cover)

Salary

£60,000 - £65,000 per annum pro rata, depending on experience

Location

Remote first with an office available in Central London and regular team meetings in the office

Reporting to

Chief Executive Officer

Employment Type

Fixed-term 9-12 months to cover maternity leave. 

We are happy to talk about flexible working.

Application Closing Date

10am, Monday 22 April 2024

Introduction to the role

In a world of generative AI and political spin, it’s hard to know what’s true and what’s not. Bad information, whether used deliberately or accidentally, ruins lives. It promotes hate, damages people’s health, and hurts democracy. 

Full Fact is a team of independent fact checkers and campaigners who find, expose and counter the harm of bad information. We build world-leading technology to identify and counter misinformation, and we lead the fight for honesty and accuracy in public debate. 

This is a brilliant opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced professional to take on the crucial role of Interim Head of Communications, covering 9-12 months of maternity leave, in the run up to the next UK general election and the advent of a new parliament. It’s never been more important to ensure that facts matter, and your role will be to put Full Fact at the heart of the debate, to create external impact, and help us campaign for change.

You will be comfortable working to deadlines within a fast-paced news environment, and will have an in-depth knowledge of UK politics and media.  You will also understand all our audiences and the most effective ways to communicate with them, and lead a team of social media, press and digital marketing experts to enhance the Full Fact brand, as well as our aims and objectives. 

2024 is a pivotal year for Full Fact. We will fact check the general election, reaching millions with impartial, independent information at a critical time, and raising our profile and impact. With a new CEO having joined last year, we are also creating a new three year strategy and investing in new areas of work that combat the harms of misinformation to our lives and communities. 

You will be a key member of our senior management team and will work closely with teams across the organisation and our high-profile, experienced board to shape organisational ambition and effective external communication. We are experimental and collaborative, with a strong commitment to learning and development.

If you are interested in applying but not sure you have all the skills, please do apply. We are open both to supporting learning on the job and to rearranging tasks within the team to suit the skillsets of the best applicant.

Job Definition

Leading Full Fact’s external communications in all forms of media and with the wider public, creating lasting impact by making sure we are a leading voice in the debate about accuracy, honesty and trust in public life. 

Demonstrably maintain the highest standards of accuracy and fairness in all our external communications.

Outcomes

Ensure that Full Fact maintains a high profile, and plays a leading role in promoting accurate, honest information during the UK general election campaign and the opening months of the next parliament. 

Lead a team that is proud to represent Full Fact and does so effectively with external partners, with the media and with our supporters and other members of the public. 

Ensure that Full Fact’s communications framework and brand are consistently used in all outputs in order to create impact, and implement a dynamic strategy based on new audience research to improve internal and external understanding of Full Fact’s aims and values.

Develop partnerships that build our reputation with new audiences and promote the Full Fact brand.

What we are looking for from you

Political impartiality and sensitivity:

You are committed to the political neutrality of our work and have a good understanding of impartiality (please see the rules on our website).

Understanding of public debate in the UK and sensitivity to the political context we work in.

Job skills/competencies:

Communication skills

• Proven experience of leading a communications team at a strategic/senior level

• Ability to understand and meet media deadlines at key moments and to ensure colleagues do the same

• Expert in professional communications and brand management

• Deep understanding of public and political debate in the UK, and the UK news landscape

• Ability to build and grow professional networks and partnerships

• Strong analytical skills with an eye for detail

• Strong judgement under pressure

• Proven ability to create partnerships that build our reputation with new audiences and promote the Full Fact brand

Management skills

• You can run a team that’s effective and happy

• Commitment to recognising and developing people’s talent

• Understanding of budgeting

• Experience in developing OKRs and KPIs in the context of digital communications

• Understanding of the value of open, inclusive, and diverse teams and proven commitment to building a team where people feel empowered and valued

• Contributing to the management team with a high level of mutual support and accountability

Personal skills

• Able to communicate persuasively in person and in writing

• Able to build internal and external relationships with integrity and empathy

• Able to analyse and process large amounts of sometimes complex information and identify the most relevant aspects

• An organised and proactive approach to work

• Committed to seeking and giving constructive feedback that strengthens the whole team

What we offer

Starting salary of £60,000 - £65,000 per annum depending on experience.

Workplace Pension

Generous holidays

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays. 

• In addition, we close the office for a period between Christmas and New Year. 

• Day off for moving home.

Comfortable, centrally located London office with good transport links.

Employee Assistance Programme.

How to apply

Upload your CV and cover letter using the link below by 10am on Monday 22 April 2024. 

Our recruitment platform will remove identifying details such as email addresses to allow us to sift applications anonymously.

Before applying, please read the requirements we place on staff to protect Full Fact’s independence and non-partisanship. This can be found on our website. 

How the application process will work

We want to see you at your best to understand your strengths and the contribution you could make at Full Fact with strong support, including for your learning and development. We also want to make sure that we use your time well during this process and don’t ask for more from you than we need to. We will make any reasonable adjustments we need to make to this process to help ensure you can perform at your best. For more information about this before applying, please contact us.

The interview panel will be Chris Morris, CEO and two members of our management team. 

The process starts off with an anonymised covering letter and CV. This will be read by at least two people to produce a shortlist for interview.

The first round interviews will be a phone (not video) interview, lasting no more than half an hour, at a time that’s convenient for you. We will record it so at least two people can review each interview to decide who we invite back for the second round. The recordings will be deleted at the end of the process.

The second round will include a structured interview and a timed task which assumes no prior knowledge. The task can be completed prior to the interview, at a time that most suits you. 

The interview will be with the full panel by video and last no more than an hour. We’ll tell you everything you need to know to prepare, including anything we’d recommend reading in advance