Director of Impact & Development – The Solicitors’ Charity
We’re looking for a Director of Impact & Development to develop and implement income generation and communication strategies and to develop strategy and practice around impact measurement and client feedback collection. The Solicitor’s Charity is the independent charity that, since 1858, has been supporting solicitors and their dependants in times of need or crisis.
Salary: c£66,000 - c£70,500(rising to c£67,250 - c£71,750 after successful completion of 6-month probationary period). The point on these salary ranges at which you will be paid is currently dependent on your location.
Flexible working arrangements are possible, including homeworking with occasional attendance in person at meetings, largely in central London (6-8 per year). Most staff work from home, though we also have an office in southwest London.
The Director of Impact and Development role
We have recently agreed our strategy for 2024-2026. Two key objectives for this period are to grow and diversify our funding streams and to increase awareness of the charity. We are also keen to understand better the impact that our activities have on our clients so that we can ensure that we are doing well the things they need to support them and so that we have stories to tell to help with fundraising and communications. Finally, we are keen to engage members of the profession in spreading the word about our work, including through a volunteer ambassadors’ scheme.
As holder of this senior role you will lead in these areas, developing and implementing effective strategies ad processes. You will work initially with our existing communications agency and with fundraising consultants but by the end of the year will need to have formed a view and put in place plans that either continue with these arrangements or bring more work in house.
Success in the role will be shown by significantly more income coming from sources other than our investments and donations of unclaimed client balances by law firms; by more people knowing about, supporting, and approaching the charity for help; and by us understanding better what works to help our clients and using this knowledge to promote development of the charity.
We’re looking for someone with at least 10 years’ experience in leading change in organisations (as an employee and/or a consultant) and evaluating organisational impact through metrics, feedback and benchmarking. At least 10 years’ experience in leading a marketing, communications and/or a fundraising function with proven experience in leading the development and implementation of marketing, fundraising and communications strategies and implementation plans in a similarly sized and geared organisation. You will also have a track record in developing organisational design, targets, operating models and business modelling in the charities and not-for-profit sector.
Other key demonstrable skills and experience include:
· Strong interpersonal and partnership skills, able to influence and work with a range of stakeholders at all levels, within and outside of the organisation.
· Ability to lead and motivate others and create strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels.
· Strategic thinker, able to see the big picture, recognise long-lasting, high impact decisions and implement clear operational delivery plans
· Strong analytical skills to be able to provide analysis of financial information (and other data) and oversight.
· Ability to present ideas, concepts, plans, and policies at Board level (and to a range of individuals, including senior external contacts) clearly and persuasively.
· Experience of working in a flatter organisational structure where levels of resource mean being willing and able to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels.
Why should you join us at The Solicitors’ Charity?
We are a small (but growing), friendly, largely virtual organisation with an enthusiastic, skilled, and experienced workforce. We are excited to have finalised our new strategy that will ensure we embed a holistic approach to improving the wellbeing of solicitors in need and their dependents.
Besides competitive salaries we have generous pension arrangements (up to 10% matched employer/employee contributions) and holiday entitlement (30 days plus Bank Holidays for a full-time member of the team, and an additional day on or near your birthday). There are Employee Assistance and staff discounts programmes in place, and we are flexible about working arrangements (hours and location). We also are piloting a Wellbeing Award of up to £500/year.
To apply:
i) please send a concise CV (2-3 pages) plus
ii) a covering letter of no more than 2 pages fully and clearly explaining how you meet each of the criteria set out in the job description and person specification to the email give in HOW TO APPLY.
Deadline: Noon on Tuesday 30th April.
Please also address any questions to the email account listed in HOW TO APPLY.
Initial interviews: 10th May.
These may be held online. Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this advertisement early. We encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
ABOUT START NETWORK
The Start Network is made up of close to 100 aid agencies working across six continents. Together, our aim is to transform humanitarian action through innovation, fast funding, early action, and locally driven humanitarian action. We're tackling what we believe are the biggest systemic problems that the sector faces. Problems including slow and reactive funding, centralised decision-making, and an aversion to change mean that people affected by crises around the world do not receive the best help fast enough, and needless suffering results. Our work focuses on responding to these problems. This includes shifting power closer to where crises happen, providing fast, early and predictable function and sharing learning and innovative ways of working.
The Start Network is at a critical point in its journey. We have grown and diversified our membership over the past 10 years. We are now set to evolve into a decentralised “network of networks” in line with our vision and principles. We are currently working with 10 national and regional networks (called hubs) made up of predominantly civil society organisations. They are developing locally owned ways of anticipating and responding to humanitarian crises. We aim to support the emergence and development of further hubs in the coming years. Our ultimate ambition is to devolve leadership, membership, programming, and decision making to the hubs, while the central team transitions to become a service provider.
Start Network is committed to protecting people, particularly children, at-risk adults and affected populations from any harm that may be caused due to their encountering the Start Network as well as responding effectively should any harm occur. We are also committed to safeguarding staff from any forms of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power as outlined in the Dignity at Work policy.
Start Network embraces diversity, promotes equality of opportunity and eliminates unlawful discrimination. We are an equal opportunities employer and treat every application on merit alone. We particularly welcome applications from disabled, black, indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC), and LGBT+ and non-binary candidates. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our essential selection criteria set out in the Skills section.
JOB PURPOSE
This senior management role will enable strategic thinking and design, influence diverse stakeholders, adapt agile ways of working and drive change in line with the vision of the Network.
You will enable the development of country and regional civil society hubs, driving decentralised decision-making, devolving power, and enabling local hub leaders to meet their needs defined and owned by them. You will work with the hubs and their members to understand their support needs, then facilitate and coordinate that support working with peer hubs and relevant members of the Start Network team expertise.
The role requires a good understanding of and experience in the humanitarian and/or development sectors, and an ability to work with local civil society. Awareness of power and political dynamics and sensitivity to different contexts and cultures is crucial. It also requires high levels of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, using your position connect, enable and influence others. You will be skilled at building relationships and brokering partnerships with empathy, credibility and equity. Listening and valuing diverse perspectives to build an inclusive team will be key to success. Solid programme and budget management will be critical to enabling the hubs vision and activities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Design, development planning
- With members and hubs, co-design, develop and enable the evolution of Start Network of Networks, including hubs.
- Coordinate and facilitate the delivery of support, expertise and services to hubs
- Work closely with the Membership and Assurance teams to support iNGO and member intake through hubs.
- Work closely with the Funds, Finance and Innovation teams to facilitate the co-design and development of programmatic initiatives, based on hub priorities.
- Work with hubs and the Start Network team to create a culture of evidence-based decision making, feedback and learning so that we can adapt support to emerging needs.
- Advise senior leadership on hub issues and strategy Partnership brokering and relationship management
- Foster and broker positive and enabling relationships and partnerships within hubs, between hubs and between hubs and Start Network Secretariat.
- Effectively manage complex issues which arise out of shifting power dynamics ensuring teams and stakeholders work towards a common vision; Resolve any conflicts and address issues that may arise within hubs, promoting constructive dialogue.
- Work with the Advocacy and External Affairs team to help raise hub voices and perspectives in local and global forums.
- Influence and advocate internally and externally for locally driven humanitarian action, creating and holding space to support the emergence of hubs based on their aspirations, priorities and needs.
Management and leadership
- Inspire, lead and motivate a high performing, diverse global team
- Management of direct reports, including recruiting, training and playing an active role in building an inclusive team culture in line with Start Network values
- Monitor individual and team performance and ensure objectives and outcomes are met or exceeded; address poor performance and recognise good performance
- Manage consultants and other third party contractors as required
- Commitment to the learning and development needs of the team,
- Actively support the ongoing professional development, learning and upskilling of team members
- Demonstrate commitment to own ongoing learning and development
Start Network culture and values
- Uphold, embody and model the values of Start Network
- Carry out the responsibilities of the role in line with the Start Network Code of Conduct and with a commitment to safeguarding adults and children
- Commit to positive humanitarian outcomes and systems change through a programme of well managed, quality initiatives;
- Support the innovative and risk aware culture of Start Network to support the strategy and its delivery,
PROFILE AND SKILLS
- At least 7-10 years’ experience in a management/senior management role in the humanitarian, development or social enterprise sectors
- Demonstrated ability to think and operate at both strategic and operational levels
- Demonstrated experience in inclusive leadership
- Demonstrated experience in relationship management, partnership brokering and influencing across a diversity of geographies, skillsets and personalities.
- Demonstrated experience in managing programmes and budgets
- Demonstrated experience in inspiring, motivating and managing a diverse and high-performing team
- Demonstrated problem solving skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, an ability to manage complexity and ambiguity
- Demonstrated curiosity and growth mindset, including experience in testing, learning, and iterating.
- Knowledge of and political sensitivity to the broader political context and power dynamics within the humanitarian sector operates.
- Ability to work flexibly across different time zones.
- Excellent verbal communication skills in English, working knowledge of French, Spanish or another hub language desirable.
Job Description
The Head of Advocacy and Policy will be responsible for developing an excellent Advice Service and Retention Team to support and advise students effectively to enable excellent student experience and satisfaction.
This role will lead on the development of effective insights, representation and support initiatives/campaigns for students, across our three campuses at Greenwich, Avery Hill and Medway.
This role will enhance work with the diverse student population of the University of Greenwich and lead a dynamic team to ensure students have consistent and accessible services that contribute to positive student experience.
This role sits within the wider Membership Services department, together with other key areas consisting of; Activities, Sport, Academic Communities, Representation and Democracy, we provide a high-quality service for students, that they can shape, steer and be at the heart of.
This postholder will be part of the GSU Senior Leadership Team and will be expected to contribute to department and organisation wide strategic development.
The post holder will:
- Have expert knowledge in areas of in relation to Advice and Retention and policies and legislation relating to such activity
- Support and develop strong student-led communities and campaigns in areas of: Advice, wellbeing and retention so that members can thrive
- Provide line management support to staff so that the team have up to date, specialist advice skills, knowledge and understanding of University regulations, policies and procedures that may affect the work of the Advice service and oversee engagement across Greenwich’s 3 campuses
- Undertake casework and provide expert advice for the team on all aspects of Advice
- Lead on the project management of wellbeing/health promotion campaigns and initiatives throughout the year, as well as any external bids through bodies such as OfS
- Oversee the Retention and Wellbeing Project work, and other relevant projects with external partners
- Lead on insights work relating to retention, wellbeing and support
- Lead on responses to external consultation and enquiry responses, including but not limited to OfS, Department for Education, OIA and Universities UK
- Support elected officers to deliver on campaigning priorities
- Ensure the Advice service has the skills and is equipped to support the diverse needs of students at Greenwich and Kent at Medway.
- Provide regular insights and reports on the GSU Membership to inform our strategy and service provision
- Work with other Heads to develop relevant and modern Front of House services for each GSU campus ensuring ease of access and consistency for all members.
Key Areas
- Be an engaged and active member of the Senior Leadership team, contributing regularly and working collaboratively with peers
- Provide leadership, strategic direction and day to day operational management to the Advocacy and Policy: recruiting and inducting members of staff, motivating, supporting and developing team members to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles as well as manage performance
- Develop a proactive results driven culture within the team, ensuring agreed objectives and targets are delivered, whilst promoting a collaborative approach to working with internal departments
- Develop succession plans and identify training and development opportunities within the team
- Be accountable for the quality of outputs of the team
- Provide support to the Officer team helping and equipping them, particularly in their roles as representatives and providing pastoral support and guidance.
- Ensure the whole organisation is aware of and understands the work of the Advocacy and Policy Team and its contribution to our strategic objectives
- To maintain expert and up-to-date knowledge on sector policies and regulations relating to advice, retention and student success, providing relevant guidance to officers and staff as required.
- Develop and promote a culture of continuous improvement across the team to ensure we can adapt to changing students’ needs and priorities, as well as building on successes and preparing for the future.
Strategic Development
- Contribute to the strategic objectives of GSU, with a particular focus on advice, support and wellbeing in relation to the student experience
- Develop and oversee a new and innovative approach to proactive health and wellbeing campaigns that empower students to look after themselves and each other, as well as seeking support
- Lead on Access and Participation Plan Engagement, acting as the key contact on this area with the University.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with relevant senior UoG staff and departments including Student Academic Services, Faculties and our partners at Kent Unio
- Develop and oversee the Advice service to support advocacy initiatives at multiple levels within the University, ensuring both students and University stakeholders view GSU as a credible and reliable source of information on the needs of students.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Develop and oversee a structured approach to gathering, analysing and reporting on data relating to engagement of students with our services and to student views on key issues relating to retention and success
- Develop and oversee processes of collecting quantitative and qualitative data from casework to analyse trends and inform feedback for the SU and university
- Ensure evaluation mechanism are embedded in the teams working practises and that findings are shared and used to implement learnings with the goal of improving services
- Support Officers by preparing information, statistics and trends about key services to be shared within the University committee cycle
- Be responsible for the implementation of service standards for the Advocacy and Policy Team and to monitor and report on adherence to these standards
- Prepare materials to apply for any relevant quality mark accreditations for the service.
Budget and Financial Management
- Manage a budget relating to Advocacy and Policy including any restricted funds.
- Be responsible for the teams resources, ensuring these are effectively allocated, managed and controlled
- Review and establish processes, systems, polices and where appropriate standard procedures to maximise efficiency ensure deadlines are met and a positive return on investment
- Review and provide narrative for scrutiny at monthly management meetings with the Finance Team
Stakeholder management
- Collaborate with GSU colleagues, particularly the Student Voice and Engagement Teams to ensure we have a consistent approach to how we work with and support students
- Work with students through our representative structures and forums to ensure we shape services students want and need, taking into consideration the varying campus priorities
- Maintain strong relationships with key university staff to develop, deliver and evaluate collaborative projects and interventions supporting advice and retention
- Attend meetings relating to Advocacy and Policy as well as associated areas at both GSU, the University and externally, included, but not limited to regional networks
- Identify opportunities to share best practice and represent the work of GSU and your team to the wider HE community, through conferences and publication.
Personal Specification
Essential Experience
- Line management experience
- Relevant experience working in the youth, education, students’ union or other membership or advisory organisation
- Experience of leading a multi-functional team
- Experience of mentoring coaching staff/elected officers
- Experience of developing operational policies and procedures
- Experience of budget management, project management, and operational management
- Experience of working with a range of stakeholders and partnership working or strategic networking
Essential Skills and Abilities
- Ability to work with and lead a high performing team
- Ability to troubleshoot difficult situations, and deal with them calmly, efficiently and effectively
- Ability to produce confident, clear written reports and be able to write succinct documents on complex areas
- IT skills at a level that supports membership CRM systems, Advice Pro and other platforms
- Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to manage others to reach deadlines, within agreed budgets and to a consistently high standard
- Ability to write strategies and be able to effectively communicate vision and mission
- Ability to stay focused and efficient in the face on changing priorities
- Track record of successfully developing and implementing projects and operational change
- Able to draft policies and procures with an eye for detail and accuracy
Essential Knowledge
- Awareness of current issues within the higher education sector
- Knowledge of relevant external bodies and organisations including Advice UK, NUS, Citizens Advice, OIA, Ofs, Student Minds
- Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation
- Knowledge of Safeguarding, advice legislation, risk assessments and GDPR
- Knowledge of providing 121 support
Education/Training
- No one specific qualification is required, but evidence of recent continuing professional development in a professional area relevant to the post is required. For example: ILM, City &Guilds etc.
Personal Attributes and other requirements
- Able to travel within the Borough and Region.
- Able to work some evenings and weekends and stay overnight where necessary.
- Works well in a team with a flexible approach to work
- Be eligible for a DBS check if needed
- A commitment to the principles and practices of equality and diversity
- An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
- Commitment to the values and ethos of GSU.
Desirable other requirements
- Visionary, creative, and innovative strategist
- A positive, solution focused leader – able to make ‘tough’ decisions; determined and resilient in order to cope with the demands of the role
- Empowering, authentic leader with high levels of emotional intelligence
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.