Head of Engagement

The National Flood Forum (NFF) is the only independent national charity dedicated to supporting and representing people at risk of flooding. Established in 2002 by those affected by flooding, we passionately put people at the heart of flood risk management. Our goal is to empower individuals and communities to recover from flooding and get the best possible outcomes. We put people first.  We act as an honest, trustworthy and independent broker on behalf of flooded people.

We work across four key areas:

• Providing information via our helpline and website
• Recovery Services in flooded areas
• Flood Action Groups
• Policy and Advocacy

With over 300 Flood Action Groups across England and Wales and handling more than 1000 calls annually through our helpline, NFF plays a crucial role in supporting and representing flood-affected and at-risk communities. We collaborate closely with flood risk management agencies, local authorities, and government bodies. We also aspire to a collaborative, supportive, and solution-focused environment for our staff.

About the Role

This senior leadership position is pivotal within NFF, acting as the bridge between flood risk management organisations and the communities we support. Your role will involve significant national travel and occasional evening and weekend work.

Responsibilities

• Projects and Workstreams: Oversee and ensure outstanding delivery of community projects.
• Community Engagement: Engage and empower communities, supporting and representing them and pushing for the best outcomes.  Being ambitious on their behalf and advocating for change.
• Recovery Services: Develop our Recovery Services offer.
• Leadership and Team Management: Line manage staff, fostering a collaborative and productive environment. Modelling behaviours and driving forward team development.
• Stakeholder Relationships: Manage key stakeholder relationships, ensuring strong partnerships.
• Project Management: Secure and manage new and existing projects in line with our strategy.
• Political and Fundraising Support: Provide data, case studies, and research to support political influencing and fundraising activities.

Day-to-Day Activities

• Support junior team members in project management and delivery roles. Manage development pathways for team members.
• Liaise with stakeholders to ensure smooth operational and community engagement activities.
• Manage partnerships and competing agendas for the benefit of communities.
• Identify new income streams and initiatives, working with the team to develop these.
• Develop and enhance our community engagement and recovery services.
• Collaborate with the Management Team on setting and delivering NFF’s strategy and objectives.

Skills & Knowledge

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Listening: Outstanding listening skills to understand community needs.
• Stakeholder Management: Expertise in partnership working and managing stakeholders.
• Empathy: Ability to empathize with flooded individuals and communities.
• Organisation: Highly organized, flexible, and capable of senior leadership.
• Team Management: Experience in managing teams and projects.
• Collaboration: Team player with a solution-focused mindset.
• Experience: Direct flooding experience is valuable but not essential.

How This Role Contributes to Our Strategy

• Community Support: Empowering and supporting communities.
• Partnerships: Developing strong relationships with partner organisations.
• Income Generation: Building income streams via projects and opportunities.
• Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative approach within the organisation.

Terms & Conditions

• Location: Home-based with significant national travel.
• Terms: Permanent, full-time.
• Salary: £41,000 per annum.
• Work Hours: Frequent evening and some weekend work required.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about community engagement and have a strong track record of empowering people and ensuring their voices are heard, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our dedicated team and make a significant impact on the lives of those at risk of flooding.

National Flood Forum – supporting and representing flood risk communities

To apply please send Your CV (maximum 2 sides) and a supporting statement (maximum 1 side) demonstrating how you meet the requirements and why working for the National Flood Forum appeals to you.

Please also complete the Equal Opportunities form via this link https://forms.gle/DNzZ1T23V85pDXdh7

Closing date for applications is July 19th 2024 at 5 p.m.

Please tell us how you heard about this position on your application.