Chief Executive Officer

Closed: 22 January 2017
Fundraising Senior Management

Sorry, this vacancy is now closed and applications can’t be submitted!

  • Salary Competitive salary, subject to experience
  • Location London, Greater London (On-site)
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Sectors Disability
  • Job Reference :

An exciting opportunity exists to become the first full time Chief Executive of this leading charitable organisation.

About Beyond Words: Conceived in 1989 by Baroness Sheila Hollins at St George’s University of London, the Books Beyond Words series has become a unique contributor to enabling people with intellectual disabilities to understand and participate in the confusing world around them. Books Beyond Words was established as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2011 with charitable purposes with the mission to enable people with intellectual disabilities from all countries, cultures and languages to access speciallydeveloped word-free picture stories and thus be empowered to live fuller lives.

50 carefully crafted picture books about real life issues have so far been produced and are available in print and via the Internet to be read with support at home and in book clubs in education, community and health settings.

The role: Beyond Words has grown significantly during the past five years by developing book clubs, offering training courses to an ever-expanding audience, and producing more books. Some 1.5 million people in the UK have intellectual disabilities, a number, which increases dramatically on a worldwide basis.

It is the intention of the Board to appoint a person who can continue Beyond Words’ growth both in the UK and internationally and achieve its full potential.

Specific responsibilities

  • Assume full responsibility for the day to management of the organisation and its financial viability; oversee its publishing and training activities, develop dynamic sales, marketing, and social media programmes, and be adept at fund raising.
  • Lead the staff and volunteer team in growing the demand for our books and training, and delivering the various products and services.
  • Prepare and achieve the budget agreed with the Board.
  • Work collaboratively with a diverse, close-knit team with varied working patterns.
  • Work with the team and the Board in planning Beyond Words’ strategy and development, prioritising new opportunities and managing workflow.
  • Manage staff and resources to ensure Beyond Words’ financial security, growth and successful impact.
  • Keep up to date on current and emerging national and local policy in the field of disability.
  • Ensure that Beyond Words’ policies and procedures, particularly with regard to Equal
  • Opportunities and Adult and Child Safeguarding are adhered to.

Finance and funding:

  • Plan fundraising initiatives in conjunction with the Board and, where appropriate, the Advisory Council, sourcing new income streams including foundation and government grants; corporate and individual sponsorship; and legacies and bequests.
  • Manage the necessary research and administration of fundraising records and documentation.

Sales, Marketing and Promotion:

  • Develop and implement a sales and marketing strategy, developing the market for Beyond Words’ publications and services, and thereby increasing sales and revenue.
  • Utilise public relations tools, such as social media, to maintain and broaden the public profile of Beyond Words with key stakeholders across Government, statutory services, and the voluntary sector.
  • Represent the interests of Beyond Words in the media and at relevant local, regional, and national forums and conferences. Produce relevant written and verbal responses and contributions for these forums.
  • Maintain and develop Beyond Words’ reputation and ensure intellectual property is protected.

Publishing, Training and Professional Services:

  • Implement Beyond Words’ strategy to achieve more books being read at home, in libraries, schools, health and care settings.
  • Oversee and support the planning, production, and financing of picture books and other publications.
  • Contribute to Beyond Words’ training programmes and support the design, marketing and delivery of training courses.
  • Provide consultancy to external agencies and professionals on relevant issues.
  • Sustain monitoring and evaluation practices, ensuring that Beyond Words continues to make a difference in the lives of people with an intellectual disability.

Corporate accountability:

  • Support the operation and administration of the Board and its sub-committees, providing regular updates and advice.
  • Maintain a good relationship with members of the Advisory Council and keep them informed, as agreed with the Chair, of Beyond Words’ affairs. Seek their help and advice as appropriate.
  • Together with the Chair, enable the Board to fulfill its governance functions.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

  • Minimum 5-years’ senior management experience including in marketing management and ideally within a charity or other non-profit organization;
  • Achieving sales and marketing targets and contributing to overall revenue growth;
  • Sound experience in project management cycle;
  • Managing a small team of professional staff, both full and part-time;
  • Managing volunteers.

Desirable

  • Knowledge and experience of intellectual disabilities or autism, a plus;
  • Publishing or media industry experience could be very useful.

Skills and Competencies

  • A hands-on, highly motivated individual with considerable drive and energy and a determination to succeed;
  • An enthusiastic social entrepreneur, able to build relationships, and lead and motivate others;
  • A capable public speaker with superior communication skills both verbal and written, with an ability to express empathy and warmth;
  • A person with the creativity and knowledge to realise the Beyond Words vision;
  • An approachable and responsive manager;
  • An effective business manager;
  • A highly ethical and trustworthy individual;
  • Sensitive to issues related to intellectual disabilities;
  • Strong affinity with the Books Beyond Words cause.

Education

  •  Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional qualification required, ideally but not exclusively in one of the following disciplines: business, marketing, publishing, communications, management.

Location: City Lit college, Covent Garden, Central London

Compensation and benefits
• Subject to experience and negotiation a competitive salary will be paid;
• A workplace pension scheme will be in place by July 2017;
• Normal holiday allowance is 24 days plus bank holidays;
• Substantial discount on all courses for staff, friends and family at City Lit College.

Further information available upon request from recruiter -please click Apply link

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.