Head of Engagement

The Women's Engineering Society (WES) is a small charity with a big role in supporting the career development of women in engineering. WES is currently embarking on an exciting new growth phase and we’re looking for an experienced and confident Head of Engagement who has new ideas and can bring them to fruition. This is a key role for WES that will involve developing the strategy and engaging partners, enhancing existing partnerships as well as developing new sponsorships and partnerships that will grow our income and reach.

You’ll have a solid background in relationship management and fundraising, ideally from corporate and institutional sources and preferably in a charity environment. You will have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, a good understanding of the engineering sector and of diversity and inclusion challenges.

You will be responsible for building relationships with key partners and stakeholders, helping to develop new corporate partnerships, and account-managing existing partnerships. The role requires strong organisational and team-working skills, excellent written and oral communication and the ability to manage competing priorities.

WES was founded in 1919, after World War 1 when the pioneering women who worked in engineering and technical roles during the War campaigned to retain these roles when the war ended. WES is a charity and a professional network of women engineers, scientists and technologists offering inspiration, support and professional development. Our vision is a nation in which women are as likely as men to choose to study and work in engineering, and one in which there are enough engineers to meet a growing demand.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive Officer

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

• To develop and deliver an engagement strategy identifying opportunities for growth from both new and existing partnerships aligned with WES’ vision and mission
• To create, develop and manage engagement with all partners, including corporate, government, trusts and education, to support WES’ strategy including fundraising to expand current services as well as develop new services to enable a sustainable funding model to be developed
• To be the primary point of contact for partners and sponsors ensuring relationships are proactively managed
• To engage with WES groups to help them develop their own fundraising capabilities

Principal Tasks and responsibilities

Strategic

• Develop and deliver a partnership strategy for WES by identifying opportunities for growth from both new and existing partners and sponsors including fund-raising targets
• Build relationships with partners, funders and other stakeholders such as universities and provide high-quality services for them
• Manage activities so that detailed tailored plans are delivered for each partnership including accurate reporting on partnership activity and outcomes
• Develop the WES public profile to influence key stakeholders and develop and maintain good relationships with external bodies including the UK Government, PEIs, international agencies, public bodies, charities and private sector agencies as well as members and the general public.

• Develop new business opportunities for the organisation that are in line with the charitable status of WES and its strategic objectives
• Identify and secure funding to support delivery of the strategic plan and maximise income from a mixed portfolio of services to ensure independence and sustainability

Managerial

• Ensure that appropriate reporting systems are in place to provide relevant and timely information for reporting on partnership activity and results on a regular and ad-hoc basis
• Oversee the development of an effective partnership management system/database
• Lead bid development on behalf of WES and in collaboration with partners as agreed with the Chief Executive, as appropriate
• Develop capability and capacity in the team to provide a high-quality and beneficial engagement with funders and other partners
• Set up and maintain an appropriate Business Engagement Procedure, along with any other relevant procedures as required
• Establish, maintain and document systems to control effectively any relevant budgets

Communications

• Make appropriate use of different communication channels including digital and print media to maintain excellent partnership relationships
• Identify and then organise appropriate partnership events to increase the value for both WES and the partner organisation, including good practice workshops
• Report to the Chief Executive and Trustees on the progress against the engagement strategy to keep them fully informed of any significant developments or potential impacts to allow them to monitor and track performance
• Represent WES at meetings and events as required

General

• Undertake any other duties as required by the Chief Executive
• Support WES’ commitment to equality and diversity
• Attend Executive, Council and other meetings as required
• Provide accurate and timely input and contributions for reports and proposals as required by the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of successfully building relationships with partners and funders
• Significant business engagement and account management experience
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills
• Exceptional communication skills including persuasive writing, concise report writing and use of social media
• Proven fundraising experience including working with institutional and corporate donors
• Ability to work well in a team
• Strong presentation and networking skills
• Sympathetic to the vision and mission of WES
• High energy and enthusiasm for the role
• Good understanding of the engineering sector
• Knowledge of the Data Protection Act
• Understanding of importance of diversity and inclusion
• Ability to multi-task
• Innovative approach
• Fluent in English

Desirable

• Engineering background
• Understanding of the charitable sector
• Proficiency in Office IT skills
• Existing network in the engineering sector

This job description is not contractual and is liable to change over time

Other information

• Salary ~£35-45k pro-rata
• Bonus available (performance-related)
• Pension
• 4 days per week, permanent, flexible working available
• Able to be in the WES office at least 1 day per week

To apply for this role, please apply online with an up-to-date CV and covering letter (max. 2 sides of A4)