Forum for the Future - Development and Communications Director

ABOUT FORUM

FOR THE FUTURE

Forum for the Future is a leading international sustainability non-profit with over 25 years working in partnership to accelerate the shift toward a sustainable future.

We believe that people and organisations need to think and act very differently today if they are to thrive tomorrow, and Forum’s mission is to create a truly just and regenerative future in which no one is left behind.

so we specialise in addressing critical global challenges by catalysing change in key systems, from food to apparel, energy to shipping. You can read more about our success on our website

We also believe that the world today is facing complex challenges because our fundamental systems are no longer fit for purpose and

Ultimately, we believe that a better future for people and planet is not only possible, but within our grasp. If you share this belief, then please keep reading.

WHY YOU SHOULD COME AND WORK WITH US

There are 70 of us, working out of Singapore, New York, London and Mumbai, we’re an international group of change makers guided by our values, at all times striving to be courageous, adaptive, empathetic, inquisitive, playful and respectful.

So, whether you’re helping to raise vital income for our work, running sustainability strategy workshops with partners, balancing the

books in finance, coaching individuals and organisations on system change practice, working with key stakeholders on the transition to renewable energy or engaging journalists and online influencers, we each play our part in reimagining the way the world works.

It’s a pivotal moment for Forum, and for the sustainability movement. Will you join us?

WHO WE WORK WITH

For more than 25 years, we’ve been working in partnership with ambitious businesses, governments and civil society to transform how we live and work. We work with our partners to help them develop strategies to change themselves and the systems around them, and to

convene global cross-sectoral collaborations around key issues. We also equip organisations and individuals with the skills needed to take meaningful action. Together, we are reinventing the way the way the world works. This is exciting, and you can be a part of it.

THE ROLE

TITLE: Development and Communications Director

LOCATION: London, UK (visa sponsorship will be considered for the right candidate)

RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive, Sally Uren

SALARY: £85,000

TRAVEL: Flexibility and willingness to work internationally and travel.

As a member of Forum’s Senior Management Team, reporting to the Chief Executive (Sally Uren), the Director of Development and Communications (DDC) holds accountability for ensuring that the organisation’s income generation, external relationships and communications efforts effectively support the overall organisational strategy. This role will enable Forum to continue its important work by raising income growth internationally.

Senior

Development and Communications Director

Digital

ORGANOGRAM

Chief Director of Director of Asia (APAC & India)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

INCOME GENERATION

In this role you will hold responsibility for creative and successful income generation, this will include:

• Leading the development and evolution of our income generation (IG) strategy, with emphasis on an income mix (blend of philanthropic and fees for services) to drive the change we aspire to create in the world.

• Developing of an ambitious growth strategy for core and philanthropic income.

• Working closely with our country directors and subject matter leads to implement the strategy and plans. And with our Director of Global System Change Programmes and country directors to collaboratively design programmes that are fundable and demonstrate impact according to Forum’s theory of change.

• Integrating fundraising and income generation best practice across the

organisation, enabling colleagues to support our growth and development.

• Building excellent relationships with existing and new global funders and funding networks across philanthropy, government and corporate.

• Bringing wisdom to our organisation of how the funding world is changing in regions where Forum is working and adapting our strategy in response.

COMMUNICATIONS

You will lead the communications team, and support the Head of Communications and Marketing, this will include:

• Ensuring that Forum has a coherent communications and marketing strategy that will support our ongoing growth, development and impact, while providing leadership within the organisation to help this work in practice.

• Helping Forum to engage and influence decision makers and change makers through inspirational thought

leadership, strategic partnerships and the use of cutting edge and creative communication methods.

• Facilitating efforts in the organisation to help everyone communicate brilliantly.

• Providing leadership and guidance to our well established communications and marketing team.

ORGANISATIONAL AND TEAM LEADERSHIP

In this position, you will play an important role in enabling the development and impact of our organisation by:

• Acting as sponsor and strategic lead for income generation as part of the senior management team

• Working closely with the COO to refine and adapt the business model, organisational structure and governance models, if required, to support delivery of Forum’s strategic plan.

• Managing risk and due diligence for external audiences across

the organisation, ensuring that income generation, reputation and organisational development risks are anticipated, managed and mitigated effectively.

• Leading and enabling development of strategic partnerships that maximise income, non-financial value and impact; ensure the organisation has the processes in place to manage these relationships effectively.

• Facilitating the development of a thriving global team that is inspired and equipped to deliver on Forum’s income generation and communications needs through recruiting, leading, coaching and developing staff.

• Managing annual planning and budgeting for the team and with the senior management team.

• Modelling ongoing personal development and a values-led approach to work and leadership that is inclusive and diverse with a focus on your own wellbeing.

YOU WILL NEED

FUNDRAISING AND INCOME GENERATION

• Proven experience of fundraising strategy planning, development and implementation

• To be a strategic, intuitive relationship builder and networker.

• Proven experience of driving fundraising income from statutory institutions, major foundations, global corporations and high net worth individuals in an international context.

• Experience of leading and managing a fundraising or business development function for an international organisation.

• The ability to develop strong partnership working with key stakeholders across a range of organisations including the private and public sectors in the UK and globally, ideally with the experience in one or more of India, Singapore and the US.

COMMUNICATION

• Expertise in shaping corporate communications strategies that increase brand profile and influence stakeholders across sectors and in different markets.

• Proven experience defining, leading and delivering leading-edge projects that use communications techniques to influence change and grow income

• Experience of working closely with, or leading, a communications function.

SECTOR RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE

• Understanding of, and a commitment to, Forum’s mission and values to include;

• Experience of working in the broad international sustainability / sustainable development sector, with a strong and existing network of contacts

• An understanding of, or commitment to, the principles of systems change for sustainability

• If possible, a working knowledge of the issues and challenges of the global energy and/or food and/or market systems

MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

• Experience of working in a senior strategic role or closely with a Senior Management Team in providing leadership; setting strategy, formulating plans and budgets.

• Proven ability to build and manage teams, enabling staff to thrive and be satisfied at work.

• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

• Highly developed interpersonal and presentation skills and an ability to communicate at senior corporate level and make full use of a range of communication vehicles and social media.

• Ability to work effectively across a matrixed international structure and navigate ambiguity in emergent processes.

• Able to manage remotely and use a range of digital communication tools.

• Experience of working or delivering projects internationally.

HOW TO APPLY

All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR.

To apply for this post, click on the “Apply” button on the job advert page, complete our online application form, and submit your CV and cover letter in two different documents, which should be prepared before applying as they will be considered in the application process.

The cover letter should be no more than two pages long and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit. The documents should be saved in PDF in the following format: Your First Name-Your Last Name-Document Name-Date (mmyy) e.g., Pat-Jones-CV-092022-Forum-for-the-Future or PatJones-CoverLetter--092022-Forum-for-the-Future

Please note that all our clients recruiting in the UK are legally obliged to confirm that the appointee is eligible to work in the UK. As of 1 January 2021, government’s new regulations apply. For further information visit the Home Office website.

TIMELINE

Closing Date: 7th October 2022

(While a closing date is specified, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis).

First stage interviews: Interviews with Oxford HR will be ongoing, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested applicants are therefore encouraged to apply promptly.

Final interviews: Week of 31st October

SELECTION PROCESS

All candidates will receive an update regarding their application after the closing date. We advise candidates to add the role email to their safe senders list and regularly check their spam folder.

DISABLED CANDIDATES

Oxford HR is happy to provide support for disabled applicants. If you would prefer an application form or need any of the job information in large print or braille, please contact us at the email indicated below. Please feel free to also discuss any additional requirements for interview you may have – we are here to help.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

Equality and diversity are at the core of Forum for the Future values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.

QUERIES

If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please email at forum-for-the-future@ oxfordhr.co.uk in the first instance.

OXFORD HR

Oxford HR operates globally - mainly within the international development and charity sectors. We carry out retained executive search mandates at board and senior management levels. We also offer human resource and organisational development consultancy.

Oxford HR has many years of experience in search as well as an extensive network of international development, social sector, corporate, public sector, and academic contacts from across the world. We carry out comprehensive and often international searches designed to meet the specific needs of our client.