Head of Policy Engagement

At The National Lottery Community Fund we are passionate about strengthening communities and improving lives. We are driven by our strategy, It starts with community and its four community-led missions, as well as our equity-based approach to tackling poverty, discrimination and disadvantage. As part of our commitment to being more than a funder, we are serious about enabling collaboration, sharing best practice, amplifying the impact of our grantholders and influencing future policy making.

We are now seeking to appoint a Head of Policy Engagement to lead our engagement with policymakers and senior sectoral stakeholders under those four community-led missions. Using your deep understanding of the political and social environment in which our grantholders operate, you will explore the context for new funding initiatives, including potential partnerships, ensuring that we are making the greatest impact possible.

You will already have well established relationships with Executive Departments, other funders and the voluntary and community sector and you will use this to share learning and insight from our funding, lead consultations and identify opportunities for future collaboration. You will convene both grantholder and stakeholder networks to inform our analysis and ensure that community voice is at the heart of our decision-making.

You will be part of a policy and practice network across the Fund, working collaboratively with colleagues across the UK to develop One-Fund approaches to our missions.

We re looking for someone who is values-driven, passionate about the Fund s purpose and deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. You will have a strong track record of influencing at a senior level and be able to articulate strategic ambitions clearly and effectively. You will also have a nuanced understanding of the role of a non-Departmental Public Body in the policy landscape and experience of working collaboratively across organisational boundaries. As a member of the Northern Ireland Senior Management team, you will provide inspiring leadership and strategic direction to the wider team.

Regular travel around Northern Ireland is expected, as well as some travel to other parts of the UK to connect with colleagues. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment and an excellent all-round benefits package.

Interview Date: Week commencing 9th June In person interviews

Location: Northern Ireland. Our office is in Belfast and we have a flexible, hybrid approach to working.

On application, please align your supporting statement to the criteria below:

Essential Criteria

1. Deep understanding of Northern Ireland communities. Knowledge of the context for the third sector, the funding landscape, public policy and the people and organisations who are influential in these areas.
2. Demonstrable experience in high-level engagement, influencing and senior relationship management, internally and externally.
3. Excellent communication skills and the ability to articulate strategic ambitions, positioning the organisation in the funding landscape and social policy debates.
4. Passionate about the Fund s purpose evidencing understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion and related best practice.
5. Proven leadership skills, including the ability to inspire colleagues and work collaboratively in matrix structures.
6. Strong planning and analytical skills, with expertise in research and consultation.
7. Proven commitment to continuous improvement, self-reflection and personal development.

Desirable Criteria

1. Clear understanding of the role of a UK-wide non-Departmental Public Body and the implications for policy and influencing.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)