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 grant holders and influencing future policy making.
We are now seeking to appoint a Head of Policy Engagement to lead our engagement in Scotland with policymakers and senior sectoral stakeholders under those four community-led missions. Using your deep understanding of the political, social and policy environment in which our grant holders operate, you will ensure our funding is aligned with policy and has the greatest impact possible as well as using learning from our grant holders to influence future policy development.
You will already have well established relationships with Scottish Government, other funders and the third sector. You will use this to share learning and insight from our funding, lead consultations and identify opportunities for future collaboration.
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 Scotland Directorate Senior Management team, you will provide inspiring leadership and strategic direction to the wider team.
The role is likely to involve some travel across Scotland, as well as 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: 1-2 September – In person interviews
Location: Scotland. Our office is in Glasgow and we have a flexible, hybrid approach to working.
If you would like an informal conversation about the role specifically or the recruitment process, please contact Eloise Dalgliesh, Recruitment Partner, [email protected]
On application, please align your supporting statement to the criteria below
Essential Criteria
- Deep understanding of Scotland’s 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.
- Demonstrable experience in high-level engagement, influencing and senior relationship management, internally and externally.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to articulate strategic ambitions, positioning the organisation in the funding landscape and social policy debates.
- Passionate about the Fund’s purpose evidencing understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion and related best practice.
- Proven leadership skills, including the ability to inspire colleagues and work collaboratively in matrix structures.
- Strong planning and analytical skills, with expertise in research and consultation.
- Proven commitment to continuous improvement, self-reflection and personal development.
Desirable Criteria
- 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.)