Make-A-Wish Foundation UK

Director of Organisational and Community Development

Job Reference UWIB
Closing Date Tuesday 25 May 2021

Together we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. There are more than 63,000 children living with a critical illness in the UK. This number has doubled over the past 15 years and prevalence varies considerably according to ethnicity and economic circumstances. We go above and beyond to grant amazing wishes to very amazing children; their One True Wish made a reality at a time when they need it most. Because a child’s life shouldn’t be about illness, hospitals and diagnosis – it should be about wonder, joy and hope. It is difficult to imagine a more challenging situation for a child and their family. In the face of this it would be easy to underestimate the difference wishes can make. In recent years, Make- A-Wish UK have led the way in establishing an evidence base for the power of wishes. We’ve seen the effects a wish can have on a seriously ill child: from creating incredible memories, building confidence and bringing happiness, to providing respite from the daily struggles that come with a critical illness. We know what wishes can give, and this is the driving force behind why we continue to do what we do.
We are seeking a highly strategic and innovative Director of Organisational and Community Development to join the Executive Team and lead on embedding the values and culture, and supporting our employees and a network of volunteers and partners in a way that enables us to achieve our long-term goals. You will be a CIPD or equivalent qualified, or long-term people leader, with experience of developing teams, working with trustees, providing comprehensive people support, and an understanding of implementing change. It is likely you will also have prior experience of managing safeguarding, and working with a children-led organisation. Over the course of 2020 we refreshed both our strategy and values. With our new strategy, we are seeking to develop and expand the role of a community of volunteers and partners in granting the wishes of more children. Whilst employees will still own certain activities, we will increasingly become led by the needs of this community, ensuring they have what they need to grant wishes and generate resources. The role of Director of Organisational & Community Development has been designed with this transformation in mind and is key to its success.
This is not just a job. Being part of Make-A-Wish UK doesn’t just change the life of the child. It changes everyone who has the good fortune to be part of this wonderful organisation. This person will be able to listen, enable, empower and equip those around them and will demonstrate Make-A-Wish’s values of being Magical, Inclusive and Inspiring.
Reflecting the diverse communities that Make-A-Wish is proud to support, we are committed to finding someone who is dedicated to furthering diversity and inclusion within the charity. We actively and warmly encourage applications therefore from a broad and deep range of backgrounds and experiences.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference UWIB. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 25th May 2021.