Operations and Development Manager

ESN - European Social Network

Brighton, United Kingdom

Introduction

ESN is the European network of senior management in public social services, bringing together over 100 national, regional, and local organisations from in 34 European countries to promote the development of effective social policy and social care practice through the exchange of knowledge and expertise. 

ESN has been supported by the European Commission under the PROGRESS programme (2007-2013). This agreement has just been renewed for 4 years (2014-17) under the EU Programme for Social Change and Innovation (PSCI). 

As a unique network we contribute to European policy-making in social, health and education policy and support our members to improve the quality of social services. You can read more about ESN at www.esn-eu.org.

Job Description

The Operations and Development Manager has a strategic role within ESN in the operational management of its secretariat and the development of its financially sustainable future. Alongside the CEO and Policy Director, he/she plays a key role in overseeing ESN’s EC-funded operations; in overseeing the organisation’s finances; and in developing ESN’s membership to ensure a sound business structure is in place. The post-holder’s core duties are to:

• Coordinate the operational management of ESN’s EC-funded work programme;
• Manage ESN’s membership strategy by: a) strengthening ESN’s existing membership base and ensure that a viable membership retention strategy is implemented: b) expanding the coverage of ESN Membership and connecting with potential new members, thereby ensuring that year-long membership targets are met;
• Coordinate ESN’s finances and support systems including budget progress monitoring;
• Ensure that sound data reporting mechanisms are in place within the monitoring framework of the annual work programme;
• Develop good working relationships with ESN Members and external stakeholders (EU institutions, NGOs, private organisations, national governments, etc.);
• Represent ESN at external meetings and conferences;
• Undertake training commensurate with the post’s responsibilities.

Working across the secretariat

To fulfill these duties, the Operations and Development Manager will work closely with colleagues in the ESN secretariat on communications, finance, governance and membership:

• CEO/Policy Director: on all aspects of the operationalisation of ESN’s EC-funded work programme; on membership and business development; on performance and data monitoring;
• Policy team: on membership; on gaining strategic and policy expertise where required;
• Projects Officer: on performance and data monitoring; on the preparation of and adherence to annual budgets for ESN; on coordinating the interim and end of year financial and programme’s reporting; on the organisation of ESN activities.

• Communications team: on the promotion of membership development including branding; on data development and CRM development;
• Conference team: on matters relating to the European Social Services Conference;
• Accountant and Bookkeeper: on financial management;
• Office Manager/PA to the CEO: on governance matters; on staff calendar and HR matters.

Line Management

The Operations and Development Manager is line-managed by the Chief Executive. Under the responsibility of the Chief Executive, he/she will manage the following members of staff:

• Projects Officer;
• Bookkeeper.

Person specification

This is a varied post which requires excellent operational and people management skills as well as strong development, communications and strategic skills. You should have:

Management and Strategic Development

Essential

• Experience of team and operations management in a busy working environment with exceptional coordination skills;
• Experience of working at management level (or other senior role) for an international organisation in either public sector, private company or civil society;
• Experience of the financial oversight of programmes, including budgets and accounts;
• Ability to contribute to the setting of an annual work programme and monitoring its implementation;
• Ability to manage your own and your colleagues’ priorities, time and schedule;
• Ability to identify risks in programme implementation and good problem-solving skills to ensure timely delivery within budget.

Desirable

• Experience of managing grant-funded programmes;
• Innovative, entrepreneurial and open-minded approach to management, strategy, projects and membership development;
• Business Development Experience.

Communications and membership

Essential

• Excellent communications, interpersonal and networking skills including strong oral, presentation and facilitation skills in meetings large and small;
• Ability to adapt to different work approaches, settings and languages;
• Cultural and political sensitivity in relations with internal colleagues, national members and governments;
• Ability to build and maintain strong and trusted relationships with colleagues, ESN members and other stakeholders;
• Near-native written and oral competence in English, plus fluency in at least one other European language.

Desirable

• Understanding of the functions of a membership organisation;
• Experience of developing digital communications, marketing and promotional products;
• Experience of governance and working with a Board.

Education, knowledge & other skills

Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of European/international affairs;
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the role of social work, social care and welfare;
• University education in International Relations, European Studies or Public/Business Administration.

Salary and Conditions

Pay would be on a starting salary of at £28,000 - £30,000, dependent on experience. There is a portable stakeholder pension scheme. Holiday allowance is 21 days on a pro-rata basis and would rise with experience. We support staff in their professional development and provide regular performance review with opportunities for further training in line with responsibilities.

Brighton

The ESN secretariat is based in central Brighton, a city with a large population of young professionals and a vibrant cultural and music scene. Its acclaimed arts festival is the biggest in England, an annual celebration of music, theatre, film, literature and debate now in its 50th year.

A number of international charities and companies are based in the city, which is well-connected, being just an hour from London (with the Eurostar to Brussels and Paris) and 30 minutes from Gatwick airport. Brighton is a good alternative to London with a slower pace of life, good restaurants and cafés and a strong and more affordable housing sector.

The job will be based at our office in Brighton so you must consider whether you are in a position to move here before applying. The secretariat has been based here since ESN was founded in 1998.

Find out more: www.visitbrighton.com and www.brightonfestival.com.

Recruitment process

You should submit a covering letter and CV a single PDF file not longer than 4 pages to recruitment@esn-eu.org. Please follow these guidelines:

In the covering letter, you should:

a) Should show how your personality, education and professional experience make you a good candidate for this role;
b) Comment on why you would like to work for ESN.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 21st Augustafter which shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview in Brighton, UK. You may be required to undertake a specific task in preparation for the interview. There is a possibility of a second round of interviews afterwards. Travel and hotel expenses will be paid for shortlisted candidates if necessary.

Equal Opportunities Statement

It is the policy of the European Social Network to treat all employees and job applicants fairly and equally regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, disability or trade union membership status or any other protected characteristic provided for under the Equality Act 2010 (UK).

The European Social Network will ensure that no requirement or condition will be imposed without justification which could disadvantage individuals purely on any of the above grounds.

The policy applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment. The European Social Network will regularly review its procedures and selection criteria to ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and otherwise treated according to their relevant individual abilities and merits.

The European Social Network is committed to the implementation of this policy and to a programme of action to ensure that the policy is, and continues to be, fully effective. The overall responsibility for the policy lies with Chief Executive. However, all staff are required to comply with the policy and to act in accordance with its objectives so as to remove any barriers to equal opportunity.

Any act of discrimination by employees or any failure to comply with the terms of the policy will result in disciplinary action.