Voluntary Sector Strategy and Partnership Manager

You will lead Wandsworth Council's ambitious programme of support and partnership with the voluntary sector. You will continue our work on forging a strong and positive relationship with the voluntary sector, delivering on the council's new VCS Strategy and shared vision that has been developed through close working and collaboration with the VCS, key stakeholders and across council departments; and creating impactful work programmes that help to achieve that vision.You will confidently work with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners including senior managers, Council Members and voluntary organisations, providing strategic leadership in the development of systems that strengthen, support and value the voluntary sector and community-based organisations across the borough of Wandsworth.You will be highly motivated by bringing different partners together, building on the work that has already been developed including overseeing the mobilisation and delivery of the newly commissioned VCS infrastructure support service.

As a representative of the Council in relation to the voluntary sector you will inspire trust and confidence in others, demonstrate an ability to listen and be highly responsive to issues, concerns and opportunities.

About the role

This is a senior management role within the Community & Partnerships team with a salary range of £48,600-£58,893 depending on experience.You will have the opportunity to be part of a growing and high-profile service area, which has benefitted from additional investment from the Council and successfully and positively built stronger relationships with the VCS. This role requires strong leadership skills to continue to deliver on the shared commitments set out in our forthcoming new VCS Strategy that has been informed by the VCS needs assessment published in Voluntary Sector Needs Analysis Report . You will use your leadership skills to solve complex issues and find positive solutions.

The role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a sound understanding of the operating environment for the voluntary sector and local Government, including opportunities and challenges. You will be required to take a proactive role in leading and guiding internal and external stakeholders in achieving the outcomes of the Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy and be able to represent the Council to senior voluntary sector leaders. Effective project and people management skills are essential.

This role will involve:

• Leading the implementation of a new Voluntary Sector and Civil Society Strategy across the Council and wider voluntary sector partners.
• Mobilisation and contract management of a new voluntary sector infrastructure support and volunteering service
• A high-profile engagement plan which includes regular network meetings and communications
• Support to elected Members and senior management on wider engagement and partnership working with the voluntary sector
• Management of a voluntary sector support and engagement team

Key criteria for this role include:

• Up to date knowledge of relevant legislation and central government policy relating to the voluntary and community sector
• Knowledge of developments, issues and best practice in the voluntary and community sector
• Experience of successfully managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Experience of working with Councillors or other levels of government to support development of their proposals
• Experience of managing staff, with positive outcomes
• Experience of commissioning, procurement and effective contract management of services.
• Ability to design and deliver effective engagement and participation strategies and co-designing programmes with external partners

This role will be predominately based at Wandsworth Council offices as well as out in the community, engaging with and maintaining a high level of visibility amongst community partners. The role is a permanent full-time role and available immediately.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

You will need to bring a strong working knowledge of the issues faced by the VCS, this experience could come from within a Council, statutory service or from within a voluntary or community group.You will also bring direct or transferrable skills which will allow you to lead projects through the Council's governance systems, as well as developing transparent, equitable processes. Experience of co-production is of value and project management experience is essential. You will support partners through a period of change. You will manage a small team and matrix manage across multiple partners. You will be a confident communicator, in person and in writing, and an effective team player.

You will need to be flexible in how you work, and regularly re-prioritise what you work on. You need to have good analytical skills and be a strong report writer. You will also be able to translate complex issues into short, community focused messages which you can communicate both in writing and by presenting to groups.

Closing Date:Midday Tuesday 3 rd December

Shortlisting Date:week commencing 2 nd December

Interview Date:week commencing 9 th and 16 th December

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnershipare committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone.We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.