At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic business development to enhance income and support the CDI's growth.
- Company: Join a professional organisation dedicated to championing the profession and supporting its members.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with industry leaders, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Other info: This is a voluntary role with travel expenses covered for meetings.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of the CDI while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and a passion for strategic growth.
The CDI is funded by membership fees, training activities and commercial partnerships, contracts and relationships. Surplus income is invested by the organisation to enhance our services and support for members, as well as our activities to champion the profession. Our 2030 Strategy includes aims to increase our commercial income, so the CDI Board is seeking to appoint a Co‐opted Director to bring business development expertise and insight to the strategic direction and governance of the organisation.
This person will act as a Director of the CDI, with the general responsibilities of all Directors. In addition, they will bring a specific focus on business development to support the expansion of the CDI's income, including growth of commercial services, bid/tender expertise, grant applications and more. This is not a delivery role, but an opportunity for an experienced Business Development leader to provide strategic support, insight and expertise to the CDI Board, CEO and CDI team. This is an unpaid, volunteer role. This is a voluntary role with travel and accommodation expenses reimbursed for Board meetings.
General Director Responsibilities- Determining the CDI's strategic objectives and policies.
- Setting strategic goals and objectives that align with the CDI's vision.
- Helping identify opportunities that can help the Institute achieve its strategic objectives.
- Monitoring progress towards achieving the objectives and policies.
- Reading and interpreting financial statements.
- Identifying potential financial or other risks and helping to develop strategies to mitigate such risks.
- Appointing senior management.
- Accounting for the company's activities to members and other stakeholders.
- Strategic Business Development leadership: Contribute to the long‐term business development strategy aligned to the organisation's purpose, values and 2030 Strategy. Challenge and support strategic proposals related to growth, diversification and sustainability of income. Provide sector insight and external perspective on market trends, risks and opportunities affecting the membership base. Provide informed oversight (not operational delivery) of business development activities and KPIs.
- Income generation and financial sustainability: Advise on non‐subscription income streams, e.g.: Sponsorship and partnerships, Commercial services or products, Bids and grant applications. Support the board in evaluating the financial viability and risk profile of business development initiatives.
- Partnerships, sponsorships & external relationships: Advise on the development of strategic partnerships that enhance income, reach, member benefit or the profile of the profession. Support the development of a grant‐application approach, to raise funds to support the work of the CDI and activities to advance the sector. Use professional networks, where appropriate, to link to potential partners or sponsors and provide credibility during high‐value discussions. Ensure partnerships are ethical, reputation‐enhancing and aligned with organisational values. Ensure proper decision‐making frameworks are in place for commercial ventures, including conflict‐of‐interest management.
- Act as a critical friend to the Chief Executive and team leading business development.
- Offer mentoring or sounding‐board support where appropriate, without crossing into day‐to‐day management.
- Bring external best practice and lessons learned from other sectors or organisations.
- Attend Board meetings (typically two online and two in‐person per year).
- Attend the Finance and Risk Committee meetings (typically four per year, all online).
- Participate in other sub‐committees/sub‐groups/working groups of the Board, as required.
- Meet regularly with the CDI Chief Executive to discuss commercial strategy and progress.
- When appropriate, act as a sounding board for the Chief Executive and team on large commercial or grant opportunities.
- Facilitate links to key grant funding or commercial organisations.
- Participate in short‐listing panels for the CDI UK Career Development Awards (UKCDA).
- Participate, if required, in the CDI Fellowships Awarding Panel.
- Write or contribute to papers and presentations at Board meetings, and on other occasions as required.
- Undertake occasional, appropriate work and/or representation on behalf of the CDI such as attendance at conferences, seminars, or workshops.
- Support the work of the CDI, its Chief Executive and staff, the Council and Standing Committees as appropriate or required.
- Declare any conflicts of interest on the public register and, when necessary, at meetings.
- Maintain ethical and transparent behaviour in line with the CDI's own Code of Ethics, in dealings with members of the CDI, stakeholders, and all others with whom your role as a Director brings you into contact.
- Commit to your own continuous professional development and learning, and to staying up to date with trends, regulations and best practices.
- Commit to developing strong networks and working relationships, with key stakeholders, members and associates of the CDI.
CDI Co-opted Director (Business Development) in London employer: Crains Cleveland
The CDI is an exceptional employer that values strategic insight and expertise, offering a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the organisation. With a strong commitment to ethical practices and continuous professional development, the CDI fosters a collaborative work culture where members can engage in meaningful discussions and influence the future direction of the profession. Located in a dynamic environment, this volunteer role allows individuals to make a significant impact while enjoying the flexibility of remote participation in board meetings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CDI Co-opted Director (Business Development) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the CDI.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate how your business development expertise aligns with the CDI's goals. Prepare a few key points that highlight your experience and how you can contribute to their 2030 Strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the CDI team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace CDI Co-opted Director (Business Development) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your business development expertise aligns with the CDI's strategic goals. We want to see how your experience can directly contribute to our mission and 2030 Strategy.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements in business development, such as successful partnerships or income generation strategies. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've made an impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to understanding your vision for supporting the CDI.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of all applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crains Cleveland
✨Know the CDI Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the CDI's mission, values, and 2030 Strategy. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and challenges in business development. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your expertise aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Business Development Savvy
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your success in business development. Focus on how you've generated income, built partnerships, or led strategic initiatives. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can translate into value for the CDI.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your understanding of the CDI's needs and your strategic thinking. Ask about their current challenges in income generation or partnership development, and how they envision the role of a Co-opted Director contributing to their objectives.
✨Demonstrate Ethical Leadership
As a potential director, it's crucial to convey your commitment to ethical practices and transparency. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle conflicts of interest and ensure that partnerships align with the CDI's values. This will reassure them that you’re the right fit for their governance.
