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- Tasks: Lead communications and learning strategies to amplify impact and tell compelling stories.
- Company: Join the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, a leader in funding for social change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by driving systemic change and fostering community bonds.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and expertise in communications or learning required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 89548 - 89548 £ per year.
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation is a leading independent funder aiming to improve our natural world, secure a fairer future, and strengthen the bonds in communities across the UK. We provide approximately £50 million annually in grants to organisations working in the arts, children and young people, sustainable food, the environment, and social change. Alongside our £1.3 billion endowment, we have significant allocations for social and impact investment to further our mission. We are working towards three interconnected goals: enhancing our natural environment, addressing injustice for a more equitable future, and fostering creative, self-assured communities.
Under our current strategy, we provide large, long-term grants and strategic support to initiatives with brilliant ideas that drive systemic change. We are a values-led organisation, deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we believe that learning and effective communication are critical to maximising our impact.
We are seeking a creative, accomplished, and strategic Director of Communications and Learning to join our Senior Management Team and take ownership of how we tell our story, amplify learning, and strengthen our influence. The successful candidate will lead a talented, multidisciplinary team to translate complex work - spanning grants and social investments - into compelling narratives that inform strategy, practice, and public debate. You will balance strategic direction for the Foundation's communications and reputational management with a rigorous approach to monitoring, evaluation, and learning. As an active representative of the Foundation, you will share insights and expertise externally while fostering a robust internal learning culture.
About you
- Significant senior leadership experience, including team management and working as part of a Senior Management Team.
- Proven expertise in learning, impact, evaluation, or communications, with the ability to translate insights and evidence into organisational strategy.
- A creative and strategic approach to storytelling, with the skill to turn complex data and multi-sector work into purposeful narratives.
- Strong advocacy and interpersonal skills, with the ability to command respect and influence senior stakeholders across peer foundations and policy fields.
- A consistent commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience engaging professionally and inclusively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong financial and operational expertise, including experience managing significant budgets for communications, learning, and grant-making.
Crucially, you will be excited by and fully committed to the Foundation's values and strategy, possessing a passion for using evidence and insights to drive positive change across the sector.
How to Apply
For further information, please click on the Apply button. If you have any queries please contact our retained advisors Omar Begg or Borge Andreassen via email with a copy of your CV.
Recruitment Timetable
- Deadline for applications: 14th April.
- Interviews with Prospectus: 20-22nd April.
- Interviews with Esmée Fairbairn Foundation First stage panel interview: (in-person) Thursday 7 May.
- Informal meeting with comms and learning team (online): Monday 11 May.
- Final stage panel interview (in-person): Wednesday 13 May.
Director of Communications and Learning in City of London employer: Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
Contact Detail:
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Communications and Learning in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your storytelling skills! Prepare a few compelling narratives about your past experiences that highlight your strategic thinking and impact in communications. Tailor these stories to align with the Foundation's mission and values, so they resonate with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that excites you, apply through our website without hesitation. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; show us your enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference in the community and environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the panel interview by anticipating questions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Think about how you can demonstrate your commitment to these values through your past work and how you plan to integrate them into the Foundation’s strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Communications and Learning in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and our mission shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours, especially around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Tell a Compelling Story: Use your storytelling skills to weave your experiences into a narrative that highlights your leadership and communication expertise. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can turn complex ideas into engaging content!
Be Specific About Your Impact: Don’t just list your achievements; explain how they’ve made a difference. We love seeing concrete examples of how you’ve used insights and evidence to drive change in previous roles.
Follow Our Application Process: Make sure to apply through our website as instructed. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
✨Know the Foundation's Values
Before your interview, dive deep into the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation's mission and values. Understand their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and think about how your own experiences align with these principles. This will help you demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation's culture.
✨Craft Your Storytelling Skills
As a Director of Communications and Learning, storytelling is key. Prepare examples of how you've turned complex data into compelling narratives in your previous roles. Think about specific projects where your communication skills made a significant impact, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your senior leadership experience and team management skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've led multidisciplinary teams and influenced stakeholders. Use concrete examples to illustrate your strategic approach and how it has driven positive change in past organisations.
✨Prepare for Questions on Impact and Evaluation
Given the focus on learning and evaluation, expect questions about how you've measured impact in your previous roles. Think about frameworks or methodologies you've used and be ready to discuss how these can be applied to the Foundation's work. This shows your analytical side and commitment to continuous improvement.