At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a grassroots movement for ocean and coastal issues within the Labour Party.
- Company: Friends of the Ocean, a UK non-profit focused on ocean priorities in policymaking.
- Benefits: Gain visibility with senior policymakers and lead impactful initiatives.
- Other info: Voluntary role with flexible hours and support from experienced leaders.
- Why this job: Shape ocean policy and make a real difference in environmental advocacy.
- Qualifications: Experience in politics, policy, or campaigning; passion for ocean issues.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Labour Friends of the Ocean is launching this summer, with a flagship event at this year's Labour Party Conference marking our first major milestone. We're looking for a Director to lead this organisation, uniting a founding team, and building a grassroots movement for ocean and coastal issues within the Labour Party. This is a rare opportunity to build something new — not from a standing start, but with the benefit of a proven model.
Conservative Friends of the Ocean, one of our existing branches, has already demonstrated what this can look like, and you'll have real support in applying those lessons to Labour Friends of the Ocean. This is currently a voluntary position. As we secure philanthropic funding, our intention is to make it a paid role, building a full-time team and scaling our impact further.
Who We Are
Friends of the Ocean is a UK non-profit working to put ocean and coastal priorities at the heart of UK policymaking. For the UK — an island nation with over 17,000 km of coastline, home to more than 8.7 million people — the ocean should be central to political and economic thinking. Yet it has often been overlooked in politics, and shadowed even within environmental agendas. Friends of the Ocean was created to change that.
Rather than campaign from the outside, we engage directly and constructively with policymakers across the political spectrum. Through parliamentary engagement, policy roundtables, events, and strategic partnerships, we work to keep ocean and coastal issues a political priority in Westminster and beyond, giving Cabinet Ministers, MPs, Peers, and Councillors the understanding, resources, and ongoing support needed to champion these issues with confidence.
We bring together a network of supporters with direct experience from Downing Street, Parliament, the Civil Service, and local government, giving us an insider's understanding of how to navigate political systems and drive change. Utilising this unique experience, we partner with leading NGOs and sustainable businesses, acting as a trusted bridge to connect their expertise and priorities with the policymakers who can act on them and deliver real-world change.
The Role
As Director, you will:
- Play a prominent role in leading Labour Friends of the Ocean's strategic direction.
- Engage directly with MPs, Peers, Councillors, and activists across the Labour Party to build a grassroots movement for ocean and coastal priorities.
- Build and lead a high-performing founding team, fostering a culture of collaboration and support.
- Grow our network of key supporters, including Parliamentary Patrons (MPs and Peers) and Ocean Council members (local councillors), all championing ocean and coastal issues from Westminster to local government.
- Utilise key moments in the political calendar, including Labour Party Conference, to raise our profile and drive engagement.
- Advance our policy goals, with a particular focus on securing ocean and coastal priorities in the Labour Party’s manifesto ahead of the next general election.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone with experience in politics, policy, campaigning, or a related field, who can bring credibility and existing relationships to this role from day one. We're looking for someone who has:
- A genuine passion for championing our oceans and coastal communities.
- Established experience and relationships within the Labour Party or its wider community, ideally as a member.
- A track record of political engagement, policy advocacy, or campaigning.
- The ability to build and lead a team, uniting people around a shared mission.
- An entrepreneurial, self-starter mindset, with the drive to shape strategy and see it through.
- The ability to manage your own time and work independently, balancing this role alongside other commitments.
How We Work
As this is a voluntary role, we're conscious of respecting your time and other commitments. You'll be empowered to lead our strategic direction, with the flexibility to fit this around your schedule. Friends of the Ocean's Executive Director will be on hand for regular, efficient 1:1s, offering support and guidance drawn from the success of our existing model.
What You'll Gain
This role offers direct engagement and visibility with senior policymakers, leading ocean NGOs, and sustainable businesses. You'll have the opportunity to lead on ocean and coastal issues from within the Labour Party, engaging regularly with MPs, Peers, Councillors, and activists — and play a leading role in securing ocean and coastal priorities within Labour's policy agenda ahead of the next general election. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and areas of expertise — if you meet some of the criteria but not all, we'd still love to hear from you.
Director, Ocean Policy & Labour Movement employer: Friends of the Ocean UK
Labour Friends of the Ocean is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a grassroots movement focused on ocean and coastal priorities within the Labour Party. With a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, you will have the chance to engage directly with policymakers and drive meaningful change while benefiting from the guidance of experienced leaders in the field. This role not only allows for personal growth and networking within political circles but also contributes to a vital cause that impacts communities across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Ocean Policy & Labour Movement
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Ocean Policy & Labour Movement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Friends of the Ocean UK, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Friends of the Ocean UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Friends of the Ocean UK
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Friends of the Ocean UK and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
