At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead network engagement and support charities with essential products to improve lives.
- Company: Join In Kind Direct, a pioneering charity redistributing vital goods across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, volunteering days, and an interest-free travel loan.
- Other info: Flexible working, training opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement or network management is a plus.
Location: London/Hybrid (London Bridge office, 2 days per week in office)
Salary: £41,000-£44,000
Contract: 18 month fixed term
For nearly 30 years, In Kind Direct has been at the forefront of product redistribution in the UK, ensuring that no one misses out on life's essentials. Founded by HM The King, we partner with leading brands and retailers to channel everyday goods - hygiene items, household products, toys, clothing and more - to our network of over 6,000 charities, community groups, foodbanks and schools. Every week, we help more than half a million people in need. Yet, poverty and exclusion remain as key challenges within the UK, and we're on a mission to reach even more people with more products.
Our Values
We work with kindness, togetherness and integrity, and drive innovation.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an adaptable, enthusiastic self-starter to join our dynamic and passionate team with responsibility for truly understanding the needs of our network and how we can best support them with essential products to help people live well.
Insight and Evidence
- Represent the voice of our network and the end-users they support in our planning, evaluations and decision-making.
- Lead on network insights gathering, data analysis and visualisation, and interpreting findings into conclusions and recommendations, using for example, surveys, CRM data, Network Ambassador online meetings and Network Insights Panel consultations.
- Proactively contribute to improvements in the customer journey for network partners - from registration through to fulfilment.
- Support our collaborative ways of working with the VCSE sector and other infrastructure organisations to meet immediate need, deepen impact and support longer-term solutions.
- Help scope, test and implement CRM enhancements to improve how we gather insights and measure impact.
- Source, analyse and share relevant external social research and sector intelligence to help ensure organisational decisions and programmes are also informed by external insights, emerging trends and best practices.
Network Engagement
- Develop and implement strategies to increase network engagement including visits, volunteering, webinars and spokesperson activities, that inspire our network to tell the story of our impact together.
- Lead on network recruitment and retention.
- Day to day management, evaluation and reporting for funded projects that use insights, research, and partnerships to get the right products to more people through network partners.
- Test, implement and embed digital asset management tools and processes.
- Act as an ambassador for In Kind Direct at external events.
- Line manage the Charity Network Coordinator.
Network Support and Communications
- Oversee and help produce a regular newsletter and ad hoc emails to involve the network more in advocacy, impact storytelling and direct action with us.
- Oversee and help produce other network communications and content including service emails and FAQs to improve the service they experience from us.
- Oversee network registration and renewal processes and comms, and act as a point of escalation for our Customer Service team.
- Manage and develop our network compliance policies and processes, safeguarding quality and integrity while driving efficiency and systems-enabled automation.
- Ongoing relationship and community building with network partners, including regular proactive outreach, visits and communications.
- Help develop standards for network experience, value delivery and service quality in collaboration with our Customer Service team.
We seek to challenge discrimination and are committed to our values of kindness, togetherness, integrity, and innovation. We are on an organisational journey to achieving our EDI vision and welcome any questions about our progress and aspirations.
Competences Required of a Manager
- Applies policies in their area and flags risks early.
- Supports audits/quality checks as needed.
- Encourages others to meet compliance requirements.
- Balances risk in decisions with senior support when needed.
- Leads projects/teams with clear ownership.
- Motivates others and creates a positive environment.
- Coaches and develops others; gives clear direction and feedback.
- Role models integrity and continuous improvement.
You may have experience in the following: Network Manager, Charity Partnerships Manager, Community Engagement Manager, Impact and Insights Manager, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Membership Manager, CRM and Insights Manager, Programme Manager (VCSE), Data and Insights Manager, Charity Relationship Manager, Sector Engagement Manager, Voluntary Sector Partnerships Manager, etc.
Benefits
- Volunteering days.
- 28 days holiday each year including 3 days between Christmas and New Year (excluding public holidays).
- An interest-free travel loan.
- A generous pension scheme entitlement.
We especially welcome applications from anyone with lived experience of being on a low income or working with smaller charitable organisations. We will meet all reasonable expenses that will support anyone invited to interview to be able to participate. If there's anything such as a disability or other circumstance that might affect your ability to take part in any stage of the application or interview process, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll do our best to provide any support or adjustments you may need to take part fully and comfortably. Sharing this information will not affect your application in any way. We are an equal opportunity employer and support our team to succeed in their roles through training, adaptations, flexibility in working, access to our Employee Assistance Platform, and a range of policies to support people in their personal, family and care responsibilities. We are an accredited Great Place to Work - and have additionally been recognised as a Great Place to Work amongst small Charities and a Great Place to Work for Women.
Network and Impact Manager employer: In Kind Direct
In Kind Direct is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises kindness, togetherness, and integrity. With a focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development, flexible working arrangements, and generous benefits including volunteering days and a robust pension scheme. Located in the vibrant London Bridge area, our team is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission of alleviating poverty and exclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network and Impact Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like In Kind Direct!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at In Kind Direct that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Network and Impact Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at In Kind Direct. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for In Kind Direct.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at In Kind Direct!
How to prepare for a job interview at In Kind Direct
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of In Kind Direct resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Network and Impact Manager position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
