At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to promote free speech across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join the Free Speech Union, a passionate advocate for free speech rights.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work flexibility, generous pension, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and impactful outreach.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in protecting free speech while engaging with diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of political affairs and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 € per year.
The Free Speech Union is a non-partisan, mass-membership public interest body that stands up for the speech rights of its 42,500+ members and campaigns for free speech more widely. We provide a wide range of support, from arranging legal representation to giving media advice, to assisting with employment disputes to giving pastoral support. We want to win individual disputes for our members and change the law to better protect freedom of speech.
The Free Speech Union (FSU) is seeking a highly motivated and strategically minded Director of Nations to strengthen our presence in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The postholder will be responsible for advancing the FSU's mission in the nations, growing our membership in each one, organising events, developing policy responses, managing the nations advisory councils and serving as a public spokesperson on the media in the different nations. This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in protecting and promoting free speech across the UK's regions.
Key Responsibilities
- Policy and Advocacy: Work closely with the Legislative Affairs Director and the Policy and Research Director to develop, adapt and promote policy positions relevant to the devolved nations. Monitor legislative and political developments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ensuring timely organisational responses. Provide input into research, reports and policy briefings with a focus on the nations. Campaign to persuade the governments of the nations to embrace free speech protections embedded in English law, eg the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act JAJY.
- Regional Outreach and Membership: Design and deliver campaigns to increase membership and visibility in each of the nations. Build partnerships with local organisations, academic institutions, civil society groups and opinion leaders. Oversee targeted outreach strategies to ensure the FSU remains a trusted voice on free speech in each nation.
- Events and Engagement: Work with our Events Director to plan, organise and deliver events in each nation. Ensure events strengthen member engagement and promote public discussion of free speech issues. Support the development and activity of our Scottish and Northern Ireland advisory councils, ensuring they are active and effective, and establish an advisory council in Wales.
- Media and Public Relations: Work closely with the press/media team to manage media enquiries and place stories across the devolved nations. Act as a spokesperson for the FSU in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including media appearances, panel discussions and public speaking engagements. Monitor and respond to press coverage in the nations of FSU-related issues.
- Leadership and Representation: Serve as the senior representative of FSU in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Provide regular reporting to the FSU's senior management team on developments, challenges and opportunities in the devolved nations. Contribute to organisational strategy by ensuring the nations are fully represented.
Person Specification
- Commitment to the cause of free speech, including awareness of the Free Speech Union and our work.
- Applicants must have a relevant mix of skills, aptitude and experience.
- Essential: Strong knowledge of political, legal and cultural affairs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Experience in public affairs, policy, advocacy and campaigning. Excellent communication skills, with proven track record as a confident public speaker and media spokesperson. Strong relationship-building skills with stakeholders at all levels. Ability to manage events, campaigns and outreach programmes. Commitment to the values and mission of the FSU.
- Desirable: Established media profile or existing relationships with journalists in the devolved nations. Experience managing advisory boards or volunteer councils. Background in law, politics, public policy, or related fields. Project management experience, including budgeting oversight. Familiarity with our software programmes SalesForce, MailChimp, Microsoft Office 365, WordPress. Experience of integrating AI into the work of a similar organisation.
What we offer
- Salary up to 65k-70k per annum, depending on experience.
- Eight percent Pension contribution.
- The autonomy and flexibility of working from home.
- Full access to our learning and development programme.
- 20 days paid annual leave (excluding bank holidays).
- BUPA private healthcare.
- A supportive and engaging workplace culture.
- Opportunities to develop within a growing and dynamic organisation.
- Occasional travel to events and meetings within the UK.
How to apply: To be considered for this role, please submit a CV and introductory letter detailing why you are interested in the role and how your skills align with the person specification. Candidates should submit their CV and cover letter as two separate documents. Please do not include your cover letter in the body of the email.
Director of Nations (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) TLNT1_NI in London employer: IrishJobs
The Free Speech Union is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to champion free speech across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. With a supportive and engaging workplace culture, employees benefit from flexible home-based working, a generous pension contribution, and access to a comprehensive learning and development programme, all while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us to grow professionally within a dynamic organisation dedicated to protecting the rights of its members and fostering public discourse.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Nations (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) TLNT1_NI in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the Free Speech Union. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and stand out! If there are any public events or discussions related to free speech, make sure you’re there. Engage with speakers and attendees, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on social media. This will help you build your profile as a passionate advocate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews! Research the Free Speech Union’s recent campaigns and initiatives. Think about how your skills can contribute to their mission. Practise answering common interview questions, but also be ready to discuss your vision for free speech in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and passion for free speech.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Nations (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) TLNT1_NI in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Introductory Letter:Your introductory letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your passion for free speech and how your skills align with the role. Keep it engaging and personal, showing us why you’re the perfect fit for the Director of Nations position.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your experience in public affairs, policy, and advocacy, especially in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We want to see how your background makes you the ideal candidate for this role.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Submit Separately and Follow Instructions:Remember to submit your CV and cover letter as two separate documents, just like we’ve asked. Following instructions shows attention to detail, which is super important for this role. Plus, it makes our job easier when reviewing applications!
How to prepare for a job interview at IrishJobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Free Speech Union's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with current political, legal, and cultural affairs in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to free speech and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in public affairs, policy advocacy, and campaigning. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders and managed events or outreach programmes. This will give the interviewers confidence in your ability to fulfil the role.
✨Practice Your Public Speaking
As a potential spokesperson for the FSU, you'll need to be a confident public speaker. Practice answering common interview questions out loud, and consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and effectively during the actual interview.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don't forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the organisation, and its future direction. Engaging with the interviewers shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the FSU is the right fit for you.
