At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external relations to enhance visibility and influence for community-owned businesses.
- Company: Plunkett UK, a charity empowering rural communities through successful business ownership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape perceptions and build influential relationships in a vital sector.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, leadership, and marketing skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 65945 £ per year.
Salary Band: £40,000 - £65,945 gross per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire. We value in-person collaboration and this role is primarily office based, with flexibility available where appropriate and regular travel across the UK.
About Us
Plunkett UK is a national charity supporting people in rural areas to set up and run successful community-owned businesses. These businesses, from shops and pubs to woodlands and farms, provide vital services, create local jobs, strengthen rural economies and bring people together. We've championed community ownership for over 100 years because it delivers thriving, inclusive and resilient places.
About the Role
We're looking for an ambitious and strategic Head of External Relations to lead delivery of Plunkett UK's Stronger Movement strategic priority, helping to grow our visibility, influence, membership and external relationships. This is a senior leadership role with a particular focus on strengthening our communications and marketing. You'll help ensure Plunkett's impact, expertise and role within the rural community business movement are better understood by community businesses, funders, policymakers, corporate partners and other key stakeholders. Working closely with the Chief Executive and leading a multidisciplinary team, you'll develop compelling communications, build our profile and ensure our voice is heard where it matters most. You'll also lead the development of our membership strategy, helping us strengthen and grow the rural community business movement, while providing strategic oversight of our policy, public affairs and research work. The role offers an exciting opportunity to shape how Plunkett is perceived externally, build influential relationships and contribute directly to the organisation's long-term sustainability and impact.
The successful candidate should have the following skills and attributes:
- A strategic communicator – able to turn complex ideas into clear, persuasive and memorable messages.
- Marketing-minded – focused on audiences, positioning, reach and converting awareness into action.
- Creative and proactive – bringing ideas, energy and momentum rather than waiting for direction.
- A strong leader and coach – able to inspire colleagues, build confidence and create ownership.
- Collaborative – comfortable working across teams and through other managers to achieve shared goals.
- Commercially aware – able to connect external relations activity with membership growth, partnerships, fundraising and wider organisational sustainability.
- Politically astute – confident operating with senior stakeholders while maintaining Plunkett’s independence and apolitical stance.
- A relationship builder – able to develop trusted relationships with members, funders, policymakers, partners and suppliers.
- Accountable – committed to Plunkett’s principle of listening first and acting second, using evidence and insight to guide decisions.
Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 28 September
Interview date: In person w/c 5 October
We are committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and our approach goes beyond ‘protected characteristics’ to thinking more broadly about inclusion. Every individual will think and feel differently and we believe that these differences should be embraced, and individual needs taken into account. Additionally, the makeup of the rural communities we work with leads to their own particular diversity and exclusion challenges and opportunities compared to urban areas. Our commitment to EDI, both internally and externally, has been tailored to Plunkett.
Head of External Relations in Woodstock employer: Plunkett UK
Plunkett UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Woodstock, Oxfordshire, where collaboration and community impact are at the forefront. As a national charity dedicated to empowering rural communities, we provide our employees with meaningful opportunities for professional growth, a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and the chance to make a tangible difference in people's lives through community-owned businesses. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values creativity, strategic thinking, and impactful relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Relations in Woodstock
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Plunkett UK.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Plunkett UK.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Plunkett UK.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Plunkett UK. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Relations in Woodstock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Plunkett UK. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Head of External Relations, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Plunkett UK
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Plunkett UK. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
