At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diversity initiatives and promote sustainable food careers for underrepresented groups.
- Company: Join Sustain, a powerful alliance for better food and farming.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in promoting diversity and inclusion in the sustainable food sector.
- Qualifications: Passion for social justice and experience in community engagement.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 57000 £ per year.
Organisation: Sustain – The alliance for better food and farming
Salary: £50,099 full-time pro rata (0.8 FTE). This is a pay level 6 salary. Salary increases annually in April according to Sustain’s payscale and progression, subject to satisfactory performance. Sustain matches pension contributions up to 5% of gross salary.
Hours: 0.8 Full Time Equivalent (4 days per week)
Location: Office-based in Cambridge Heath, London; travel within London and the UK likely. Hybrid working from home up to half of working hours on request and subject to agreement after a three-month probation.
Position type: Fixed term (until September 2025). Secondments may be considered; please email to discuss.
Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave based on 0.8 FTE (comprising 16 days Basic Annual Leave + pro rata of public holidays + office closures), rising annually by 2 days up to a maximum of 29 days.
Closing date: 10am, Monday 29 July 2024
Website: www.sustainweb.org
Contact: recruitment@sustainweb.org
Equal opportunities: Sustain is committed to being a welcoming and inclusive employer, including recruiting for diversity.
Right to Work: Entitlement to work in the UK. Sustain cannot assist with work permits or employ people living or working outside the UK.
Other details: Cycle to Work scheme available on salary sacrifice basis.
About Sustain: Sustain is a powerful alliance bringing together around 100 organisations nationally – and hundreds more at local and regional level. We believe everyone should have access to healthy and sustainably produced food that supports nature-friendly farmers and fishers, and protects people, animals and planet. We run campaigns, advocacy, networks and projects to catalyse permanent changes in policy and practice and to equip communities with change-making skills.
About this role: The Diversity Outreach Coordinator aims to build better opportunities, connections and allyship across the Sustain alliance and beyond to address racial injustice and lack of inclusion and diversity within the sustainable food and farming sector. The key objectives for the Diversity Outreach Maternity Cover role are:
- Supporting the internal DEI and anti-racism work of Sustain, with links to internal commitments and the coordination of project and campaigns.
- Building understanding, momentum and skills within Sustain and among alliance members and allies on diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism; co-convening a food and racial justice working group; hosting training/events; developing resources.
- Promoting careers in the sustainable food and farming movement, focusing on ethnically diverse groups; expanding Roots to Work platform work and engaging higher education sectors with workshops and opportunities.
Tasks and responsibilities: The Diversity Outreach Officer works with Sustain’s senior leadership, colleagues, alliance members and target audiences. The main tasks and responsibilities are:
- Support the organisation’s diversity work
- Collaborate with the CEO and Head of HR and Operations to ensure internal efforts reflect racial justice commitments and progress practical indicators of diversity and inclusion (e.g., annual The RACE Report actions)
- Attend and support planning of Core Diversity Group meetings; lead relevant work areas
- Advise project and campaign leads on embedding racial justice and diversity
- Support the Colleagues of Colour group
- Build understanding, momentum and skills among Sustain alliance members and allies
- Co-convene a food and racial justice network with Eating Better alliance; act on meeting outcomes
- Coordinate a food and racial justice symposium (Spring/Summer 2025) for 50+ participants
- Deliver a programme of support to alliance members to progress racial equity, diversity and inclusion; this includes online training, external facilitators, resources, peer sessions, and limited one-to-one support
- Develop an online hub for shared learning and insights across the sector
- Lead communications work (newsletter, presentations, blogs, briefings, social media)
- Diversity outreach with young adults and new entrants; deliver workshops on sustainable food careers in higher education and other organisations
- Build relationships with higher education and local authorities to engage younger audiences
- Organise and promote external speakers from diverse backgrounds for youth and new entrants
- Develop and promote Sustain’s Roots to Work jobs site across channels
- Lead on developing work experience and/or paid internship opportunities; include fundraising as needed
- Diversity outreach with organisers and organisations to involve underrepresented groups in Sustain’s projects and campaigns
- Explore new areas of support or projects for key groups
Other tasks and responsibilities: The Diversity Outreach Coordinator will also:
- Maintain excellent financial records, contact databases and mailing lists in line with data protection and for payments
- Lead monitoring and evaluation of this work and report progress
- Report to Sustain and funders; provide information, contacts and evaluation to enable development
- Undertake other tasks as needed
Personal specification: Sustain seeks a well-organised, personable individual who works well in a team and can build positive relationships. We especially encourage applications from Black people and people of colour, and those with lived experience of racial diversity issues.
Essential:
- Interest/experience in social justice; healthy and sustainable food and farming; human health; climate and nature
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and racial justice; ability to speak on relevant issues
- Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders to progress shared initiatives
- Experience delivering workshops and public speaking
- Experience organising online/in-person meetings and events with understanding of effective formats
- Experience developing partnerships to attract funding or support
- Highly organised with strong diary/data management and deadlines
- Ability to work independently with initiative and motivation
- Adaptable, positive problem-solving
- Clear written and spoken English; ability to adapt to new tools and content creation
- Able to start work at end of September 2024
Desirable:
- Lived experience of racial diversity issues
- Interest in sustainable food and farming
- Experience in diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism in charity or social enterprise
- Experience running a working group and following up actions
- Experience writing newsletters and social media content or willingness to learn (e.g., Mailchimp, Canva, social platforms)
- Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and learning
- Experience managing contact databases in compliance with data protection
- Willingness to line-manage others
- Experience leading outreach and partnership/funding initiatives for social/environmental causes
- Experience administering budgets, invoices and financial records
Diversity: The appointed person will contribute to Sustain’s inclusive culture and commitment to equality and diversity. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.
Sustain participates in Ethnicity Confident and Disability Confident schemes. Applicants meeting essential criteria and indicating interest in these schemes will have enhanced chances for first-stage interviews.
Sustain welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, class, socio-economic background, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and/or belief. Flexible working is considered at hire. We particularly encourage applications from Black people and people of colour, and people with disabilities.
Improving your chance of success: Guidance for applicants is available from Sustain on how to present a strong cover letter and understand the recruitment process. See here.
Diversity Outreach Coordinator (Maternity Cover) employer: Sustain
Contact Detail:
Sustain Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Diversity Outreach Coordinator (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sustainable food and farming sector, especially those involved with diversity initiatives. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself – you never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for diversity and inclusion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your thoughts on how to improve these areas within their organisation. This will not only showcase your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Sustain’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to reflect how your skills align with their mission. We want to see that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the important work we do in promoting diversity and sustainability.
We think you need these skills to ace Diversity Outreach Coordinator (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the Diversity Outreach Coordinator role. Highlight your passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how your experiences align with Sustain's mission. We want to see your personality shine through!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate directly to the tasks and responsibilities listed in the job description. Whether it's organising events or engaging with diverse stakeholders, we want to know how you've made an impact in similar roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised during the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sustain
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Sustain's mission and values. Understand their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these principles. This shows genuine interest and preparation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in engaging diverse stakeholders and delivering impactful workshops. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about Sustain’s current projects or future goals related to diversity outreach. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way. Share your personal journey and passion for social justice and sustainable food. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level and highlight your commitment to the role.