At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Ramblers in Sussex, overseeing activities and campaigning for open footpaths.
- Company: Join Britain's largest walking community with over 3000 members in Sussex.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while enjoying a vibrant community and leadership experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to engage with local authorities and stakeholders.
- Why this job: Shape the future of walking in Sussex and inspire others to join the cause.
- Qualifications: Three years of leadership experience and strong public speaking skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
The Ramblers are Britain's biggest and most vibrant walking community with over 3000 members in Sussex. The Area Chair oversees all activities of the Ramblers across Sussex and delivers the Ramblers' vision for the Area. Sussex is one of around 60 Ramblers' Areas in the UK which campaign to keep our footpaths open to all and fight for the things that matter most to walkers, as well as coordinating the Groups (8 in Sussex) through which organised walks are provided.
The Chair leads the Area Executive Committee and Area Council in driving the campaigning activity, supporting the Groups to run well, ensuring that Ramblers' national policies and procedures are followed by the Area and Groups, and overseeing the Area's working relationship with local authorities, politicians, and other stakeholders.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about walking and keeping the footpath network across East and West Sussex open for everybody to enjoy. You will need to be committed to leading the activities of the Ramblers across the Area; able to represent the Area effectively in interactions with a range of stakeholders, both inside and outside the Ramblers; and capable of leading and coordinating teams of people with a variety of different skill sets.
The Area Chair also has a key responsibility for the recruitment and retention of Area Officers. This is a core leadership role which will shape the profile and activities of the Ramblers across East and West Sussex, ensure delivery of our campaigning goals, and support the Groups in running well, following best practice and joining in national and Area initiatives of the Ramblers.
You should have not less than three years' experience of leading or managing multifunctional teams and applying sound governance to ensure delivery to consistent standards. You will need to be a confident and fluent public speaker able to advocate for the campaigning work of Sussex Area Ramblers opposite both internal and external audiences and to motivate and inspire others to contribute to the vital work of keeping our footpaths open for all.
You should be comfortable with interpreting organisational policies and advising on the application of those policies to real-life situations.
- People person, able to lead a team with good humour and patience
- Able to understand policies and apply them to real life situations
- Organised, with the ability to develop and manage Area plans
- Diplomatic, with excellent communication skills for developing working relationships with people who may not share Ramblers' aims and objectives
You will need to attend and lead quarterly Executive Committee (held by Zoom) and Area Council (held in Haywards Heath) Meetings and the Area AGM as well as travel as necessary to meetings with Groups, Central Office staff and other stakeholders. The role requires someone who lives in or close to East or West Sussex.
Sussex Area Chair in Brighton employer: THE RAMBLERS
The Ramblers is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture, offering a hybrid working model that allows flexibility while fostering collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the organisation provides opportunities for professional development, including support for pursuing CIPD qualifications, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role. Located in vibrant cities like London, Cardiff, and Edinburgh, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that values diversity and empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to the mission of promoting walking for everyone.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sussex Area Chair in Brighton
✨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 Sussex Area Chair in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like THE RAMBLERS, 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 THE RAMBLERS.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE RAMBLERS
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of THE RAMBLERS 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!
