Volunteer: Strategic Planning Associate in England

Bridging Beyond is dedicated to fostering empathy, understanding, and unity across diverse communities. Our programmes range from interactive workshops that bridge divides to strategic initiatives that guide the organisation toward sustainable, high-impact growth. Ensuring we have a clear, mission-aligned plan helps us remain agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the communities we serve. By contributing to our strategic planning, you will play a key part in shaping our long-term success.

As a Strategic Planning Associate, you will:

• Assist Trustees in Developing Organisational Strategies: Conduct research and gather insights to inform decisions, ensuring plans reflect both current and future opportunities for Bridging Beyond.
• Coordinate and Schedule Initiatives: Help organise timelines, resources, and key milestones so strategies can move from concept to practical implementation.
• Facilitate Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with trustees and other volunteers, aligning different perspectives and skill sets to create cohesive plans.
• Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Regularly review strategic activities, analysing data and feedback to gauge success and propose improvements.

In this role, you will directly contribute to Bridging Beyond's vision and help maintain a clear roadmap for growth, innovation, and deeper community impact.

Personal Attributes:

• Analytical and Solution-Focused: You enjoy dissecting challenges and identifying pathways to sustainable, long-term solutions.
• Collaborative and Inclusive: You value diverse perspectives and recognise that combining different viewpoints can strengthen strategic outcomes.
• Adaptable and Open to Growth: You embrace feedback and remain flexible as strategies evolve or unforeseen challenges arise.
• Mission-Driven: You resonate with Bridging Beyond's goal of fostering unity and reducing division, and you see strategy as a powerful tool to further that cause.

Skills and Experience:

• Strategic or Business Planning: Previous experience (volunteer or professional) in creating, implementing, or refining strategies or business plans.
• Research and Data Interpretation: Comfortable gathering qualitative and quantitative data, then extracting insights to inform strategic decisions.
• Project Management: Experience in organising tasks, timelines, and resources to move initiatives forward effectively.
• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Able to present findings clearly, facilitate discussions, and align multiple stakeholders on shared objectives.
• Basic Technical Proficiency: Familiar with common collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Slack, project management software).

Commitment information:

• Time Commitment: Volunteers are asked to commit to at least six months with Bridging Beyond, dedicating an average of 3-5 hours per week to planning, research, and coordination. Some flexibility is appreciated during high-activity periods (e.g., major strategic review cycles).
• Remote Work: Many tasks can be completed online. A reliable internet connection is essential for participation in virtual collaboration and meetings.
• Online Meetings: Join regular discussions with trustees, project management associates, and project teams, providing updates and coordinating activities.
• Optional In-Person Opportunities: While much of the role can be fulfilled remotely, there may be occasions to attend meetings or events on-site. Reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed according to our policies.

Our vision is to help people live more connected, satisfying, caring lives in community. Our strategy to achieve our bold goals approaches 'bridging' with a scientific point of view. Our methods are rooted in research showing that empathy is a key driver of social cohesion and trust. By fostering active listening, curiosity, and compassionate dialogue, we help individuals and groups challenge biases, reduce conflict, and build bridges across divides.