At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community engagement initiatives and foster relationships with stakeholders.
- Company: Independent non-profit focused on impactful community engagement for infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: £90,000 salary, 30 days annual leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Remote role with travel to Heathrow area; diverse candidates encouraged to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in community engagement and influence major infrastructure decisions.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 € per year.
Location: Remote, with travel to meetings in the Heathrow area 23 times per week (maximum 90-minute commute)
Salary: £90,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time (secondment considered)
Annual Leave: 30 days per annum
Closing Date: 6 March 2026
The Organisation
An independent, non-profit body has been established to provide objective scrutiny and community engagement in relation to a major UK infrastructure project. The organisation supports and engages communities and stakeholders impacted by airport expansion and associated development proposals. The organisation is now building enhanced capability to strengthen independent community engagement as the project progresses through key statutory planning stages. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities served.
The Opportunity
This is a rare and influential leadership opportunity for a senior professional who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery and is motivated by public value and social impact. As Director of the Community Engagement Board, you will establish, lead and sustain an effective and credible Board. Working closely with the Chair, you will shape strategic direction, oversee delivery of the agreed work programme, and ensure the Board operates independently, transparently and with authority. You will play a central role in fostering trusted relationships between communities, public bodies and project promoters ensuring that engagement is meaningful, evidence-based and impactful.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Work Programme Development
- Support the Chair and Board to develop and refine a clear, focused work programme
- Ensure alignment with community priorities, statutory processes and project timelines
- Maintain clarity of purpose, scope and measurable outcomes
- Delivery & Execution
- Accountable for delivery of the agreed work programme
- Translate strategy into practical plans, actions and deliverables
- Monitor progress and adapt to emerging issues and stakeholder feedback
- Personally contribute to high-quality outputs including consultation responses, policy briefings and research notes
- Influence & Organisational Capability
- Provide policy-influencing leadership, ensuring community insight informs decision-making processes
- Strengthen engagement and influencing capability across formal consultation processes
- Ensure outputs are credible, timely, evidence-based and accessible
- Representation & Senior Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a senior public representative of the Community Engagement Board
- Build strong working relationships with senior stakeholders including project promoters, local authorities, government bodies, airlines, businesses and residents
- Represent the Board confidently in high-level forums and public settings
- Establishment & Governance
- Lead the establishment and ongoing development of the Board, including recruitment of members and engagement of expert advisers
- Ensure robust governance arrangements and effective board operations
- Support the Chair and members to operate collectively and independently
- Uphold transparency, accountability and integrity
- Act as Deputy Chair and oversee the Board's secretariat
- People Management
- Line manage a small team supporting the Board
- Set objectives and foster a collaborative, flexible and high-performing culture
- Ensure contractors and specialists deliver quality work to time and budget
Essential Criteria
- Senior Leadership Experience
- Significant experience in a senior leadership role within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
- Demonstrable experience delivering high-profile, multi-agency programmes
- Sound judgement and resilience in contested or ambiguous environments
- Credibility & Representation
- Ability to engage confidently with senior executives, public sector leaders and community representatives
- Excellent communication, influencing and public presentation skills
- Skilled in balancing challenge with constructive relationship-building
- Policy & Engagement Expertise
- Experience operating within and influencing public policy environments
- Strong understanding of consultation and stakeholder engagement processes
- Governance Experience
- Experience leading or supporting boards, partnerships or advisory bodies
- Strong understanding of governance, accountability and effective board practice
- People Management
- Proven experience leading and managing teams
- Ability to build capability and drive performance
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of major infrastructure projects and nationally significant planning processes
- Familiarity with local government and statutory consultation procedures
- Experience working in politically sensitive or highly scrutinised contexts
- Strong background in community or stakeholder engagement
Values & Approach
- Strong commitment to delivering social value
- Dedication to independence, transparency and meaningful engagement
- Respect for community perspectives and lived experience
Inclusion & Accessibility
The organisation is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Adjustments can be made at any stage of the application process. Flexible working arrangements will be considered for the right candidate.
Director Community Engagement Board in London employer: Warwick Recruit Ltd
As a leading independent non-profit organisation, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of transparency, inclusivity, and community engagement. Our commitment to social impact is reflected in our supportive work environment, where employees are encouraged to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in the lives of communities affected by major infrastructure projects. With flexible working arrangements and a focus on collaboration, we offer a unique opportunity for passionate individuals to lead impactful initiatives from the comfort of their own homes, with occasional travel to the Heathrow area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Community Engagement Board in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its community engagement initiatives. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine, so practice answering common questions and have some thoughtful queries ready to show your interest!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest opportunities listed there, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and updates!
We think you need these skills to ace Director Community Engagement Board in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director Community Engagement Board role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it relates to community engagement and stakeholder management.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the tangible outcomes you've achieved. Use metrics or examples to illustrate how your strategic thinking and practical delivery have made a difference in previous projects or organisations.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see your passion for community engagement and social impact. Share your motivations and what drives you to apply for this role, as authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application is received directly by us and allows you to easily track your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Warwick Recruit Ltd
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the communities impacted by the project. Familiarise yourself with their concerns and priorities. This will not only show your commitment but also help you articulate how you can effectively engage and represent them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership experience in complex environments. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led multi-agency programmes and navigated contested situations. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and drive performance within teams.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios involving senior stakeholders, local authorities, and community representatives. Prepare to discuss how you would build relationships and influence decision-making processes. Demonstrating your strategic thinking in these contexts will be key.
✨Emphasise Governance Knowledge
Since governance is a crucial aspect of this role, brush up on your understanding of effective board practices. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure transparency and accountability within the Board, and how you would support its ongoing development.
