Description:
Job Summary: The Head of Innovation and Development will lead cross-functional initiatives across the FIT organisation with vision, passion, and empathy. This role involves serving as the strategic driver of the financial support structure, ensuring a steady stream of resources for FIT’s broader initiatives and growth. The successful candidate will maintain strong relationships with funders at local, regional, and national levels, as well as with key stakeholders and partners.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet FIT's financial goals in consultation with the CEO and SMT.
- Pursue and develop substantial project/funding partnerships supporting FIT Diversity and Inclusion priorities.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors, sponsors, and philanthropic organisations.
- Design and develop programme structures to deliver successful diversity, inclusion, and circular economy initiatives.
- Allocate budgetary resources effectively to support programme operations and activities.
- Oversee the recruitment, engagement, and supervision of allocated staff.
- Report to the CEO and SMT on the day-to-day operations of these programmes.
- Develop evaluation frameworks and methodologies to assess programme outcomes and impact.
- Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Provide leadership support, advice, and mentoring to the Tech Apprentice Employer Recruitment Team.
- Manage the feedback and evaluation process from multiple FIT funding partnerships and external stakeholders.
- Lead by example by demonstrating behaviours consistent with FIT’s mission and values.
Key Skills and Attributes:
- Leadership and Vision: Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives with vision, passion, and empathy.
- Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic planning skills to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies.
- Relationship Management: Excellent skills in cultivating and maintaining relationships with key donors, sponsors, and philanthropic organisations.
- Programme Management: Proficiency in designing and developing programme structures, allocating budgetary resources, and overseeing recruitment and supervision of staff.
- Risk Management: Skills in identifying potential risks, developing mitigation strategies, and addressing issues promptly.
- Communication: Strong communication skills to manage stakeholder engagement, direct digital marketing activities, and promote FIT’s mission and goals.
Key Requirements:
- Experience: Proven experience in a leadership role within innovation and development, preferably within the charity/NGO sector.
- Education: A third-level qualification in a relevant discipline such as business administration, management, or a related field.
- Fundraising: Demonstrated success in developing and implementing fundraising strategies and securing substantial project/funding partnerships.
- Programme Management: Experience in managing and delivering successful programmes, including budget allocation and staff supervision.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to engage with and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, donors, and partners.
- Organisational Skills: Strong organisational skills to manage multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables effectively.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate FIT’s mission and goals and engage with various stakeholders.
- Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to identify and address potential risks and challenges.
- Team Leadership: Ability to lead and mentor a team, providing guidance, support, and development opportunities.
- Experience of working at a senior level supporting CEO and Board.