Executive Director

Job Description

Job TitleExecutive DirectorAccountable toStopWatch Trustees and Coordinating GroupResponsible forDelivering StopWatchs strategy; managing its finances; fundraising, managing staff; reporting to trustees and funders, representing Stopwatch across a range of forums and media outlets.Contract typePermanentSalaryGBP 45,000 p.a. inclusive of London weighting (subject to annual review)Hours40 hour per week plus occasional out of hours work. We can accommodate flexible workingLocationLondon(under Covid-19 restrictions, this role is currently fully home based)StopWatch is a coalition of academics, lawyers, community stakeholders, activists and young people, which campaigns for fair and accountable policing, particularly in relation to stop and search. Since its inception in 2010, StopWatch has led a wide-ranging campaign challenging the disproportionate use of stop and search against people from black and minority ethnic groups, the increased use of exceptional stop and search powers, and the weakening of accountability mechanisms. Collectively, we have carried out and commissioned research, written reports and submitted evidence to various commissions and inquiries; organised seminars and presented papers at conferences; participated in consultations, sat on boards and committees, lobbied politicians and attended parliamentary events; supported legal challenges and signposted people to lawyers for legal advice; organised public hearings, supported young people and those impacted by stop and search to participate in policy discussions; produced factsheets and guides, designed and delivered training; written blogs, placed stories in national newspapers, spoken on the radio and appeared on television; made films, developed an app; organised a dance flashmob and produced a play.We are a small organization, with an ethos that values collaboration and using the skills and passions of our staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters to work together to drive positive change around policing. We obtained charitable status in 2015. We are seeking a new Executive Director who will drive our work forward at a time when, following increases in our funding over the past year, we are in a position to significantly expand both our staff and our range of activities. The post therefore offers an opportunity to lead and shape these exciting developments in our work.We are looking for someone with the drive and experience to facilitate a step-change in the sustainable growth of an innovative, high-impact charity. As Executive Director, you will be responsible for leading on StopWatchs financial and strategy planning, HR processes, and developing our infrastructure to keep pace with our ambitions for growth. Through inspiring leadership, you will ensure StopWatch can grow our team, remain a fantastic place to work, and extend our reach through new campaigns, projects, partnerships that deliver change. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated and creative person. You will need to demonstrate energy and teamwork, a track record of strategic leadership, project delivery, NGO-governance, and a passion for social justice and equitable policing.We are especially keen to hear from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds or with lived experience of policing.Key responsibilitiesStrategy and governanceIn conjunction with the Trustee Board, to further develop and maintain the overall strategy and business plan for StopWatch, taking account of key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and setting out goals, objectives and financial plans both in the short and longer term.In conjunction with the Trustee Board, to develop and maintain a risk assessment register for StopWatch taking account of relevant statutory/regulatory/financial obligations and frameworks, including those relating to its charitable status.To agree a plan for and coordinate regular reporting to the Trustee Board, and through them to funders and other external bodies, on all activities of the organisation, including any exceptional activities which may have legal/regulatory, financial or other implications for its reputation and continued operations.Financial management and fundraising Accountable to the Trustee Board for the overall financial health of the organisation, including ensuring that new funding opportunities are pursued. Proactively identify and connect with funders with a focus on building long-term trust relationships and, working with Trustees and other staff, contribute to the preparation of funding bids and campaign. In conjunction with the Treasurer and Finance Committee, to oversee budgets, expenditure and management accounts ensuring income and expenditure is within business plan targets and spending authorisation limits. Procure competitive bids for services and goods with appropriate financial agreements whilst ensuring transparency.Leadership and co-ordination Provide leadership to the organisation and take responsibility for overseeing the effective delivery and co-ordination of all its projects and activities within the strategic and accountability frameworks established by the Trustee Board. Manage StopWatchs staff and volunteers, ensuring a supportive culture in which they can feel comfortable and motivated in their work and in their personal/career development. Ensure that all StopWatchs policies and procedures are adhered to and that all work and communication is conducted in accordance with StopWatchs culture, values, aims, objectives and charitable status.Advocacy and Communications Contribute to the development of an advocacy and communication strategy to advance StopWatchs objectives and priorities and its policies and campaigns. Contribute to and oversee the production of high-quality, persuasive content on relevant policy developments, including in response to consultation exercises from Parliament, central and local government, and policing bodies. Act as a spokesperson for StopWatch, taking part in broadcast and print interviews; writing articles, press releases, news stories, blogs and other contributions to social media; and representing the organisation at events, while also overseeing and supporting other staff contributions to these activities. To contribute to the development of creative ways to communicate with, engage and empower the public, in particular young people and others most affected by stop and search, to advocate for and support fair and accountable policing. Build strategic partnerships with other NGOs, grass roots groups, academics, policy-makers and others.Person SpecificationQualifications Educated to Masters degree level or suitable work experience.Proven experience Strong people management experience, experience of successfully engaging with staff, volunteers and Boards and with evidenced interest in HR. Solid financial management experience, with proven success in fundraising and building/managing relationships with funders and financial repor