Bristol Energy Network (BEN):

Partnerships and Development Manager – Job Description

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Hours:Part-time (0.6FTE), 22.5 hours per week
Salary of £29,000- £32,000 (pro rata) dependent on experience.
Location: based at Happy City, Canningford House, 38 Victoria St, Avon, Bristol BS1 6BY
Accountable to: The Board of Directors
Leave: 20 days leave per annum + bank holidays (pro rata)
Pension: Workplace pension
Contract to start ASAP

About Bristol Energy Network

Bristol Energy Network (BEN, ) is an umbrella organisation for all community energy groups in Bristol and the surrounding area. Founded in 2010 by a group of energy professionals and activists, the network was designed to share ideas, information and resources and facilitate closer cooperation and collaboration in projects and events between community groups working on sustainable energy issues. The network is a Community Interest Company (CIC)

BEN currently has two part time members of staff, a Project Development Officer, who supports local community groups and an administrator who manages BEN’s communications and regular open meetings. Volunteers sometimes offer support on particular activities.

Context of the role

The organisation is going through an exciting period of growth and change. In the last three years Bristol Energy Network has attracted funding from Bristol City Council which, along with some small grant funding, has enabled us to extend the reach of the network and develop new initiatives and activity across the city. We’re looking for someone to support our organisation’s sustainable growth at this important time in our development.

Role Summary

Your main objective will be managing our existing partnerships, developing new partnerships and seeking new funding opportunities to improve the sustainability of our organisation. You will work closely with the Project Development Officer and Board of Directors to develop and oversee the strategic direction of the network. This role will also involve leadership, both in being the public face of the Network and in managing the Project Development Officer and Administrator, in a collaborative and inclusive way to guide the direction of the organisation. Whilst the BEN team is small, it’s a close-knit one so you’ll be a team player who can work alongside and support our paid and voluntary team members and the wider network.

Key responsibilities

Development:

  • To work with the Project Development Officer and Board of Directors to oversee the strategic direction of the network.
  • To establish and maintainpositive relationships with new and existing members, external agencies and stakeholders.
  • To actively seek business development opportunities for BEN’s work, both as an organisation working alone and with partner organisations, including through attending meetings, talks and conferences with funders, commissioners and partners.
  • To develop and implement an income generation strategy for BEN, based on income targets set annually by the Board, ensuring income is from diverse sources and with varying timescales, to ensure a steady stream.
  • To prepare funding applications to grant-making trusts and prepare proposals for commissioned work, working alongside the Project Development Officer, Board and Office Administrator.

Promotion of the network

  • To work alongside volunteers to support the activity of the network.To uphold the values and highest ethical standards of the network, particularly the commitment to collaborative and inclusive working across the network.
  • To promote BEN’s work and achievements, including through the preparation of its annual report.
  • To be actively engaged in events and other BEN activities, assisting in project delivery as required to meet the requirements of funders and contract commitments.

Governance and management:

  • To provide support, supervision and management to the Project Development Officer and Office Administrator.
  • To develop and maintain internal procedures for monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance of BEN and its project delivery so that they meet the requirements of contracts, funders and the Board.
  • To keep up to date with relevant information and policies that affect the network.
  • To ensure that BEN’s policies and procedures are regularly updated.
  • To oversee the sound financial management of the organisation, with the support of the administrator and BEN treasurer.
  • To support good governance, attend meetings with the Board and provide regular reports, keeping them fully informed of matters relating to BEN and business development.
  • Generally, to undertake such other duties as may be required by the Board.

Person specification

Essential / Desirable
Education, Vocational Training & Qualifications /
  • Education to degree level, or equivalent relevant qualification, or substantial training and experience in a relevant role
  • Evidence of continuing professional development and training
/ X
X
Experience /
  • Experience of successful income generation from a range of sources.
  • Experience of working in partnership with individuals, organisations and stakeholders
  • Experience of implementing monitoring and evaluation processes
  • Experience of producing regular reports on service delivery, both internally and for funders
  • Experience of working alongside and supporting volunteers
/ X
X
X
X / X
Knowledge & Understanding /
  • Knowledge and understanding of budget management and financial processes
  • Knowledge of policies and procedures and the need to keep these up to date
  • Understanding of sustainable energy and fuel poverty
  • Awareness of existing community energy groups and the Bristol Community Strategy for Energy
  • Local knowledge of organisations, agencies and community groups
/ X
X
X / X
X
Skills & Abilities /
  • Ability to provide leadership
  • Confident and capable communicator both formally and informally to different audiences and in a range of formats including on and off line.
  • Ability to work successfully and co-operatively as a member of a team
  • Ability to work flexibly and manage competing priorities, with a willingness to work outside standard office hours
  • Computer literate including MS Office suite and online platforms and social media sites.
/ X
X
X
X
X
Personal Qualities /
  • Self-motivation and initiative, with the ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team to meet deadlines
  • Enthusiastic, flexible and confident approach to work
  • Commitment to the aims of BEN
  • A commitment to BEN’s equal opportunities policy and the network’s open and collaborative approach
/ X
X
X
X