JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE:Business Development Manager (6 month fixed term contract)

REPORTS TO:CCN Board of Trustees

RESPONSIBLE FOR:No staff directly reporting

SALARY:£28-35,000 p.a.

ANNUAL LEAVE:28 days inc bank holidays

HOURS:37.5 hours per week

LOCATION:Montpelier nursery (Brecknock Rd, N19 5AH) and Sington Nursery (Broomsleigh Street, NW6 1QW); some home-working also possible

BACKGROUND

For more than 35 years CCN has been promoting and delivering a quality programme of affordably priced early years education and care for Camden’s diverse population. We are part of the voluntary sector in Camden and part of Camden Early Years Development & Childcare Partnership. CCN is run by a Board of Trustees made up of 8 parents. At present CCN operates two nurseries which provide 45 full-time places for children from 2-5 years and employ a total of 16 staff. We are proud to offer places for children with high levels of social need, disabilities and children identified as having special educational needs.

The cuts of government grants in the Camden Early Years Services from 2012 onwards will severely affect CCN. A reduction of 50% of public funding sets the challenge to develop sustainable alternative sources of income. At the same time, we are working on improving internal processes and structures to increase the efficiency of CCN’s operations.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To prepare for these funding cuts, CCN secured funding from the Big Fund-administered Transition Fund for a Business Development Manager. The post-holder will be responsible for improving external relationships, securing new funding and developing new income streams (60% of time), and for improving and strengthening internal processes (40%).

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. To strengthen external relationships with support systems in Camden and other partner organisations
  2. To compile and maintain up-to-date information on relevant support structures and external organisations
  3. To research, advise and present options to the Board on the development and resourcing of projects and initiatives that will ensure the future sustainability of CCN
  4. To identify potential funding opportunities and help prepare bid documents and other application materials
  5. To find a new permanent home for Sington nursery (currently housed in temporary accommodation)
  6. To strengthen internal management systems and controls at CCN, including fee collection, occupancy and waiting list management, financial management and controls, staff time planning, and fulfilment of regulatory requirements
  7. To compile a yearly planner of key events for the use of managers and trustees.
  8. To create a handbook of internal processes and policies
  9. To train nursery managers in the use of new systems and procedures developed
  10. To model different options for CCN financial sustainability and present to the Board
  11. To participate in regular (evening) Board meetings, and carry out agreed actions
  12. To represent CCN at meetings with external agencies
  13. To develop the Business Development Manager role within CCN, with a view to fundraising to continue the post

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. The post may involve occasional evening or weekend work, for which Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) can be claimed.
  2. Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated guidance, it is the duty of all staff while at work to take adequate care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
  3. CCN operates a No Smoking policy and all staff are required to comply with this.
  4. The post holder is required to implement CCN’s Equality and Diversity Policy and ensure Equal Opportunities principles are incorporated into the planning, delivery and monitoring of services.
  5. To promote the aims and ethos of CCN.
  6. All staff are required to work within CCN’s policies and procedures, ensuring these are carried out in relation to the job, e.g., Confidentiality, Child Protection
  7. All staff may be asked to undertake other duties and responsibilities as determined by their Line Manager on an occasional basis. The Chair of Trustees is the Line Manager of this post.
  8. This job description reflects the requirements of the post at the time of writing. The needs and circumstances may change over time and therefore the job description may need to be reviewed in the light of any such changes which may occur.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Competencies/ Experience / Essential/ Desirable
Education and qualifications
Good standard of education / D
Business development and partnership working
Track record of successful fundraising / D
Experience working with local authorities / E
Experience of strategy development and operational improvements in small charities / D
Excellent relationship-building skills / E
Track record of involvement in successful change processes / E
Knowledge of relevant agencies and policies in Early Years / D
Management skills and experience
Strong project management skills / E
Experience of managing projects including a budget, and general financial management skills (understanding accounts and financial forecasts) / E
Proven skills in developing training programmes and training others / D
Ability to analyse statistical information and prepare reports for the Board and funders / D
Experience of strategic management, planning and prioritising / D
Special requirements
Proven ability to work independently / E
Ability to work in an environment with few set precedents / E
Ability to work flexibly, with some evening work / E
A creative attitude towards problem-solving / E
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal / E
Familiarity with the Early Years sector / D