Head of Engagement and Communications
Accountable to: Co-CEO
Team: Engagement – Communications and Events
Line Management Responsibility: Events Manager (as well as managing third party contractors and secondees as required and appropriate)
Package: £53-60k per annum + 30 days paid holiday per annum (pro rata), and Pension Scheme with 10% employer contribution
Location: City of London, Moorgate (hybrid working model: 60% office, 40% remote)
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week (part time options considered)
Start date: March 2024
Duration: Parental leave cover (approximately 9-10 months)
About the Impact Investing Institute
The Impact Investing Institute is an independent, non-profit organisation working to transform capital markets so they support a fairer, greener, more resilient future. We see impact investing as an effective way to achieve that transformation and so we work to accelerate the field, both in the UK and globally.
Through our Challenge Lab, we come up with innovative solutions that help private finance better address societal challenges like preventative health, left-behind neighbourhoods, and a fair transition to net zero. Via our Field Building, we implement impact investing insights and know-how across financial services through applied research, like guides, training, networks and communities of practice. We also engage and seek to influence policymakers and regulators to create an enabling environment where impact investing can thrive, both in the UK and globally.
We have a wide, global network across financial services, social investment, businesses, government and regulators. Our work is rooted in collaborative partnership and co-creation: we take existing expertise as our starting point and facilitate interactions and partnerships which catalyse fresh thinking and solutions.
The role
The Head of Engagement and Communications plays a pivotal role in advancing the Institute’s mission to transform capital markets, so they support a fairer, greener, more resilient future. This senior position combines strategic leadership of external communications with direction of our flagship programme on reimagining investment narratives, supported by the Sorenson Impact Foundation. The role requires sophisticated stakeholder management, understanding of finance and investment, and the ability to craft compelling narratives that challenge traditional investment paradigms.
Working across the team and in close partnership with the Co-CEOs, the Board and the Advisory Council, made up by senior leaders from the financial services industry, foundations and other civic society organisations, the position holder will shape and execute strategies that position the Institute at the forefront of the impact investing movement. This role is fundamental to delivering our ambitious five-year strategy, driving systemic change through strategic communications and thought leadership.
A successful candidate will be able and willing to operate on both a strategic level as well on a practical level delivering tangible results on a day-to-day project management basis. They will be part of a small hands-on team that works closely together to achieve the Institute’s mission.
Key responsibilities & skills development opportunities:
Strategic leadership
- Execute the Institute’s communication and engagement strategy that advances our mission to accelerate the field of impact investing, both in the UK and globally including overseeing the events programme and line management responsibilities for the Events Manager.
- Lead the flagship programme on changing investment narratives, including research activities and analysis, stakeholder engagement with investors and other capital market actors, developing content and practical solutions to encourage new investment approaches focused on benefiting people and the planet, and measuring the programme’s impact.
- Foster a culture of strategic communication and engagement across the wider team, through close collaboration, direction and mentoring, and provision of tools.
- Manage programme budgets and resources, including funding relationships and contracts with external providers of subscriptions and digital services.
- Work with the team and the Board to navigate complex policy landscapes and manage reputational considerations.
Content strategy and thought leadership
- Drive the strategic positioning of the Institute through sophisticated narrative development and content creation including promoting the Institute’s programmatic work and publications to influence action from relevant stakeholders (e.g. investors, policymakers, financial regulators). Oversee and manage the production of influential research publications and thought leadership pieces that challenge conventional investment approaches.
- Lead the development of compelling frameworks and methodologies for measuring and communicating impact (e.g. key metrics for determining success of digital content, thought leadership, press engagement).
- Guide the evolution of the Institute’s digital presence, delivering an action plan from a recent digital performance review across the Institute’s website, social media, newsletter, and search engines.
- Ensure all communications effectively articulate the interconnections between investment and positive social and environmental impact.
Stakeholder engagement and partnership development
- Build and nurture strategic relationships with key stakeholders across the impact investing as well as wider investment and policy ecosystems including financial services firms, charitable foundations, family offices, investment consultants, and other non-profit organisations working in this space.
- Represent the Institute at high-level forums and lead engagement with senior industry figures.
- Oversee media relations to enhance the Institute’s voice in discussions shaping the future of capital markets including policy developments by responding to press queries, maintaining key relationships with journalists and offering comments when appropriate.
- Lead collaborative initiatives with the Board, Advisory Council, and other influential stakeholders.
Personal profile
- Experience working in a small, agile, fast-paced team: willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in to get big goals delivered.
- Proven understanding of the finance sector and the evolving landscape of sustainable and impact investing.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences.
- Outstanding strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
- Proven track record in developing and executing innovative communication strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to lead programmes and work in a highly collaborative way.
- Commitment to the Institute’s mission of transforming capital markets for a fairer, greener, more resilient future .
The successful candidate will join at an exciting time of organisational growth and will play a crucial role in shaping the future of impact investing through strategic communications and thought leadership.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted via BeApplied. We are committed to equal opportunities, and the initial screening stage will be based on your responses to role-specific questions (250 words limit). These responses will be reviewed anonymously and randomly, so please take the time to answer fully.
Important Notes:
- The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment.
- The Impact Investing Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all sections of society and do not discriminate based on gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race. (Note to applicants: DIE information submitted in the application is anonymous and helps us to ensure our roles are reaching a wide pool of candidates.)
- Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process.
- When submitting your application, you will be required to declare that you have not used auto-generation software.
- You can view our policies at https://www.impactinvest.org.uk/our-policies/
If offered the role, you will need to provide: - Proof of your right to work in the UK.
- Two referees, one being a previous line manager or professor. Roles including line management responsibility should include a referee who they previously line managed.
- Details for pre-employment checks, including proof of ID and address.