Governance and Communications Manager

Company Overview

The Dulwich Estate is a registered charity. We are stewards of a unique neighbourhood and 1,500 acres of land. Our day to day work involves looking after the Estate, preserving the character of a unique place in southeast London. We invest income from the land and property we own to enable education for young people, provide homes for the elderly in Dulwich Almshouse, look after Christ's Chapel in Dulwich and maintain the vibrant neighbourhoods. We provide funding to seven outstanding schools, in Dulwich, Orpington and east and central London, either directly or through foundation trusts.

Role Summary

The post holder is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of all Governance processes which will include regular communication and engagement with and briefing of The Board of Trustees and all Board processes and events. Additionally the post holder will provide content and communications support to the Head of External Relations and PA support to the Chief Executive. This is an important role requiring good interpersonal skills, attention to detail, the ability to work with senior colleagues, and good project management. 

Key Responsibilities

Governance

Manage the Board and Committee meeting cycle and process, including collating detailed agendas ahead of quarterly Board and Finance Committee meetings; ensuring timely engagement of Trustees,  creating agendas, preparing Chair’s notes for the Board meetings and recording Board Meeting and Finance Committee meeting minutes in accordance with governance best practice, ensuring Trustees’ SharePoint records of all Committees and Board meetings are up to date

Manage the Estate’s Trustee onboarding and offboarding process, including records management, Charity Commission updates, annual declarations of interest and any improvements to the current process

Prepare Charity Commission annual returns for all entities for  sign off by the Director of Finance and Chief Executive and file once approved

Co-ordinate the Trustee and Beneficiary events calendar (Board meetings and annual corporate events) and leading the organisation and event management of these and other events

Support the Chief Executive, Director of Property, Director of Finance and Head of External Relations in the drafting and dissemination of communications to Trustees and Beneficiaries

Serve as a key point of contact for Trustees, Beneficiaries and other key stakeholders providing timely and accurate information on governance matters

Ensure the latest approved  copies of  employment policies, procedures, and staff handbook are on the Intranet

Review and update trustee policies and Handbook and ensure the latest approved copies are on the Intranet

Provide PA support to the Chief Executive as required from time to time

Support the Chief Executive in the delivery of governance projects

Communications

Work with the Head of External Relations on the development and implementation of communication content to build and protect the Estate’s reputation

Work with the Head of External Relations to create engaging content for various communication channels, including newsletters, intranet, social media, and presentations

Monitor and analyse communication metrics to measure effectiveness and identify areas for improvement

Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging issues related to governance and corporate communications

Person Specification

Educated to degree level or equivalent or proven experience in a previous role

Previous experience in governance, events management or related area would be desirable

Relevant governance or company secretary questions would be desirable

Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely

Attention to detail and accuracy

Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills

Ability to work independently

Flexibility to attend board meetings on a weekend

Right to work in the UK

To Apply

Don’t meet every requirement? Although the role has an overlap between governance and communications and is listed as full-time, if you have skills in either area and if you are looking for flexible working, we still encourage you to apply.

Please send your CV and covering letter to jobs@thedulwichestate.org.uk by 12 August 2024.

The recruitment process will include an initial Teams call followed by an in-person competency based interview.