Development Officer

The Role
Thank you for the interest in this role – it is an exciting one.
You would be joining us at a time where we have recently launched our new identity as the Leadership Skills Foundation alongside a new 5-year ‘Evolve’ strategy, with a number of new initiatives in development.
Having navigated the challenges of the pandemic, the organisation has naturally placed an emphasis in recent years on retaining and sustaining the existing relationships we have with the 2,500+ organisations (centres) that deliver our programmes. Looking ahead, with a new identity for the organisation having launched earlier this year and new programmes and partnerships emerging, this role will now play a significant part in helping us retain our current centres and support them through a process of relationship management. The aim is that through this approach, centres are able to flourish and grow their delivery of leadership programmes within their organisation.
Over the next 5 years, we aim to create an adaptable leadership skill offer that will increase our reach to 200,000 young people annually across primary, secondary and further education, fully establishing the Leadership Skills Foundation as the trusted voice for leadership skills development. This role will play a significant role in making that happen, through supporting our current centres to grow.
Key relationships will be formed with the Head of Business Development, Retention Business Development Manager (line manager) and various colleagues within departmental support teams.
We’re looking for someone with a drive to provide exceptional relationship management, the ability to connect and influence new opportunities and relationships. Previous experience in a relationship management role and knowledge of education systems in the UK are essential.
The role will require a ‘self-starter’ mindset with an attention for detail. They will be driven by a passion to support centres, go the extra mile and possess strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Rob Watson
Business Development Manager
Role summary
Role purpose:
1. Implement the Business Development strategy to support growth, reach and impact of Leadership Skills Foundation programmes.
2. Relationship manage engagement with centres to ensure the registration of our programmes on an annual basis.
3. Responsibility and ownership of management information and relationship management insight relating to centres.
Key responsibilities
1. Deliver sales targets and maximise learner/programme registrations in line with agreed budgets and targets.
2. Deliver on agreed relationship management strategies with centres and customer networks to encourage a retained, continuous and prolonged commitment to the delivery of our programmes across education (primary, secondary, FE) and community sector landscapes.
3. Ensure sales planning, budgeting, a business pipeline, forecasting and phasing exercises are completed on a regular basis.
4. Develop audience specific engagement strategies to grow and maximise learner and programme registration opportunities with current centres and customer networks.
5. Deliver annual engagement activities with centres as agreed in the centre experience operational plan.
6. Develop and nurture new business opportunities annually with key sectors and audiences through campaigns and associated marketing activities.
7. Utilise insight and reporting systems within Creatio Green Awarding Organisation software, alongside Microsoft Office to provide clear analysis relating to programme registrations and performance.
8. Support the recruitment and induction of new staff within the Business Development Team and other departments.
9. To carry out any other duties as requested to support the work of the Leadership Skills Foundation, commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of the post, for which the post holder has the necessary experience and/or training
Skills, experience, and knowledge
Essential
• Previous experience in a customer supporting role, with an emphasis on relationship management and customer experience.
• An understanding of education systems in the UK.
• An understanding of initiating prospect engagement, business development strategies and meeting sales targets.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience of working on own initiative and being a self-starter.
• Confidence in presenting externally to customers and partners.
• Experience of working with sales forecasting tools and Management Information systems.
• Analytical thinking and evaluation skills, with the ability to interpret data and performance metrics to support decision making.
• Ability to present information concisely using Microsoft Office programmes.
• An ability to network, influence and build relationships with key stakeholders and customers.
• An ability to convert external relationships into long standing customers results.
Desired
• Previous experience in a sales environment.
• An understanding and passion for leadership skills development and the value it provides young people and centres.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• An understanding of awarding bodies and their operating landscape.
Recruitment timetable
Closing date for applications: 17th May 2024.
Notify candidates for shortlisting: Week commencing 20th May 2024.
Interviews to be held: 28th, 29th & 30th May 2024.
Start date: ASAP
To Apply
We look forward to your application for the role. To apply, please provide an up-to-date CV and provide a covering letter explaining how your skills and experience help meet the following 3 questions.
1. Why are you applying for this role and what excites you about working for the Leadership Skills Foundation? What skills and attributes can you bring that will make you successful?
2. You will be responsible for ownership of management information and insight relating to Centre retention. How would you ensure you gain and keep accurate information on Centre delivery and what would you use this information for?
3. You are responsible for managing our relationship with a number of delivery Centres. How would you communicate effectively with these customers to ensure they continue to deliver our qualifications and awards? What strategies would you initiate to improve retention?
Applications no later than 17:00 on Friday the 31st May 2024