Director Community Engagement Board

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Director Community Engagement Board
Location: Remote, with travel to meetings in the Heathrow area 23 times per week (maximum 90-minute commute)
Salary: £90,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time (secondment considered)
Annual Leave: 30 days per annum
Closing Date: 6 March 2026
The Organisation
An independent, non-profit body has been established to provide objective scrutiny and community engagement in relation to a major UK infrastructure project. The organisation supports and engages communities and stakeholders impacted by airport expansion and associated development proposals.
The organisation is now building enhanced capability to strengthen independent community engagement as the project progresses through key statutory planning stages.
Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities served.
The Opportunity
This is a rare and influential leadership opportunity for a senior professional who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery and is motivated by public value and social impact.
As Director of the Community Engagement Board, you will establish, lead and sustain an effective and credible Board. Working closely with the Chair, you will shape strategic direction, oversee delivery of the agreed work programme, and ensure the Board operates independently, transparently and with authority.
You will play a central role in fostering trusted relationships between communities, public bodies and project promoters ensuring that engagement is meaningful, evidence-based and impactful.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Work Programme Development
Support the Chair and Board to develop and refine a clear, focused work programme
Ensure alignment with community priorities, statutory processes and project timelines
Maintain clarity of purpose, scope and measurable outcomes
Delivery & Execution
Accountable for delivery of the agreed work programme
Translate strategy into practical plans, actions and deliverables
Monitor progress and adapt to emerging issues and stakeholder feedback
Personally contribute to high-quality outputs including consultation responses, policy briefings and research notes
Influence & Organisational Capability
Provide policy-influencing leadership, ensuring community insight informs decision-making processes
Strengthen engagement and influencing capability across formal consultation processes
Ensure outputs are credible, timely, evidence-based and accessible
Representation & Senior Stakeholder Engagement
Act as a senior public representative of the Community Engagement Board
Build strong working relationships with senior stakeholders including project promoters, local authorities, government bodies, airlines, businesses and residents
Represent the Board confidently in high-level forums and public settings
Establishment & Governance
Lead the establishment and ongoing development of the Board, including recruitment of members and engagement of expert advisers
Ensure robust governance arrangements and effective board operations
Support the Chair and members to operate collectively and independently
Uphold transparency, accountability and integrity
Act as Deputy Chair and oversee the Boards secretariat
People Management
Line manage a small team supporting the Board
Set objectives and foster a collaborative, flexible and high-performing culture
Ensure contractors and specialists deliver quality work to time and budget
Essential Criteria
Senior Leadership Experience
Significant experience in a senior leadership role within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
Demonstrable experience delivering high-profile, multi-agency programmes
Sound judgement and resilience in contested or ambiguous environments
Credibility & Representation
Ability to engage confidently with senior executives, public sector leaders and community representatives
Excellent communication, influencing and public presentation skills
Skilled in balancing challenge with constructive relationship-building
Policy & Engagement Expertise
Experience operating within and influencing public policy environments
Strong understanding of consultation and stakeholder engagement processes
Governance Experience
Experience leading or supporting boards, partnerships or advisory bodies
Strong understanding of governance, accountability and effective board practice
People Management
Proven experience leading and managing teams
Ability to build capability and drive performance
Desirable Criteria
Experience of major infrastructure projects and nationally significant planning processes
Familiarity with local government and statutory consultation procedures
Experience working in politically sensitive or highly scrutinised contexts
Strong background in community or stakeholder engagement
Values & Approach
Strong commitment to delivering social value
Dedication to independence, transparency and meaningful engagement
Respect for community perspectives and lived experience
Inclusion & Accessibility
The organisation is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Adjustments can be made at any stage of the application process.
Flexible working arrangements will be considered for the right candidate.

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Location:
Hounslow
Salary:
£90,000
Job Type:
FullTime
Category:
Management

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