Job Description

Younger People with Dementia (Berkshire) - more commonly known as YPWD - is a charity based in the county of Berkshire. The aims of the organisation are to support younger people with dementia (that is, people of working age) across the full range of their needs, from support at the time of initial diagnosis to ongoing help with activities and day-to-day living. The needs of younger people are in many ways different from the needs of older people who develop dementia, and there is little or no direct support for them within the statutory services.

This post will help us meet our core objective, to provide meaningful activity to those with young onset dementia. The post holder will work closely alongside existing services who offer a range of services to this client group.

JOB PURPOSE

To be a motivational leader who is strategic, collaborative, innovative and ambassadorial. You will build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, funders and commercial partners but also be  hands on, comfortably leading from the front and importantly, taking your team and the Trustees with you.  You will develop and strengthen our current service model to improve the lives of those living with young onset dementia within Berkshire.

THE ROLE

Job Purpose

• To ensure the long term viability of the charity.

• To ensure the smooth running of the charity.

• To network and promote the charity to outside bodies.

• To identify and secure funding streams.

• To identify and introduce new ideas and evidence based or innovative practice.

• To work closely with Trustees to achieve the above.

• To undertake key project work as agreed with Trustees.

Scope

• To prepare a strategic plan and annual budget in liaison with Trustees.

• To ensure the charity operates with reference to the strategy and within budget.

• To develop and deliver a business plan reflecting the strategy and to establish key indicators with relation to the charity’s impact and financial health.

• To ensure the charity fulfils its legal, statutory and regulatory responsibilities, maintaining an awareness of risks and changes in the external environment that might affect the charity.

• To build effective relationships with the media, politicians and government officials, in partnership with Trustees.

• To make presentations and draft papers concerning the work of the charity, representing the charity at key conferences or meetings.

• To be the prime link with the media.

• To lead on identifying and accessing income generation opportunities.

• To provide regular reports and updates to the Trustee’s meeting.

• To supervise the Service Delivery Manager and Office Manager and agree and evaluate annual work targets.

• To supervise the Project Lead and agree timescales for work.

• To supervise the Clinical Director and agree timescales for work.

Key skills

Leadership skills: You will be able to motivate staff and volunteers, demonstrating personal drive and energy to achieve this.

Advocacy skills: You will be the public and private face of the organisation and need to be able to effectively promote its aims.

Excellent interpersonal skills: You will be expected to build relationships with a variety of people, from beneficiaries and staff members to senior corporate executives and opinion formers.

Financial acumen: You will set, agree with Trustees and operate a budget and, increasingly, develop activities that provide a surplus for the organisation.

Relevant experience

Experience in senior management or organisational leadership is essential. A unique feature of the role is the need to work closely with the trustee board, so any experience of working with committees or boards is advantageous. Experience of working in the dementia sector is helpful but not essential.

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to developing practice in self and others.

• Being prepared to work flexibly to meet the needs of customers and the organisation.

• Able to travel throughout the Berkshire area.

• Self-motivation and a strong initiative.

• Problem solving skills.