***THIS JOB VACANCY HAS NOW CLOSED***
£37357 – £39323 from 1 Jan 2024 Full Time 37.5hours
Based at our HQ in Leicester LE3 1UT
A driving licence is an essential requirement for this role
About us
The RAF (Royal Air Force) Association has a clear objective: to help sustain a resilient and empowered RAF community, including serving personnel, RAF veterans and their families. Through our sector leading services, we offer friendship to the isolated and lonely, sheltered housing for those who want to remain proudly independent and childcare to serving personnel on RAF stations. We work closely with partner organisations, including other military charities, and have a strong bond with our donors and supporters, giving us the confidence to deliver for our beneficiaries when they need us.
With thousands of members across the UK and further afield, plus hundreds of dedicated employees and volunteers, we have the network and experience needed for a personal one-to-one approach. We work together to make sure no one is ever left behind.
About the role
The Connections Manager is directly responsible for managing the Connections for Life service, including volunteer recruitment, registration, selection and deployment. This also includes line managing the Connections for Life Team in providing support and stewardship to volunteers and beneficiaries. With over 800 volunteers engaging with our beneficiaries, collectively we make 2000 monthly friendship telephone calls and hundreds of referrals to our Casework team for additional support each year. Requests for our service continues to grow.
A confident and persuasive networker will thrive in promoting the Association’s volunteering programme and Connections for Life service both nationally and locally, presenting to diverse audiences. Other responsibilities include contributing to the development of volunteering strategies and objectives, planning and delivering volunteer recruitment based on identified needs, and evaluating the service provided by the Connections for Life service and volunteering programme. Striving for our volunteering experience to continue to be recognised as a sector leader, you will ensure that the value of volunteers is appreciated and recognised within the Association
About you
Qualified to degree level within a relevant volunteering field of expertise, you will bring with you a strong background in leading and managing a team of staff along with hands-on experience of managing volunteers. You will need to have up to date knowledge and understanding of volunteering best practice, current trends, resources and developments as you will have responsibilities which include planning and executing the Associations Volunteering strategy and objectives.
As you would expect, the role requires excellent interpersonal skills to build nurturing relationships with a variety of people as well as being highly skilled in using tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive situations. As a confident speaker, you will represent the Association delivering presentations at various events such as volunteering fairs and corporate events.
It is highly recommended that you read the full role profile and person specification which is available to download on our website www.rafa.org.uk
Benefits include
- Generous leave – 36 days including public holidays and Christmas shutdown
- 5% employer pension contribution under salary sacrifice
- Company sick pay after qualifying period
- Life Insurance equivalent to 4 x salary
- Free eye tests and a contribution towards glasses.
- Employee assistance programme – confidential helpline for advice and support.
- Cycle to work scheme
- Close to park and ride
- Shower and locker facilities
To Apply
Please send a cover letter (along with your CV) to tell us about your experience in managing volunteers and how your skills would align with this role. Regrettably, applications sent without a cover letter will not be progressed for shortlisting.
When you are happy with your CV and cover letter, please send to jobs@rafa.org.uk
Please note important dates below
Closing Date 8am Monday 23 October 2023
Interview Date Thursday 2 November at Atlas House
** save the date as we are unable to offer online interviews on this occasion **
The RAF Association is a Disability Confident Employer. Please let us know if you require any assistance with the application process.
