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.