Business Development & Communications Executive
Business Development & Communications Executive
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Job Title:Business Development & Communications Executive
Duration of Contract:Fixed Term – 24 months
(With the possibility of moving to permanent)
Hours of Work:Monday to Friday 09.00am to 5.00pm
Location:Central Office
Salary:£31,595 to £33,800 per annum
Accountable to:CEO
Mainstay was founded in 1990 by a group of dedicated parents and carers who came together with a shared vision: to create a local, high-quality service that would meet the care and support needs of their loved ones with learning disabilities and/or autism. Originally established as the Down Residential Project – offering a small residential home for just nine individuals – we have grown steadily over the years in response to the evolving needs of those we support. Today, Mainstay is a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation, providing care and support to over 300 service users and clients across Residential, Supported Living, Short Breaks and Day Opportunities services in multiple locations in Downpatrick. Our 120+ passionate and highly trained staff work in close partnership with our service users, families, and professionals, as one big Mainstay Family.
Our mission has always been to deliver safe, effective and compassionate services that respect the individuality and potential of every person. We are now focused on becoming more outcome-driven – supporting people to see possibilities beyond their disabilities and empowering them to lead lives filled with purpose, independence and inclusion. At the heart of our approach is co production: working alongside the individuals we support to shape services that reflect their voice, needs and aspirations – regardless of the complexity of those needs.
To further this mission and create even more meaningful pathways for growth, Mainstay is now launching a new social enterprise. This enterprise will focus on meeting the support needs of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, whilst creating meaningful opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. As a for-profit venture with a social purpose, all profits generated will be reinvested into enterprise workstreams to enhance opportunities and outcomes for the people we support – ensuring that every success feeds directly back into our community.
Job Purpose
The Business Development Executive will work closely with the CEO to support the development and growth of a new social enterprise organisation. The enterprise’s core purpose will be to meet the support needs of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, while creating meaningful and person centered opportunities for development through learning, training, volunteering and/or work placements.
A key aspect of the role will involve working collaboratively with Registered Managers and their teams to understand the individual needs, aspirations, and strengths of the people we support. This insight will inform the design of inclusive services and opportunities that are tailored to each person, promoting independence, choice, and real-world outcomes.
The postholder will also be responsible for identifying and developing business opportunities, securing funding, building partnerships, and contributing to the strategic direction of the enterprise to ensure it’s long-term sustainability and social impact. In addition, the Business Development Executive will oversee all communications relating to the enterprise. The postholder will manage both internal and external communications, create compelling marketing and promotional materials, and ensure the voices of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism are meaningfully represented. They will play a key role in building the enterprise’s brand, raising its profile, and engaging stakeholders across sectors.
Job Activities
* Work closely with the CEO to support the development, launch, and growth of a new social enterprise focused on supporting adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.
* Identify, research, and develop new business opportunities, funding streams and partnerships to support the enterprise’s mission and sustainability.
* Collaborate with Registered Managers and their teams to understand client needs and co-produce person-centered services that promote independence, choice, and meaningful engagement.
* Assist in the co-design and development of services and projects that provide learning, training, volunteering and/or work placement opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism.
* Project manage successful bids, overseeing the implementation of new projects until they are operational, including coordination with internal teams and external stakeholders.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, across public, private and VCSE sector.
* Contribute to the development of strategic plans, business cases, and service models in collaboration with the CEO and wider team.
* Support the preparation of bids, grant applications, and tenders to secure income and investment for the enterprise. Monitor, evaluate and report on the impact and performance of projects and partnerships, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s social aims and objectives.
* Lead all internal and external communications related to the social enterprise, ensuring consistent messaging and alignment with Mainstay’s values.
* Manage and regularly update content on the Mainstay website and social media platforms, ensuring they are current, engaging and accessible.
* Produce and distribute a monthly newsletter to share updates, stories, and opportunities with stakeholders, families and the wider community.
* Represent the organisation at meetings, events, and networks to promote the enterprise, share learning and build partnerships.
* Stay informed of sector trends, policy developments, and innovative practices to inform ongoing development of services and strategy.
* Champion the rights and inclusion of people with learning disabilities and/or autism, ensuring their voices are central to the design and delivery of all activities.
Person Specification
This role is ideal for someone who is a dynamic, values-driven professional with a passion for inclusion, innovation, and social impact. They will combine strong business development skills with a person-centered mindset and a flair for communications.
Qualifications & Experience
* Experience in a business development, project management, or enterprise development role, preferably within a health, social care, community, or not-for-profit setting.
* Proven track record of identifying and developing new opportunities, services, or income streams.
* Experience of working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders including statutory bodies, voluntary sector partners, and community groups.
* Experience of writing funding applications, tenders, or business cases.
* Demonstrable experience in managing communications, including website content, social media platforms, and newsletters.
Knowledge & Skills
* Strong understanding of person-centered practice and a commitment to co-production with individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences.
* Confident in the use of digital tools and platforms for communication
* and engagement (e.g., website CMS, email marketing tools, social
* Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
* Ability to analyse needs, develop innovative solutions, and monitor impact.
* Good financial understanding of budgets and costings.
Personal Attributes
* Passionate about improving opportunities and outcomes for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.
* Creative, proactive, and adaptable, with a solution-focused approach.
* Able to work flexibly, including occasional evening or weekend commitments, where required.
* Strong team player, committed to collaboration and shared goals.
* Demonstrates integrity, empathy and respect in all relationships.
* 3 year’s relevant experience in a business development, project management, or enterprise development role, preferably within a health, social care, community, or not-for-profit setting
* GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C or higher) or an equivalent
* qualification.
* Experience in the development or management of a social enterprise or similar initiative, including funding and reporting.
* Knowledge of the social care or supported employment sectors.
* Knowledge of the funding landscape for charities.
* Full driving licence held for 1 year.
* Proficiency in CRM tools, digital marketing platforms, and MS Office.
Please visit https://www.mainstaydrp.org/work-with-us to apply
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
* Industries
Non-profit Organization Management
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