Job Description
Job Title:
Chief Executive Officer
Responsible to:
The Board of Groundwork NI
Reporting to:
Chairperson
Job Purpose:
To provide leadership to Groundwork NI and to formulate and
ensure effective implementation of the organisation’s strategic and
business plans and corporate policies.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Leadership
 Provide leadership, direction and drive for GWNI, building a strong track record of
delivery and achievement in community-led regeneration;
 Build the capability of the organisation to address current and future challenges
 Demonstrate commitment to the vision and values of GWNI, taking personal
responsibility for the successful operation and development of the organisation.
 Take personal responsibility for building GWNI’s reputation and support for the
organisation from funders, partners and community and elected representatives.
2. Responsibilities to the Board
 Support the Board in developing innovative and challenging strategies aimed at
achieving GWNI’s mission and corporate goals;
 Advise the Board on its corporate responsibilities under company and charity law
and support it in meeting its statutory and corporate governance responsibilities;
 Ensure that the Board is provided with timely and accurate advice on which to
make key decisions about operational performance, the financial health of GWNI,
governance and policy issues, and business opportunities and risks;
 Support Board sub-committees on Governance & Audit, Finance & Personnel and
Business Development to develop and implement appropriate strategies, policies
and action plans;
 Keep the Board informed of significant developments within both GWNI and
GWUK.
3. Strategic Direction and Achieving Results
 Take the lead in setting the overall strategic direction and effective delivery in
preparing the GWNI Strategic and Business Plans for Board approval;
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 Take personal responsibility for ensuring delivery of the Strategic and Business
Plans, putting in place an appropriate performance management framework;
 Ensure effective alignment between the executives and staff of GWNI and the
Board on the strategic direction and Business Plans of GWNI.
4. Financial Management and Resources
 Act as Accounting Officer for GWNI, ensuring that a sound financial control and
corporate governance framework is maintained and complied with; and that GWNI
meets its financial obligations to funders and partners;
 Ensure that regular and dependable financial and management accounts are
provided to the Board and the Groundwork Federation;
 Secure public, private and voluntary sector income to support the work of GWNI in
all operational areas;
 Keep the staffing and organisation under review in order to ensure they remain fit
for purpose, and recommend any necessary changes to the Board for decision.
 Develop and implement effective risk management systems.
5. Business Development and Partnerships
 Lead work on identifying and bringing in the financial and other resources
necessary for GWNI to carry out and develop its business operations;
 Develop GWNI’s overall programme of work in consultation with funders, partners,
the Board and the GWNI Team and oversee monitoring systems for the
programmes;
 Build effective relationships and partnerships with government and councils, the
private sector, regeneration agencies and voluntary sector agencies, promoting
the GWNI approach to regeneration and sustainable development through
innovative programmes;
 Build a professional working partnership with GWUK.
6. Staff Management
 Lead the GWNI Senior Management Team (SMT) in its key tasks of delivering
good performance against the Strategic and Business Plans and developing the
business to ensure future success;
 Recruit and manage a staff team within a structure agreed with the Board,
providing GWNI with the skills and experience required to support its current and
future work;
 Ensure that GWNI implements and complies with all statutory requirements on
equality and health and safety.
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7. Personal and Professional Development
 Ensure that the GWNI Performance Management and Appraisal system operates
effectively and agree appropriate objectives with each Senior Management Team
member;
 Ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place within GWNI for:
- Identifying staff learning and development needs;
- Evaluating training and development provision; and
- Sharing knowledge about good practice and achievements
 Contribute to the learning of others across GWNI and the Groundwork Federation
by sharing knowledge and skills, both informally and formally.
Person Specification
Essential
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1.
Either, educated to degree level with evidence of at least 5 years’ experience of
management at a senior level1 in the public, private or voluntary sectors; or, at
least 10 years’ experience of management at a senior level1 in the public, private
or voluntary sectors;
Demonstrable strategic management experience at a senior level1 including the
ability to formulate and ensure the implementation of Strategic and Business
Plans and corporate policies;
A track record in successfully leading complex organisational change, including
putting plans in place to deal with changing external demands and internal
resources;
Highly developed leadership and people management skills in motivating and
supporting staff to deliver desired business outcomes;
Highly developed communication skills with an ability to build relationships at all
levels and across all spheres within society;
Demonstrable track record of developing winning tenders and applications in
partnership with other organisations across the private, public and voluntary
sectors.
Senior management experience is defined as working or reporting directly to Board level. It includes providing detailed
advice on, or taking decisions affecting strategic issues concerning the corporate body or organisation with which the
individual is working either as an employee or an advisor
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Desirable

Knowledge of the complex issues facing Northern Ireland communities.
Miscellaneous (Essential)
 A full driving licence which enables the holder to drive in Ireland and access to a
car for official business (or access to a form of transport which will enable the
applicant to meet the requirements of the post in full).
 A willingness to undertake regular travel and to work out of office hours when
necessary;
 A commitment to equal opportunities and sound health and safety requirements in
all work practices.
Personal Qualities
The successful applicant will be self-motivated, creative and dynamic. They will be able
to communicate clearly and work effectively with a range of key partners and
stakeholders while working as part of a multi-disciplinary organisation.
Terms and Conditions
Salary:
£46,000 - £55,000
Hours of Work:
37.5 per week
Holidays:
25 days per annum plus customary days
Pension:
Group scheme with employer contribution of up to 7.5% of salary
Probation:
This post carries a 12 month probationary period.
All GWNI standard terms and conditions will apply. This post will be based in the Belfast
Office.
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