Director of External Affairs
Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)
Location: Hamble, Southampton
Attractive salary and benefits package on offer including a generous employer pension scheme contribution, free life insurance, annual leave package of 28 days plus public holidays
The RYA is the national governing body for all forms of boating including dinghy and yacht racing; motor and sail cruising; RIBs and sports boats; and windsurfing and personal watercraft, inland cruising and narrowboats. As the national governing body, we are constantly looking for ways to grow our relevance and influence at governmental and local level. We work tirelessly to retain members’ freedoms and protect their interests.
We are looking for an experienced leader to spearhead the work of RYA’s Cruising, Legal and Government Affairs (CLGA) department in representing UK recreational boating interests. We ensure that legislators, regulators and other authorities understand, and take account of, recreational boating activity. In addition, the CLGA department provides advice and guidance to RYA members, affiliates and colleagues on a broad range of areas affecting cruising, sustainability, equality and diversity and legislation, as well as planning expertise that protects existing boating facilities and promotes the expansion of facilities to cater for the future needs of the sport.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, and as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of External Affairs is responsible for leading the development, implementation and communication of the strategy and work of the CLGA department. The work of the department will require the postholder to monitor and respond to legislative and regulatory proposals from government, National Governing Organisations and other authorities that may impact upon the freedoms or interests of the boating public.
The successful applicant will have a proven track record in public affairs and developing strategy in response to key issues, whilst working in conjunction with a variety of stakeholder groups. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential to ensure accurate and effective representation of the views and interests of the RYA and recreational boaters.
Based in Hamble, near Southampton, the role will involve some travel to all parts of the UK, and occasionally internationally, to represent the RYA at conferences and other meetings.
To Apply
The RYA actively promotes diversity in its workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. In line with our Diversity Strategy we are keen to achieve a more diverse workforce and especially welcome applications from under-represented groups.
If you would like to join the RYA and feel you have the relevant skills and experience, please review the full job description and download and complete an application form. Completes applications forms should be returned, along with an equality monitoring form, to Lisa.Rogers@rya.org.uk. Please note that we do not accept CVs in lieu of a fully completed application form.
The closing date for applications is midday on Wednesday 31 March 2021.
Candidates should be available for an interview on Thursday 15 and/or Friday 16 April 2021.
