Deputy / Director (Strategic Development)

This role collaborates directly with the Deputy CEO to uphold and drive the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring alignment with its mission, vision, and long-term goals. It provides leadership across strategic planning, advancement and planning, innovation and research functions, with oversight of cross-departmental initiatives that shape the organisation’s future.

The Director engages a wide spectrum of internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, sector partners, and community groups to advocate for the organisation’s interests, foster strategic partnerships, and amplify its impact. This includes spearheading fundraising efforts, expanding outreach, and positioning the organisation as a thought leader in suicide prevention.

The role demands a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and analytical capability, with the ability to navigate complex organisational dynamics, lead through change, and respond effectively to crises. It is pivotal in shaping the organisation’s voice, influence, and innovation agenda across the sector.

Duties and Responsibilities: Strategic Development

• Driving strategic planning in partnership with the executive team ensuring cohesive planning and execution of strategic initiatives and long-term plans for the organisation.
• Championing the development of cross-cutting organisational projects, promoting interdepartmental collaboration and innovation.
• Synthesising research and data to deliver strategic insights and high-impact recommendations that inform executive-level decision-making and organisational direction
• Overseeing strategic communications across internal and external channels, ensuring consistent messaging, timely dissemination of information, and alignment with organisational priorities.
• Playing a key role in managing crises or emergencies that may arise, including coordinating responses and communicating with stakeholders.
• Acting as a senior representative of the organisation at key external engagements, strengthening strategic relationships and advancing the organisation’s visibility and influence.

Advancement & Planning

• Cultivating and sustaining high-impact relationships with key external stakeholders, including government agencies, sector partners, and industry leaders, to advance the organisation’s strategic interests and visibility.
• Leading the development and review of advancement strategies, including stakeholder engagement, donor cultivation, and partnership management, to strengthen the organisation’s resource base and influence.
• Strategically expanding community outreach efforts to raise public awareness of suicide prevention, deepen community engagement, and position the organisation as a trusted voice in mental health advocacy.
• Overseeing the organisation’s fundraising strategy, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, donor expectations, and long-term sustainability goals through targeted campaigns and relationship-building.

Innovation & Research

• Sets the strategic direction for innovation and research initiatives, aligning them with organisational goals and sectoral trends.
• Leads and integrates efforts across multiple departments to foster a culture of innovation, evidence-based practice, and continuous improvement.
• Secures funding and collaborative opportunities to amplify impact and position the organisation as a leader in suicide prevention.
• Champions the use of data and research to inform policy, service design, and strategic decisions.
• Oversees the development of impact measurement frameworks to evaluate effectiveness and drive accountability.

Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Communications, Economics, Business Administration, or related field required. Minimum of 8 years’ experience working in cross-disciplinary environments, with a proven track record of engaging diverse internal and external stakeholders to drive strategic outcomes.

Relevant Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience working in cross-disciplinary environments, with a proven track record of engaging diverse internal and external stakeholders to drive strategic outcomes.
• At least 5 years’ leadership experience in two or more of the following domains: Marketing, Communications, Partnership Development, Strategic Planning, or managing a business unit or key organisational function.
• Demonstrated experience in impact measurement, research, or data analysis, with the ability to translate insights into strategic recommendations and organisational improvements.
• Prior experience in a similar capacity within the social service or non-profit sector, with a strong understanding of sectoral dynamics, stakeholder engagement, and mission-driven leadership.

Behaviour Traits & Attitude:

• Strong analytical acumen, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into strategic action.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, capable of articulating ideas clearly and persuasively across diverse audiences.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams, fostering alignment and driving shared outcomes.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with a meticulous approach to planning, execution, and follow-through.

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