Director of External Affairs

Job content

Background:

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA), based in Hamble, is the national governing body for all forms of boating including dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sports boats, windsurfing, personal watercraft, inland cruising and narrowboats. With an annual income of over £22 million the RYA employs around 180 employees and has an extensive network of volunteers and other workers.

As the national governing body for boating, 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, by ensuring legislators, regulators and other authorities understand, and take account of, recreational boating activity.

As the representative voice of boating, the RYA follows clear principles and seeks to:

· Maintainand promotesafe, responsible and sustainable recreational boating.

· Influenceall legislation and regulation that may impact on any aspect of recreational boating or navigational safety.

· Challengeproposed national legislation that may adversely affect any aspect of recreational boating and navigational safety, or that we believe to be disproportionate, ineffective or unenforceable.

Purpose

To lead and manage the work of the RYA’s Cruising, Legal and Government (CLGA) department in representing UK recreational boating interests. Ensuring that legislators, regulators and other authorities understand, and take account of, recreational boating activity.

Oversee the advise, guidance and support services provided to RYA members, affiliates and colleagues relating to the remit of the department.

Dimensions

5 direct reports

• Department of approximately 16 employees
• Departmental budget £150,000 per annum.

Context

Reporting to the Chief Executive as a member of the RYA Senior Management Team.

Line Manager for:

• Cruising Manager:

Provides advice to RYA members on cruising issues, regulations and small boat safety and equipment. Promotes recreational interests of the RYA and UK pleasure boaters. Encourages good seamanship and supports the RYA’s safety at sea message for leisure sailors.

• Legal Manager:

Manages the Legal Advisory Service available to RYA members and affiliated organisations.

• Environmental and Sustainability Manager:

Represents the interests of the RYA on all planning and environmental matters, monitoring and responding to proposals that might impact recreational boating interests on both tidal and inland waters. Leads on the development of the RYA’s sustainability strategy.

• Safeguarding and Equality Manager:

Supports the RYA, its affiliated organisations and Recognised Training Centres in the safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk who are taking part in their activities. Leads on the development and implementation of the RYA’s diversity strategy.

• Communications Officer:

Delivers proactive communications for the RYA brand and the sports it represents in the work and progress of the CLGA department.

As Director of External Affairs, you will be required to effectively collaborate with other RYA departments, especially Sport Development, Training and Racing.

You will also work in partnership with the External Affairs and Cruising Committee, which is made up of RYA members with relevant expertise, to form departmental policy decisions relating to key issues.

You will maintain effective links with external organisations and agencies including British Marine, British Ports Association, Sport and Recreation Alliance and European Boating Association.

The post is based at the RYA’s headquarters in Hamble, Southampton but will involve some travel to all parts of the UK, and occasionally internationally, to represent the RYA at conferences and other meetings.

Accountabilities

· Lead the development and implementation of the work of the CLGA department, ensuring strategies and policies of the RYA are implemented and presented in a consistent manner. Ensure the department’s time is used effectively and an efficient service is being provided to all internal and external stakeholders.

· Monitor, analyse and take a strategic view on the likely impact of legislative and regulatory proposals from government, National Governing Organisations, harbour authorities and other regulatory bodies on the freedoms or interests of the boating public. Responding to and contributing to any such legislative or regulatory proposals as appropriate.

· Ensure the work of the department is appropriately and pro-actively communicated to RYA members, volunteers, the media and relevant stakeholders, both internally and externally. Including regular updates on progress of activities, changes to key RYA policies and the RYA’s response to changes in legislation and regulations which affect the interests of recreational boaters.

· Ensure the advisory service which spans the breadth of the CLGA department, continues to remain a key tangible benefit for RYA members and affiliated organisations.

· Ensure relevant policy issues are brought to the attention of the External Affairs and Cruising Committee and propose policy options for discussion and agreement. Ensuring timely and effective decision making.

· Ensure proper representation of the RYA and leisure boating interests on Harbour Boards and Advisory Committees, and other navigation and safety committees.

· Represent the interests of the RYA to allied organisations both within the UK and internationally (for example British Marine, British Ports Association, Sport and Recreation Alliance, European Boating Association).

· Report to the Chief Executive, RYA Board and Senior Management Team on progress against the RYA’s Sustainability and Diversity Strategy.

· Prepare, monitor and control the departmental budget, ensuring expenditures is in line with the business plan.

· Provide leadership, guidance, training and support to members of the department to enable them to achieve their potential and maximise their contribution to the RYA.

· Contribute to the overall management of the Association as a member of the Senior Management Team, advising and supporting colleagues as required.

Application deadline: 14/07/2021

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• On-site parking