Job Description

The Gardeners Company formally known as the Worshipful Company of Gardeners is a flourishing membership organisation with ambitious plans for the future.

We combine ancient roots with a 21st-century mission: celebrating and promoting contemporary horticulture, in all its rich and varied forms.

We are seeking an individual who, as Chief Executive / Clerk to the Company, will guide and support us through an ongoing period of growth and renewal.

We recognise that the necessary skills and qualities could have been acquired in many different contexts, and we are open to candidates from the widest possible range of backgrounds. Experience of Livery companies, the City of London and/or the horticulture sector may be helpful but is not required

Governance and strategy

As de facto Chief Executive of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, serve as custodian of the Company's heritage and traditions while nurturing and implementing its contemporary vision and strategy

• Act as Secretary to the Court of Assistants (Board of Directors equivalent)
• Support the chairs of the Company's various committees, helping them to hold regular and effective meetings
• Provide advice, guidance and briefings to the office holders of the Company

Member recruitment and engagement

• Develop and implement strategies to recruit a wide range of new members, ensuring the Company can continue to grow and realise its ambitions
• Facilitate the process for membership applications and onboarding in conjunction with the Membership Secretary
• Develop and implement new schemes for corporate membership of the Company

Events

• Lead on organising the Company's major City functions)
• Oversee the Events & Communications Officer and liaise with members to deliver a full, varied and accessible programme of other educational and social events for members
• Ensure suitable budgets are produced for all functions and events, and that income and expenditure are monitored effectively
• Fulfil all necessary ceremonial duties and functions, in conjunction with the Beadle and the Ceremonial Assistant

Finances

• Oversee the Finance Officer and work with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to ensure effective financial management and timely and accurate financial reporting
• Develop the annual organisational budget; monitor income and expenditure; ensure the timely collection of subscriptions and other payments from members
• Maintain and care for the Company's physical assets (including gowns, badges, silverware and other treasures), in conjunction with the Beadle

Communications

• Maintain and develop the Company's narrative
• Support the Communications Committee in developing and implementing the Company's strategy for internal and external communications
• Oversee staff, contractors and volunteers who work on marketing and communications
• Oversee the maintenance and development of the Company's website

HR and administration

• Manage staff and contractors
• Maintain a forward view of the Company's activities
• Liaise with and oversee the work of service providers (e.g. investment managers, insurers, external accountants, legal and professional advisers, website and software providers)
• Liaise closely with representatives of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners of London Charity
• Maintain software and office systems, including the membership database

Representing the Company

• Act as first point-of-contact for and be an important part of the public face of the Company.
• Maintain and develop the Company's relationships with other Livery companies, the Fellowship of Clerks and institutions of the civic City
• Maintain and develop strong personal and institutional links with partners from across the horticulture sector
• Manage the Masters diary of Company commitments and ensure the Company is suitably represented at a range of City, Livery and horticultural events
• Act as an ambassador for the Company and attend a large number of internal and external functions and visits, both in the City of London and further afield

The successful candidate will need to remain flexible and adaptable to change in the role over time.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

This could be the ideal role if you wish to join an active, forward-looking Company. You will need to:

• Demonstrate strategic awareness with the ability to deliver agreed objectives
• Be flexible, able to work under pressure across multiple roles and adaptable to change
• Have confident and up-to-date IT and online skills and the ability to use and leverage social media
• Have excellent hands-on administrative and organisational abilities
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrate sound financial management
• Be comfortable managing formal ceremonial events and the protocols involved.
• Be friendly and approachable, with excellent people skills and an ability to inspire confidence
• Be a team player
• Become or be already - well networked in the City of London
• Be based within easy reach of the City of London