Business Development Director - Volunteer

Unseen Tours; London; Remote; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives through tourism. As a Business Development Director, you will leverage your expertise to shape the growth strategy of an organization committed to empowering individuals affected by homelessness. This unique role offers the chance to make a significant social impact while working alongside a passionate team. Collaborate with senior leadership to develop innovative revenue streams, build valuable partnerships, and enhance the organization’s presence in the industry. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for social change, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Sense of fulfilment

Personal and professional growth

Shape the future of a socially responsible organization

Learn new skills

Build meaningful relationships

Free access to tours and experiences

Qualifications

• Solid experience in business or commerce with a focus on revenue generation.
• Strong networking and communication skills essential for partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership and the Board.
• Develop and implement effective business development strategies.

Skills

Business Development

Revenue Generation

Networking

Negotiation

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Team Building

Job description

Essential Information:

- Work Location: Remote, with occasional meetings and socials in London (or online)
- Minimum commitment: 2 years
- Salary: This is a volunteer role, unremunerated
- Closing date: 9th February 2025
- Time commitment: Four board meetings per year (2 hours each), plus approximately 8-10 hours per month to support the running of the organisation through your skills and expertise
- Working with: CEO, other Directors and tour guides/experience providers

Unseen Tours is a London-based social enterprise on a mission to provide meaningful work opportunities in the tourism, events and cultural heritage sectors for individuals who have experienced homelessness, alongside other forms of discrimination and marginalisation. The majority of our ticket revenue is paid directly to our tour guides, with the rest reinvested back into the business.

Here's what's unique about our approach - the tours provide training and meaningful work opportunities for people affected by homelessness. Tour narratives include the guides' and experience providers' own experiences of homelessness and stories from their communities, making the process individual-led. Through our process, we build the guides' self-confidence, public speaking, storytelling and customer management skills. The conversations with customers on our tours reduce barriers by increasing understanding of homelessness that challenges negative stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue and storytelling.

The key duties and responsibilities of a Director at Unseen Tours are:

1. Ensure the social enterprise complies with its governing document, legal and regulatory requirements, and key objectives with integrity.
2. Establish and uphold a clear vision, mission, strategic direction, and governance standards to achieve its goals.
3. Safeguard the reputation, values, and financial stability of the enterprise, including proper fund management and fundraising efforts.
4. Oversee the effective and efficient administration of the organisation and the performance of its leadership, including appointing and monitoring the CEO.
5. Contribute proactively to the organisation's mission through ideas, opinions, and connections, while fostering diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities.
6. Understand and embrace the responsibilities, duties, and teamwork required as a Director to uphold the organisation's standards and commitments.

The above list of duties is indicative. Directors are expected to use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board make informed decisions.

Benefits of joining our Board include:

1. Sense of fulfilment in knowing your work is having a significant impact on people affected by homelessness and leads to long-term, social impact.
2. Personal and professional growth within a cool and youth-led organisation with a unique concept.
3. Ability to shape the future of a socially responsible organisation that is ready for growth.
4. Learn new skills or find areas of interests outside your day-to-day activities.
5. Gain awareness about homelessness and intersecting issues affecting today’s society.
6. Build meaningful relations and connections with like-minded people who have a shared goal.
7. Bonus perk: join our walking tours and experiences for free and be the first one to test new tours and concepts (in exchange for your honest feedback!)

As the Business Development Director, you will help inform and enhance Unseen Tours’ growth strategy. Your expertise will help diversify revenue streams, build robust relationships, and expand our reach in corporate and consumer markets. You will play a critical role in identifying opportunities for new business and networking within the industry.

Role Description:

1. Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership and the Board.
2. Develop and implement effective business development strategies.
3. Identify and pursue networking opportunities to create partnerships and expand B2B sales, particularly with corporate audiences.
4. Act as a sounding board for new product ideas and strategies for income generation.
5. Share relevant connections to strengthen Unseen Tours’ industry presence and collaborations.

Person Description:

We are looking for someone who has the following expertise and experience:

Essential skills

• Solid experience in business or commerce.
• Understanding of revenue generation through sales, marketing, and innovative income streams.
• Experience with social enterprises or mission-driven organisations.
• Strong networking, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with good judgment and creativity.
• Experience in team building, mentoring, and performance management.
• Passion for Unseen Tours’ mission and values.

Desirable skills

• Familiarity with financial planning and budgeting.
• Understanding of corporate legal and compliance frameworks.
• Experience in operational and strategic risk management.