Head of Networks & Communities

You will inspire and empower professional volunteers to deliver exceptional member experiences, fostering pride, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing across practitioner networks and communities. 

Job Purpose

As Head of Networks and Communities at the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), you will lead the strategic development and operational delivery of membership growth, engagement, and volunteer network development across the UK and internationally. You will lead a team of Regional Membership Managers and Community Facilitators, overseeing national initiatives that strengthen the Local Institute network and foster vibrant, professional communities. 

You will shape and implement strategies to attract new members, retain existing ones, and enhance the overall value of CII membership. By cultivating strong relationships with volunteers, employers, educational institutions, and industry partners, you will ensure the membership proposition remains relevant, compelling, and impactful. 

You will be responsible for all aspects of membership engagement, including events, professional development opportunities, and community-building activities. Using data and member feedback, you will drive continuous improvement in the member experience. 

As a visible ambassador for the CII, you will represent the organisation externally, champion the benefits of membership, and collaborate across internal teams to align strategies, share best practices, and drive the success of CII’s national membership programme. 

You will lead and support a passionate volunteer network, building highly engaged communities that contribute to delivering an excellent member experience. Your leadership will ensure a consistent, high-quality offer across Local Institutes and Regions, inspiring members to engage and volunteer. 

You will also design and deliver a compelling digital community offer—spanning international, subject-specific, alumni, and learning cohorts—ensuring inclusive, facilitated engagement for members who prefer virtual interaction or lack access to physical networks. 

You will develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders nationally and locally, supporting the evolution of professional communities that are relevant, valued, and aligned with members’ career stage development. 

As a senior representative of the CII/PFS, you will help raise the organisation’s profile and purpose among practitioners, employers, and partners. You will work closely with internal stakeholders, including the wider membership team, to ensure strategic alignment and successful delivery of objectives. 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Collaboration:  

As a senior leader, the Head of Networks and Communities will inspire a high-performing regional and digital community team, building a culture of inclusion, innovation, and accountability. You will drive collaboration across functions to deliver a seamless, impactful member experience while aligning local and national strategies for measurable growth. Through structured onboarding and development, you’ll strengthen volunteer capability, engagement, and retention. Acting as the CII lead for the Local Institute National Forum, you’ll partner with Vice Presidents to advance member engagement and lead the integration of PFS Regions and Local Institutes. As a senior leader, the Head of Networks and Communities will inspire and empower a high-performing regional membership team and online community facilitators, fostering a culture of inclusivity, creativity, and accountability. You will drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure a seamless and impactful member journey. Through structured onboarding and development programmes, you will strengthen volunteer engagement and retention. The role includes benchmarking performance, sharing best practices, and aligning local and national strategies to deliver measurable value and continuous improvement across CII’s membership communities. 

Positively and proactively lead the geographical merger of PFS Regions and Local Institutes – encourage collaboration, communication and effective use of joint resources. 

Data and Insights:  

You will establish a robust framework to capture, analyse, and act on insights from local institutes and members, using data to inform decisions, measure success, and continuously enhance the CII network offer.  

Volunteer management, growth and engagement: 

You will nurture a thriving volunteer community, attracting, developing, and retaining advocates for the profession. You will design a refreshed volunteer value proposition that recognises contribution, supports professional development, and embeds pride and purpose across all roles.   

Membership Growth and Engagement: 

You will drive strategic initiatives to attract and retain members through high-value, locally relevant experiences. Partnering with Learning and Content teams, you’ll integrate CPD with local institutes and PFS Regions and virtual engagement to ensure meaningful, consistent member value.  

Portfolio, Projects, and Events 

You will oversee local institutes and PFS Regions, ensuring alignment with CII’s strategic objectives. Managing national initiatives and business plans, you’ll optimise resources and deliver inspiring events and learning programmes that build strong professional communities. 

Stakeholder Relationship and Excellence: 

Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including employers, educational institutions, industry partners, and volunteers. Act as a key ambassador for the CII, representing the organisation at regional events and forums, and advocating for the profession. 

Work closely with the volunteers to design the centralised support that sets a high standard of professionalism and consistence. New members should feel inspired and proud to be part of their volunteer networks. 

Communication and Feedback: 

Develop and improve local communication channels using a range of marketing disciplines, including data analysis, e-communications, and PR. Gather and analyse member feedback to continuously improve the membership experience and address emerging needs or concerns. 

Collaboration and Best Practices: 

Collaborate with other regional managers and the central membership team to share best practices, align strategies, and contribute to the overall success of the CII’s membership program. Support the ongoing development and usage of national projects, aiming to implement best practices and reduce duplication of effort. 

Operational Excellence: 

Manage your own workload effectively, balancing multiple ongoing projects and delegating tasks as necessary. Ensure efficient use of resources and adherence to budgetary constraints, operating within defined parameters. 

Continuous Improvement: 

Evaluate the success of membership initiatives through feedback and performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement. Suggest and develop new initiatives to further enhance the local membership proposition and support the volunteer network.