Advocacy Manager (National Office)

Scope of the role

Down Syndrome Ireland requires an Advocacy Manager to join their expanding team of professionals. 

In this newly created role, you will work closely with all key Down Syndrome Ireland stakeholders including members, CEO and the Senior Management Team to influence conversations and decisions about issues affecting people with Down syndrome.

As the Advocacy Manager you will design, develop and support the delivery of advocacy campaigns, looking at new and innovative ways to ensure the voices of people with Down syndrome are at the heart of decision-making.

The postholder reports to the CEO and works in close collaboration with the Senior Management to deliver across all campaigns and advocacy activity at Down Syndrome Ireland

Down Syndrome Ireland

Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is the national charity for people with Down syndrome and their families in Ireland, supporting over 3,500 members across 25 branches nationwide. We are working to achieve an optimal quality of life for people with Down syndrome, as equally valued, independent citizens.

Qualifications and Experience

• Substantive experience (5+ years) working in advocacy / public policy / campaigning, with recent experience (c. 3+ years) in a leadership role managing campaigns
• Demonstrated experience in creating and rolling out successful advocacy campaigns and senior stakeholder management.
• A strong understanding of the political landscape, the stages of legislative & policy development and campaigning tools.
• Third level qualification, with a postgraduate qualification in a relevant area an advantage.
• Previous experience of working in an area of disability would be an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills: verbal, written, report writing and presentation.
• A confident self-starter with the ability to operate in a dynamic environment.
• A clear commitment to the values of the organisation.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Leading and shaping the development of an exciting and growing advocacy programme.
• Work closely with our branches in gathering data to support campaigns.
• Evaluating complex policy issues independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Producing content and collateral, including talking points, narrative documents, and presentation materials for engagement with policymakers, civil society and politicians.
• Nurturing  positive working relationships with stakeholders and partners internally and externally.
• Developing strategic advocacy campaigns that bolster existing areas of work while leveraging new opportunities in an agile and innovative way.
• Identifying opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the organisation, so that advocacy campaigns deliver shared value at a strategic level.
• Highlighting advocacy campaigns across the organisation, contributing to a deeper understanding and learning for all members and staff.
• Cross-organisational advocacy – working effectively with other advocacy groups on shared campaigns that are underpinned by the latest sector statistics.
• Tracking and monitoring project delivery against plan, using clear metrics and reporting tools.
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest issues and developments affecting people with Down syndrome and establishing key contacts across DSI’s network of members and branches to ensure regular, two-way communication.
• Taking a lead role in representing DSI, and/or identifying personnel best placed to represent DSI, in contributing to networks, committees, alliances, and coalitions with external stakeholders in the pursuit of agreed strategic objectives.
• Remaining up to date on Oireachtas and Government business and keep the team fully briefed and informed on key political developments that affect people with Down syndrome.
• Ensuring DSI’s compliance with lobbying legislation.

 

Key working relationships

• National office, all departments
• Senior Management
• Branches
• Government Bodies

Hours of work and location: Fulltime, 40 hours per week, hybrid working, on site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and option remote working every Monday and Friday.

Renumeration: €50k-€55k

To apply: Please forward a CV and Cover letter to hr@downsyndrome.ie . Closing date is Friday 2 June 2023 @ 5pm

 

Down Syndrome Ireland is an equal opportunity employer