About Company
YMCA DownsLink Group is a leading charitable organisation working across Sussex and Surrey, dedicated to transforming young lives and strengthening communities. With a rich history spanning over 170 years, we provide a diverse range of vital services, including housing and homelessness support, youth work, mental health counselling, education, and health and wellbeing programmes. Our mission is to ensure young people and vulnerable individuals have opportunities to belong, contribute, and thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. We believe in the power of advocacy and strategic partnerships as essential tools to amplify our impact, challenge systemic injustices, and ensure the voices of those we serve are heard and acted upon at every level of decision-making. We are committed to creating supportive environments where everyone can reach their full potential, contributing to a fairer and more inclusive society. Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate and dedicated community committed to making a real difference.
Job Description
Are you a passionate advocate with a talent for building impactful relationships and driving systemic change? Do you believe in the power of collective action to foster a more equitable and supportive society? YMCA DownsLink Group is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated, and strategically-minded Remote Advocacy and Partnerships Coordinator to join our dedicated team. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to significantly contribute to our mission of transforming young lives and supporting vulnerable individuals across Sussex and Surrey. Working entirely remotely, you will be at the forefront of shaping and implementing our advocacy agenda, leading the charge in engaging with key policymakers, local authorities, community leaders, and a diverse range of stakeholders.
Your expertise will be crucial in developing and executing compelling advocacy campaigns that amplify the voices of those we serve, influencing policy decisions that directly impact youth homelessness, mental health provision, and access to vital support services. As our Remote Advocacy and Partnerships Coordinator, you will be responsible for a wide array of activities designed to increase our influence and impact. This includes diligently monitoring policy developments and legislative changes at both national and local levels, providing timely analysis, and formulating strategic recommendations for the organisation. You will spearhead the preparation of robust policy briefings, persuasive reports, and articulate presentations, ensuring our positions are clearly and compellingly communicated to decision-makers.
A critical aspect of this role involves identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships with other charities, non-governmental organisations, and community groups, fostering collaborative efforts that extend our reach and strengthen our collective advocacy power. You will represent YMCA DownsLink Group at high-profile external meetings, conferences, and networking events, effectively promoting our work, values, and advocacy priorities. This role demands a strategic thinker with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of navigating complex political landscapes and building consensus among diverse groups. You will need a deep understanding of the policy environment relevant to youth services, housing, and mental health, coupled with a proven track record of cultivating strong, collaborative relationships. If you are driven by a commitment to social justice, possess a keen ability to translate complex issues into actionable advocacy strategies, and thrive in an autonomous, remote working environment, we encourage you to apply. This is an exciting and impactful opportunity to make a tangible and lasting difference in the lives of thousands, contributing directly to a fairer, more compassionate, and supportive society through your expertise in advocacy and partnership development.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement comprehensive advocacy strategies aligned with YMCA DownsLink Group's mission and strategic priorities.
- Identify, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including government officials, local authorities, partner organisations, and community leaders.
- Monitor policy developments and legislative changes relevant to young people, housing, homelessness, and mental health services, providing timely analysis and recommendations.
- Prepare compelling policy briefings, reports, presentations, and consultation responses to influence decision-makers.
- Coordinate and lead advocacy campaigns, ensuring effective messaging and engagement across various platforms.
- Represent YMCA DownsLink Group at external meetings, conferences, and networking events to promote our work and advocacy positions.
- Facilitate collaborative partnerships with other charities, NGOs, and community groups to amplify collective impact.
- Support the communications team in developing content that highlights our advocacy work and impact.
- Track and evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy and partnership activities, reporting on progress and outcomes.
- Contribute to funding bids and proposals that incorporate advocacy and partnership components.
Required Skills
- Demonstrable experience in advocacy, public affairs, or policy influencing within the charity or public sector.
- Excellent understanding of the UK political landscape, policy-making processes, and key issues affecting young people and vulnerable groups.
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively.
- Strong research and analytical capabilities, with experience in preparing policy briefings and reports.
- Highly organised with excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in using digital tools for communication, collaboration, and advocacy.
- A genuine passion for social justice and the mission of YMCA DownsLink Group.
- Ability to work effectively and autonomously in a remote setting.
Preferred Qualifications
- A degree in a relevant field such as Political Science, Public Policy, Sociology, Social Work, or Communications.
- Experience working directly with young people or in services supporting vulnerable populations.
- Knowledge of local government structures and decision-making processes in Sussex and Surrey.
- Familiarity with CRM systems or stakeholder management databases.
- Experience in media relations or public speaking.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance (as a remote role).
- Access to comprehensive employee assistance programmes and wellbeing support.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- A supportive and collaborative team environment.
- The chance to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of young people and communities.
- Employer contributions to a company pension scheme.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive CV and a compelling cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. Please demonstrate how your skills, experience, and passion align with the requirements specified in the job description and the mission of YMCA DownsLink Group. Your cover letter should highlight your experience in advocacy and your approach to building meaningful partnerships. Please click on the link below to apply for the job.