DIRECTOR OF POLICY & ADVOCACY

1.     About The Wheel

The Wheel is Ireland’s national association of community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises. We are a registered charity in Ireland and are unique in our role as a ‘one-stop- shop’ for anything related to the charity and non-profit sector.

‘Our Vision is a thriving community and voluntary sector at the heart of a fair, just and inclusive Ireland.’

We are an authoritative and trusted voice for the sector, and we are enthusiastically committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of practice and governance. Together, we work to ensure that the sector is recognised and respected, adequately resourced and appropriately regulated.

Learn more about who we are here https://www.wheel.ie/

1.     The Opportunity

We have a unique leadership vacancy at the senior management level in an organisation that provides leadership for a whole sector.

The ideal candidate will be highly experienced in developing and implementing policy and advocacy strategy. They will be comfortable using their expertise as the basis for engaging with members, regulators and public policy-makers to advance The Wheel’s strategic objectives.

By joining The Wheel as one of our team, you will become part of a movement of people and organisations who believe that by working together we can shape Ireland’s future.

2.     The Role

Position:                        Director of Policy & Advocacy

Location:                       Dublin 8 (& hybrid)

Reports To:                   Chief Executive Officer

Line Manager For:        Policy, advocacy and membership engagement staff

ROLE PURPOSE:

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Policy & Advocacy provides strategic leadership and direction to The Wheel across its work, with a particular focus on public policy, advocacy and campaigns, and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders including members and policymakers, influencing change at both national and local levels.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, we expect the post holder to bring a blend of strong communication, people and leadership skills. They will also have the strategic and relationship management expertise to manage a dynamic and complex environment involving a range of stakeholders both internal and external to The Wheel.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Director of Public Policy & Advocacy will work alongside the CEO, and other Directors , contributing to the general direction and management of the work of The Wheel.

The post holder will be expected to develop and maintain positive professional relationships with colleagues, Board and Board Subcommittee members, and a range of external stakeholders, in pursuit of the interests of The Wheel.

As The Wheel is a membership organisation all post-holders are expected to provide leadership and support to members.

MAIN responsibilities & DUTIES:

• Develop and maintain general public-policy expertise on all significant issues relating to the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector in Ireland and participate in structures and processes such as the Community and Voluntary Pillar, the National Economic Dialogue and pre-budget processes/campaigns.

• Represent The Wheel as and when required in external stakeholder engagement processes

• Direct and support the work of the Public Policy Team, including the functions of policy and research, advocacy and campaigns and membership engagement, by:

• Managing the team, and coordinating the production of annual plans.

• Supporting any research on sector priority issues.

• Supporting the development of a dynamic and responsive member-engagement offering, leading and participating as required in member policy forums and other modes of engagement

• Supporting the identification of advocacy goals, and the development and roll out of compelling and engaging advocacy campaigns to advance those goals.

• Oversee and organise the production of regular policy-related communications (including an engaging policy section of the website) to members, stakeholders and the media and act as a Wheel spokesperson as and when required.

• Coordinate the work of the Policy and Advocacy Subcommittee of the Board

• Work with Directors and managers to maintain cohesion in public-policy work across the organisation

• Support the CEO in advancing public policy and public affairs objectives/work generally and in developing and maintaining contacts with politicians and the political system in general.

Leadership

• Influencing and offering strategic advice and support to The Wheel members, Board of Directors and relevant sector wide Committees.

• Lead and support the representation of The Wheel in various public policy spaces and support the development of relationships with sector leaders

• As a member of the Senior Leadership team, proactively support the achievement of The Wheel’s mission, and implementation of the organisation’s strategy.

• Lead and support an engaged high-performance team across all assigned staff and contractors in accordance with The Wheel’s HR strategy, values, and culture.

3.     PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

• Track record of managing multiple streams of work with strong planning and organisational skills.

• Experienced people manager.

• Experience within a not-for-profit environment would be advantageous.

• Political acumen, sound judgement and a strategic mind-set and a good understanding of the importance of the sector and The Wheel’s role in the sector.

• Experience in representational, public policy, public affairs and advocacy would be advantageous.

Education, Qualifications & Training

• Relevant third level qualification

This is a full-time permanent position with The Wheel. The Wheel’s offices are located in Dublin 8.

The Wheel both offers and expects flexibility in terms of hours and location of work for a role such as this and the highly competitive remuneration and benefits package offered reflects this.

The Wheel is an equal opportunities employer. Shortlisting will apply.