Head of Advocacy

Head of Advocacy

We have an excellent opportunity for a Head of Advocacy to join this team in this permanent, remote working role.

Position: 1690 Head of Advocacy

Location: Remote (flexibility will be required for occasional onsite attendance and for UK and international travel)

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday

Salary: £58,266 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Wednesday 31 July 2024

The Role

There are over 60 million working donkeys and mules in the world, but millions are being killed every year for the inhumane donkey skin trade, leading the African Union to announce plans for a moratorium on donkey slaughter and the development of a strategy for working animals across the continent. This huge opportunity is just one way that charity and its advocacy work can change the world for donkeys and mules, giving them the protection they need and the health and welfare they deserve.

As Head of Advocacy, you will work in partnership with the Director of Advocacy & Campaigns, the CEO and other Senior Management to deliver the organisational strategy by developing inspiring advocacy plans based on clear strategy, integrated with other departments of the organisation.

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include:

• Working with the Director of Advocacy and Campaigns to design and implement an advocacy strategy to effect lasting change for donkeys and mules in line with our organisational aims.
• Building and developing networks of key stakeholders to achieve genuine change and lasting impact on the welfare of donkeys and mules.
• Representing the organisation at key stakeholder engagements, strategic high level forums and in the media, as appropriate.
• Functionally lead advocacy through the creation of a global advocacy strategy that supports teams to deliver high quality and consistent advocacy.
• Working closely with other departments to ensure advocacy integrates with other streams of the sanctuary’s work and ensure the organisation has the support and infrastructure to deliver excellent advocacy outcomes.
• Supporting advocacy needs both in team and organisationally when responding to events that are unexpected or unplanned.
•  Overall responsibility for the work, financial budget and planning of the advocacy team and line manage posts in the department, as agreed with the Director.

About You

You will have:

• Significant experience in a strategic advocacy leadership role.
• Solid experience leading teams to develop and implement effective advocacy strategies.
• Able to engage stakeholders with good communication skills, experienced in influencing governments, intergovernmental bodies and other influential partners.
• Strong experience in identifying and developing creative and engaging advocacy plans.
• A proven track record of working internationally in a functional, cross departmental leadership position.
• Experience of integrating departmental work with other parts of an organisation and translating complex messages to a wide range of stakeholders including senior management and international colleagues.
• Experience of working with the media at a national and international level.

About the Organisation

The charity is one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.

“The Sanctuary is a positive place to work with friendly staff and a wonderful charity. With amazing work throughout the world, once you join you never want to leave!”

Benefits include:

• Competitive pension
• Life assurance – 4 x annual salary
• BUPA health cover
• Sickness income protection
• 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service
• Wellbeing team.
• Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes
• Long service awards
• Healthshield plan
• Free parking
• Subsidised restaurant and shop

The organisation is a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

You may also have experience in areas such as Advocacy, Campaigning Head of Advocacy, Director of Advocacy, Advocacy Lead, Advocacy and Campaigns, Advocacy and Campaigning.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation. #INDNFP