Work for us

Salary: Negotiable – commensurate with experience
Hours: Full-time but open to a four day week
Location: 8 Clanwilliam Terrace, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2 with Dublin city based meetings

ROLE OVERVIEW
The key elements of this role are to implement and monitor Debra’s advocacy strategy against key measurable outcomes and in line with Debra’s strategic goals. The successful candidate will work as part of a passionate, supportive, patient-centred team. Working with public representatives, health and social care services and civic organisations where there are links to joint advocacy and/or public engagement initiatives. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading Debra’s advocacy and policy work and for the development of all advocacy campaigns. This presents an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated advocacy professional to make a meaningful impact for those affected by EB in Ireland.
This job description acts as a guide to the role. The role may change to meet the changing requirements of the organisation at any time, after discussion with the post holder.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive and implement Debra’s advocacy strategy.
• Monitor and continuously assess progress of Debra’s advocacy strategy as required.
• Lead the development of all Debra advocacy campaigns and drive campaigns from start to finish, including evaluation. Such campaigns may include an annual pre-budget submission campaign, Election 2025 campaign and a campaign on access to medicines.
• Communicate advocacy campaigns and successes to key stakeholders, including people impacted by EB.
• Work closely with the family support team to ensure advocacy campaigns reflect the needs of people living with or caring for someone with EB.
• Work closely with the research team in commissioning and overseeing evidence generation to support access to better services and treatments for those living with EB.
• Work closely with the communications team to develop campaign material and collateral and drive media and digital engagement.
• Implement the outputs of the ‘EB Butterfly Review’, a cross-functional research project reviewing access to EB services and supports and developing a blueprint for the future of services in Ireland.
• Lead the organisation’s submissions and campaigns around access to medicines.
• Develop and maintain a diverse network of political and policy contacts and champions.
• Contribute to national advocacy forums and policy development.
• Engage with Debra International and other groups at an international level.
• Ensure adherence to the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 and make required returns.
• Develop internal Debra policies relating to advocacy.
• Contribute to the Senior Management Team and present to the Debra Board as required.
• Manage the advocacy budget.
• Carry out other roles or duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the post, as requested.

KNOWLEDGE/ EXPERIENCE

Essential

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a related advocacy/campaigning field.
• Degree level qualification and postgraduate qualification in a related field.
• Experience in developing advocacy campaigns through stakeholder engagement.
• Strong knowledge of the Irish political environment, with a distinct advantage if this is in the area of health or disability.
• A clear ability to communicate concisely and directly in an accessible manner via various platforms and to varied audiences.
• Exceptional project management and computer skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Flexibility to occasionally travel and work outside standard hours.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Personable, with excellent communication skills and an ability to build relationships and work with professionals at all levels.
• Self-motivated, highly capable of working independently and with a strong work ethic.
• Disciplined, organised and thorough.
• Strong empathetic nature, with a genuine passion and care for people impacted by EB

Desirable

• Experience working in the charity sector
• Experience working in a political environment

BENEFITS

• Generous annual leave entitlement including five discretionary leave days: Good Friday, Christmas Eve, and working days between Christmas and New Year.
• Employer-matched Pension Scheme up to 6%, following a 6-month probationary period.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Bike to Work Scheme.
• Opportunity for flexible/hybrid working.

TO APPLY
Applicants must hold a relevant visa to work in Ireland and be based in Dublin. The role is subject to garda vetting and reference checks. Interested candidates should submit a copy of their CV and cover letter to info@debra.ie

Closing date for applications is the 30th of November 2024

For informal queries please contact sinead.hickey@debra.ie

Debra is an equal opportunities employer.

About the Role:

This is a unique opportunity to leverage your business development, relationship management, and fundraising expertise to make a real difference in the lives of people with EB. You will build strong relationships with businesses and individuals, inspiring them to support our critical work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Corporate Fundraising:
  • Develop and execute a strategic plan to acquire, retain, and grow corporate partnerships.
  • Cultivate strong relationships with existing and potential corporate partners.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities for corporate giving, sponsorships, and employee engagement.
  • Collaborate with the fundraising team on events and campaigns to maximize corporate participation.
  • Stay informed about CSR trends and best practices in corporate fundraising.

• Philanthropy Fundraising (Major Gifts, Legacy Giving, Regular Giving):
  • Develop and implement strategies to secure major gifts, legacy gifts, and regular donations.
  • Conduct research to identify and cultivate potential major donors.
  • Create compelling fundraising proposals and presentations.
  • Manage a portfolio of major donors and develop personalized stewardship plans.
  • Develop and implement a legacy giving program.
  • Devise strategies to acquire, retain, and upgrade regular givers.

Person Specification and Qualifications:

• Essential:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
  • Over 5 years of proven experience in corporate fundraising, business development, or sales with excellent results.
  • Strong understanding of fundraising principles and techniques.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with corporate partners and major donors.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team to achieve ambitious targets.
  • Demonstrated negotiation and persuasion abilities.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
  • Proficient in using fundraising databases and software.
  • Passion for the mission and vision of Debra Ireland.
  • A Team Player

Desirable:

• Experience with fundraising databases (knowledge of Raiser’s Edge NXT an advantage).

Terms:

• Attractive salary
• 20 days annual leave + 5 discretionary leave days (Good Friday, Christmas Eve, working days between Christmas & New Year)
• Generous paid sick leave entitlement
• Employer-matched pension scheme up to 6% (after 6-month probationary period)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Opportunity for flexible/hybrid working

Location:

• Primary place of work: Debra Ireland’s office at Butterfly Cottage, 8 Clanwilliam Terrace, Dublin 2
• Flexible working (mix of remote/office-based) is supported.

Applications:

To apply, submit your CV and Cover Letter (maximum one page) in Microsoft Word format to louise.delahunty@debra.ie. Your cover letter should clearly outline how your motivation, experience, and skills align with this role.

Closing Date: Friday, 15^th of November 2024 at 5 pm (GMT)

Important Notes:

• Position is subject to Garda Clearance and reference checks.
• Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Ireland at the time of application.