Senior Policy, Public Affairs And Development Manager

Simon Community NI is looking for a dynamic and experienced Public Affairs professional to lead our policy and Public Affairs activity. You will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record of influencing for change and an ambition to make a difference.  

This role is part of our Growth & Engagement directorate and will work very closely with our CEO and Research & Development function. We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of the political landscape in Northern Ireland, ideally with direct experience of working in homelessness/housing.  This is a new position, and there is a huge amount of opportunity to build a movement of change for people experiencing homelessness across NI.

Job Purpose: Simon Community’s Public Affairs & Policy Manager will lead our efforts in advocating for policies and initiatives that end homelessness across NI. As part of our wider Growth & Engagement team, you will work collaboratively across the public, political and voluntary sectors to amplify the voices of the people we help and advocate for policy change. 
 
The postholder will develop research-based policy positions, identify and deliver clear opportunities for public and political engagement, and mobilise support from a range of stakeholders. You will build a network of constructive relationships with decision makers, influencers and political parties, and engage with the media on a regular basis, acting as a spokesperson for Simon Community when required. 
Essential Criteria:

• At least 3 years’ experience managing a Public Affairs, policy or media function.
• Experience of communicating complex information clearly, concisely and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation.
• Experience of budget and project management.

Desirable Criteria:

• Full current driving licence or, if a disability prevents driving, an alternative means of transport to enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full.

Skills & Knowledge:

• ​​​​​​​Strong understanding of Northern Irish politics and the policy making process in our devolved context.
• Proven track record of successfully influencing different audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Ability to represent Simon Community in meetings, on the media and on public platforms
• Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate facts and statistics.
• Proven ability to innovate and grab new opportunities.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.
• A working understanding of the issues affecting homelessness and/or the voluntary sector in NI.
• Excellent workload management skills and ability to prioritise to meet targets and deadlines.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Why work for the Simon Community?
We offer an extensive benefit package, including:

• Pension Plan
• Employer funded Healthcare - Benenden Health and Health Shield (includes savings on gym memberships and retail outlets)
• Death in Service Benefit
• Generous Annual Leave Entitlement
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Compassionate Culture
• Occupational Sick Pay
• Health & Wellbeing Initiatives
• Management Development Programmes
• Long Service Awards
• Blue Light Card Scheme