Laois Volunteer Centre: Advocacy & Public Affairs

Are you passionate about the value of volunteering and have a successful track record of strategic leadership and advocacy / public affairs?

Membership on the board of the Laois Volunteer Centre is an opportunity to help establish and govern the first Volunteer Centre in the county.

The Purpose of this Role

Laois Volunteer Centre is looking for a member of the board of directors with a focus on advocacy and public affairs. The role involves playing an active role in governance and strategic direction, while taking a leading role on advocacy and public affairs matters.

What's in it for You?
The role offers an opportunity for you to engage with and contribute to a group of board members, with varied backgrounds and perspectives, to collectively set direction for the Volunteer Centre in Laois. This is an  opportunity for someone who shares our belief in the value of volunteering and the benefits of volunteering for all: the individual, the volunteer involving organisation and the wider society.

Support & Training
Laois Volunteer Centre has a budget for board director training, and all board members are encouraged to undertake training as part of their new role. Training needs will be identified on an ad hoc basis, and also through a board review process.

Time Commitment
It is estimated at about 10 hours per year for board meetings with additional time required to read papers and prepare in advance of each meeting, plus involvement in sub-committees and advisory roles.

Essential Experience, Skills and Personal Qualities

• Minimum five years’ professional experience in an advocacy / public affairs role in the private, non-profit or public sector 
• Creativity and ability to come with fresh ideas and solutions to policy and advocacy challenges
• Experience of strategic planning and service development
• An enquiring mind, with the confidence to challenge constructively
• Understanding of the community and voluntary sector landscape in Co Laois

Desirable Experience, Skills and Personal Qualities

The ideal candidate will have experience as a volunteer or volunteer manager, board level experience in the non-profit sector, or experience establishing a non-profit organisation in Ireland.

Residency in Laois is preferred.

• Closing date for applications: Friday, October 17