Campaign & Policy Trustee Role

Job Title: Campaign & Policy Trustee

Position Type: Part-Time, Volunteer

The MAZI Project is seeking to appoint a Campaign & Policy Trustee who can use their expertise to play a crucial role in shaping and overseeing our policy initiatives and campaigns. You’ll work closely with other board members and the team to ensure that our policy efforts align with our mission for change!

Our Mission: To empower Bristol’s disadvantaged 16 – 25 year olds through food.

Our Vision: A city where access to fresh, sustainable food and education around food is not a privilege.

Our Values:

• Extraordinary: Be extraordinary and make others feel extraordinary.
• Transformative: Change the way people think about themselves, our planet and others.
• Togetherness: It’s in our name, by working together we can help create the change we want to see.
• Nourishing: Be thoughtful, and caring and put a whole lot of love in everything you do.

Together with Bristol’s independent food sector, local community and partner charities, we create an inclusive environment for vulnerable young people to experience the power of food and feel part of Bristol’s thriving community. We use the dinner table and the notion of breaking bread to help reduce isolation, build confidence and make those in need feel cared for and extraordinary.

 

Role Summary:

As a Campaign & Policy Trustee, you will play a crucial role in shaping and overseeing our policy initiatives and campaigns, helping us become food activists. You will work closely with other board members and the executive team to begin our journey in the influencing space and ensure that our policy efforts align with our mission to make a tangible impact on the communities we serve.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of strategic policy initiatives that further the organization’s objectives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to craft impactful campaigns that raise awareness and drive engagement.
• Monitor and analyze policy developments related to our focus areas.
• Represent The MAZI Project at public events, conferences, and media engagements.
• Provide guidance and support to the executive team in matters related to policy and advocacy.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations in all campaign activities.
• Contribute to the development of annual goals and the strategic plan for the organization.
• Lead on campaigning discussions at the Board and ensure campaigning strategy, its impact, monitoring, operationalisation and risks are appropriately considered by the Board.
• Be a source of expertise and insight into advocacy work, especially parliamentary advocacy and the wider political context.
• Support the CEO with network opportunities, relevant sector developments.

 

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in policy development, advocacy, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of the policy landscape and key stakeholders in food poverty, inequality and young people.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and public speaking skills.
• Understanding of strategic campaigning approaches including public mobilisation (online and offline), strategic communications, partnerships, and research/ data gathering.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic campaigns.
• Passionate about food equality in Bristol and the UK  and committed to making a difference.
• Sound independent judgement with the confidence and insight to make positive contributions to board discussions.
• An interest in and some understanding of charity governance, the role and expectations of trustees.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

Education:

• Advanced degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, or related field preferred.

 

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a campaign policy or advocacy role.
• Experience in a non-profit, NGO, or similar environment is highly advantageous.

 

What We Offer:

• An opportunity to be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a real difference.
• A platform to leverage your expertise in policy and advocacy to impact food inequality.
• Engagements with a network of professionals and experts in various fields.

 

The expected time commitment is a minimum of four evenings for Board meetings (typically two hours), an annual strategy day (typically two hours), four subcommittee meetings (typically two hours), and one service visit a year. This may change according to the campaigns we run throughout the year.

Preparation is required for reading reports and meeting papers. Trustees are also invited to attend charity events.

We are committed to having a Board that represents the people we work alongside in our services. We welcome all applications, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Please send a letter of application, stating why you wish to join The MAZI Project and what contribution you think you will be able to make to strengthen and develop The MAZI Project, together with your CV to the Director, Melanie Vaxevanakis by email: melanie@themaziproject.com

 

External Resources:

The following documents and links will help you understand the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities that being a Trustee involves.

• What is a trustee? — NCVO Knowhow •

The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3 (www.gov.uk)

• Advice for first time charity trustees – YouTube