At a Glance
- Tasks: Build trusted relationships and support community wealth building in York.
- Company: Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a legacy-driven organisation focused on social justice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to creating lasting change in York.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in tackling wealth inequality and climate challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in civic, community, or policy work with a focus on justice.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 57000 £ per year.
Please visit cadence-jrf.co.uk to find out more and to apply.
York is where JRF’s story began. This role is about what it means to honour that legacy now. York is a city of contrasts: heritage and change, wealth and inequality, influence and marginalisation. This role asks what it means for JRF, in its home city, to live up to its founding memorandum today. This is relational, outward‑facing work that keeps asking “what would Joseph do?” of today’s challenges such as extreme wealth inequality, precarity and the climate emergency.
You will work alongside communities, civic partners and institutions to build trusted relationships, develop new approaches and contribute to change that is rooted, collective and built to last. As York Civic Partnerships Lead, you will deepen JRF’s role as an anchor institution, helping ensure that the resources we steward are used in service of our mission and of the city. You will be part of JRF’s Regional Programme within Emerging Futures, a long‑term, place‑based initiative backing people, organisations and coalitions who are building alternatives to extractive and exclusionary systems in the North East and York.
What you will do:
- Building trusted relationships with civic partners, community organisations, and local stakeholders
- Supporting community wealth building across the city, including work with the York and North Yorkshire Mayoral Commission
- Leading a flagship collaboration with the University of York and community partners to reimagine Seebohm Rowntree’s poverty mapping 125 years on
- Convening people and ideas that strengthen York’s ecosystem for just and regenerative change
- Contributing to shared learning, research, and programme development across the regional team
- Evolving JRF’s anchor practice in York so that our assets and influence are clearly in service of our mission
About you:
You work relationally and think systemically. You are comfortable with uncertainty, able to hold multiple perspectives, and skilled at building trust across different spaces. You are motivated by questions of power, wealth, and justice, and by how institutions like JRF can use their position to support deeper transitions rather than short‑term fixes. You might come from civic, community, research, policy, or cross‑sector work. What matters most is how you show up, with integrity, curiosity, and a commitment to working in service of transitions to support just and regenerative futures.
Contact Cadence Partners at jrf-ycpl@cadencepartners.co.uk if you need candidate materials in an alternative format or have questions not covered on the microsite. Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 21st June.
York Civic Partnerships Architect employer: Cadence Partners
At Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions meaningful work in the heart of York. Our collaborative and inclusive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, empowering employees to engage deeply with community partners and drive impactful change. With a commitment to social justice and sustainability, we offer unique opportunities to contribute to transformative initiatives while honouring our rich legacy in this vibrant city.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land York Civic Partnerships Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to civic partnerships or community work. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential collaborators and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with someone from JRF or related organisations, share your thoughts on wealth inequality and community building. Let them see your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching JRF’s history and current projects. Think about how your skills can contribute to their mission and be ready to discuss specific examples of your past work that align with their values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the important work happening in York.
We think you need these skills to ace York Civic Partnerships Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Why:Before you start writing, take a moment to reflect on why you want this role. What excites you about working with JRF in York? Make sure to weave your passion for civic partnerships and community engagement into your application.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Show us how your background in community work or policy can contribute to the mission of JRF.
Be Authentic:We want to see the real you! Use a conversational tone and let your personality shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to social justice and community building.
Follow the Application Process:Make sure to apply through our website as instructed. Double-check that you’ve included all required materials and that everything is polished and professional. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cadence Partners
✨Know Your Legacy
Before the interview, dive deep into the history of JRF and its founding principles. Understand what it means to honour that legacy in today's context. This will help you articulate how your values align with the organisation's mission during the interview.
✨Build Your Relationships
Since this role is all about building trusted relationships, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with community organisations or civic partners. Be ready to discuss how you can apply those skills to strengthen York’s ecosystem.
✨Embrace Uncertainty
The job description mentions comfort with uncertainty and holding multiple perspectives. Prepare to discuss situations where you've navigated complex challenges. Show how you can adapt and thrive in dynamic environments, which is crucial for this role.
✨Show Your Commitment to Justice
Be prepared to talk about your motivations regarding power, wealth, and justice. Share your thoughts on how institutions can support deeper transitions rather than quick fixes. This will demonstrate your alignment with the core values of the position and the organisation.
