At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships and drive change in York's communities for a fairer future.
- Company: Joseph Rowntree Foundation, committed to social justice and community empowerment.
- Benefits: Impactful work, collaborative environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on long-term, meaningful change in the North East.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in tackling inequality and shaping a just society.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement, research, or policy with a passion for social justice.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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
- Play a central role in how JRF listens, connects, and acts in York.
- Build trusted relationships with civic partners, community organisations, and local stakeholders.
- Support community wealth building across the city, including work with the York and North Yorkshire Mayoral Commission.
- Lead a flagship collaboration with the University of York and community partners to reimagine Seebohm Rowntree’s poverty mapping 125 years on.
- Convene people and ideas that strengthen York’s ecosystem for just and regenerative change.
- Contribute to shared learning, research, and programme development across the regional team.
- Evolve 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.
York Civic Partnerships Lead employer: Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF)
Joining JRF as the York Civic Partnerships Lead means becoming part of a mission-driven organisation that values integrity, curiosity, and community engagement. With a strong focus on building trusted relationships and fostering systemic change, JRF offers a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in the historic city of York, employees benefit from a vibrant environment that encourages innovative thinking and meaningful contributions to address pressing social issues.
Contact Details:
Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land York Civic Partnerships Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the civic and community sectors. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners. Building those relationships can open doors to opportunities you might not find online.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you meet people or attend interviews, make sure to express your commitment to tackling issues like wealth inequality and climate change. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to JRF’s mission and why it matters to you personally.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to organisations like JRF directly, share your interest in their work, and ask if they have any upcoming projects where you could lend a hand. Sometimes, creating your own opportunity is the best way to land the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website for job applications! We’ve got all the resources you need to apply effectively. Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the relational and systemic thinking that JRF values. Show us how you can help build trusted partnerships and contribute to meaningful change in York.
We think you need these skills to ace York Civic Partnerships Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for civic engagement and how you relate to the challenges we face in York. Don't be afraid to share personal experiences that connect you to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of York Civic Partnerships Lead. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with building trusted relationships and supporting community wealth building. Show us why you're the perfect fit!
Show Your Curiosity:We love candidates who are curious and eager to learn! In your application, mention any questions you have about the role or the work we do at JRF. This shows us that you're not just looking for a job, but genuinely interested in making a difference.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, please apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can review your application thoroughly. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF)
✨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 today, especially in relation to issues like wealth inequality and community engagement. This will help you articulate how your values align with the organisation's mission.
✨Build Your Network
Since this role is all about building trusted relationships, think about who you know in York’s civic landscape. Reach out to local organisations or individuals who might provide insights or even introductions. Mentioning these connections during your interview can demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to collaboration.
✨Embrace Uncertainty
Be prepared to discuss how you handle uncertainty and complexity. Think of examples from your past where you navigated challenging situations or held multiple perspectives. This will show your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and your readiness to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing York.
✨Show Your Curiosity
During the interview, ask thoughtful questions about JRF’s current initiatives and future plans. This not only shows your genuine interest but also reflects your commitment to understanding the community's needs. Questions about how they envision evolving their anchor practice can spark meaningful dialogue.
