We provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive services that help women, children and young people recover from violence, abuse and discrimination - rebuilding safety, confidence and independence.

We listen. We understand. We never judge.

We are seeking a passionate, engaging and committed individual to lead our work with adolescent girls and young women who are at risk of, or have experienced, violence and abuse. This role combines intensive outreach and engagement with advocacy and campaigning, with a strong focus on co-creation, empowerment and leadership development.

You will have proven experience in influencing change and delivering effective campaigns, alongside strong facilitation and project management skills. You are creative, resourceful and deeply committed to gender and racial justice, with the confidence, emotional intelligence and sensitivity to work alongside women and young women who have experienced trauma.

You will play a key role in the re-launch and expansion of the Survivors’ Network and in developing a new Young Women’s Network. You will lead consultations, training and advocacy initiatives, ensuring that members of both networks have meaningful opportunities to influence services, shape policy and strengthen community responses to violence against women and girls (VAWG).

As a team member, you will:
• Work collaboratively with advocates and colleagues across services to deliver Angelou’s mission.
• Contribute to a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for women and children.
• Champion Black-led feminist values, mutual respect and accountability.

Key Responsibilities
1. Youth engagement and outreach
• Design, plan and lead outreach activities in key universities across the region (Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Sunderland University and relevant colleges)
• Conduct consultations and focus groups to co-design services and support initiatives tailored to the needs of young women including survivors of domestic abuse
• Build trusted relationships in professional networks and communities to reach marginalised and underrepresented young women.

2. Survivor engagement and network development
• Design and deliver engagement strategies with former and existing service users
• Lead the re-launch and growth of the Survivors’ Network, ensuring it is accessible, inclusive, and survivor-led
• Support in developing and delivering initial and ongoing training for survivors to become confident advocates
• Facilitate peer support groups, mentoring, and capacity-building activities for survivors.

3. Advocacy and Campaigning
• Support survivors and young women to engage in local and national advocacy campaigns to influence VAWG policy and practice.
• Create opportunities for young women to speak at public events, contribute to media, and meet with decision-makers.
• Partner with universities and other relevant bodies to conduct survivor-led research, produce policy briefs outlining key issues affecting young women from Black and racialised communities

4. Safeguarding, boundaries and professional practice
• Work in line with Angelou Centre policies on safeguarding, confidentiality, equity and inclusion, health and safety and data protection.
• Maintain clear professional boundaries with service users at all times.
• Report safeguarding concerns promptly in line with procedures.
• Use supervision effectively and seek guidance when unsure.

5. Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation
• Track engagement through measurable indicators such as session attendance, self-reported confidence, and advocacy outcomes.
• Gather and present feedback and insights to inform service improvements through quarterly Young Women Voices
• Collate case studies and impact stories to amplify survivor voices and highlight change.

6. Fundraising
• Support fundraising efforts by mapping and identifying funding opportunities to support sustainable funding of the young women related activities
In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. This job description will be subjected to review, to ensure that it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post.

Person Specification Essential

• Proven experience working with women and young women or survivors of gender-based violence in an advocacy, support, or youth engagement capacity.

• Knowledge of VAWG issues, intersectionality, and trauma-informed practice.

• Experience facilitating group work, training, or peer-led support.

• Strong community outreach skills and experience working in diverse settings.

• Ability to create safe, empowering, and inclusive spaces for young women and survivors.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.

• Commitment to co-production, empowerment, and anti-oppressive practice.

Desirable
• IDVA qualification or relevant safeguarding/VAWG training.
• Experience in policy influencing or campaign development.
• Knowledge of participatory evaluation techniques.
• Lived experience of VAWG or connection to communities affected by it (where appropriate and disclosed voluntarily).

Values & Approach
• Commitment to The Angelou Centre’s vision, values, and black feminist ethos.
• Strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Empathy, patience and cultural competence.
• Ability to motivate and empower women to build independence.
• ‘Can-do’ attitude with a proactive, solution-focused approach.
• Willingness to learn, take feedback and develop professionally.

This post is:

• subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure
• subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK
• Open to women* only (*exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1