Job Description
Imagine working alongside young people who've challenged Meta's hate speech policies, won national awards, and brought a sofa on wheels to a protest. Coventry Youth Activists (CYA) is the UK's only youth-led campaign group run by and for disabled young people 70% of members have learning disabilities and they need a Community Organiser to help them take on one of their biggest fights yet: defending SEND rights.
This isn't traditional charity work. CYA doesn't lobby for disabled young people they campaign as them. From Mad Hatter's Tea Parties outside Facebook HQ to high-level negotiations with decision-makers, their approach is bold, creative, and effective. As one member puts it: "Leadership doesn't have to look a certain way That's what we do at CYA."
What you'll be doing
You'll support CYA members to challenge urgent threats to their rights particularly government reforms affecting SEND (Special Educational Need and Disability) rights. This means:
- Developing campaign strategies and power mapping decision-makers with young activists
- Facilitating actions, media engagement, and high-level negotiations
- Coaching young leaders and building their confidence to take the lead
- Creating alliances and expanding CYA's reach and influence
- Ensuring everything is accessible, inclusive, and driven by lived experience
You won't be doing this alone. You'll be part of Grapevine, an award-winning charity with years of community organising expertise, working within a supportive team that believes in joyful organising.
Who we're looking for
We want someone with proven campaigning experience and strong facilitation skills but just as importantly, someone with creativity, a passion for justice, and the ability to work inclusively with young people with learning disabilities.
Essential skills and experience:
- At least one year's community organising or campaigning experience with clear evidence of wins
- Ability to work collaboratively and inclusively, especially with people who have learning disabilities
- Strong facilitation and communication skills
- Experience building alliances and developing others
- Creative problem-solving and a genuine passion for justice
Benefits include:
- Flexible working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- 8% non-contributory pension (Grapevine pays the full amount)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- A culture of learning, reflection, and genuine support
Grapevine is a place where you'll have freedom with support, real opportunities to grow, and work that creates lasting impact. Our team describe it as a "powerhouse" that feels like a second home.
About Grapevine
We're an award-winning charity helping communities across Coventry and Warwickshire take collective action. We're nationally recognised for our community organising approach and we're accredited trainers for the National Community Organisers programme. We believe those who face challenges are best positioned to lead solutions and we provide the support to make that happen.
"Grapevine is a fantastic organisation bold, innovative and caring. It manages to balance positive outcomes for individuals and communities with system change a very rare thing." Tim, Community Leader
Equality and Inclusion
Fairness and inclusion are part of who we are going back to our origins as a disability charity. We actively seek people from all backgrounds and AIM TO remove barriers to equal opportunity. We welcome applications from everyone.
