Head of Policy & Public Affairs (London)

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Ellwood Atfield are excited to be partnering with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) to appoint a Head of Policy and Public Affairs as they expand their Policy and Public Affairs directorate.

Reporting to the Director of Public Financial Management, the successful postholder will oversee corporate communications content initiatives, across multiple platforms and formats to drive audience engagement, build the authority of CIPFA’s policy voice and grow awareness of the brand.

The position leads corporate communications, media relations and editorial activity to support a consistent and compelling brand narrative story.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional and leader who is enthusiastic, dynamic and looking to make a real difference to public financial management across the UK and around the world. You will be responsible for managing a team of communications & content experts alongside a well respected team of Policy Advisors.

Core responsibilities:

The role will include areas encompassing public relations, external affairs, communications, public engagement and brand:

• Lead the development of CIPFA policy positions, publications, commentary and thought leadership pieces.
• Lead and support development and contribution to a proactive programme of technical development which positions CIPFA as a leading provider of public financial management expertise.
• Provide and shape opinion which underpins the basis for CIPFA publications, commentary and thought leadership.
• Direct and support team members and others to undertake the role of expert advisor, providing any necessary research to support the compilation of public and private briefings.
• Develop and contribute market and customer intelligence/data to inform new solution, product and service developments.
• Lead the development and maintenance of CIPFA’s content and engagement strategy (thought leadership strategy) that supports and extends stakeholder engagement, both short- and long-term, determining which methods work for CIPFA and why.
• Develop and maintain relevant networks of external stakeholders (including internationally); and within CIPFA for the purpose of advancing CIPFA’s work.
• Contribute to effective alliances and collaborations with partner organisations, to enhance delivery capability and or provide joint solutions to meet customer needs.
• Ensuring all content is on-brand, consistent in terms of style, quality and tone of voice, and optimised for search and user experience for all channels of content. Including online, social media, email, point of purchase, mobile, video, print and in person.
• Lead the development and delivery of key CIPFA events including main and regional conferences. Manage associated contractual relationships.
• Promote the views of CIPFA on public finance and policy issues at courses, seminars, select committee hearings, committees of inquiry and equivalent and through pro-active engagement with the media.
• Manage the CIPFA press office.

Person Specification:

You need to be credible, with a clear and strong vision for CIPFA’s thought leadership strategy, and be able to implement that strategy whilst being flexible to the market, emerging issues and demand. CIFPA also want a strong leader who can set the direction and pace for your team, and represent at all levels of the organisation – from CIPFA’s Council and Board through to relevant networks of external stakeholders and with colleagues across the organisation.

It is essential you have the following experience and skills:

• Strong leader, with a sense of your own leadership style and what that means for those around you, with the ability to lead, motivate and manage multi-disciplinary and technical teams in achieving clear and challenging objectives
• Real interest in, and commitment to, public services and public finance with a demonstrable understanding of the public sector, its structure, culture and challenges
• Previous experience of influencing public policy, undertaking policy analysis and developing complex policy and professional commentary
• Demonstrable experience of leading relationships with legislatures and devolved governments
• Ability to develop complex policy and technical propositions using own skills and initiative
• Ability to lead on the delivery of outputs to high profile clients e.g., DHLUC, HMT
• Creative, innovative, strategic and forward thinking
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise workload effectively with a high level of resilience
• Enthusiastic and dynamic, highly collaborative and willing to get stuck in to get things done and make a real contribution to CIPFA’s growth and future success
• Participation in our 4-day working week pilot until July 2023! During the pilot you will work 30 hours per week and receive current full-time salary. CIFPA will talk to you at interview about the 4-day week and what that means for this role
• 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays
• Flexible working and leave options
• Up to 10% employer's pension contribution
• Season ticket loans
• Employee Assistance Helpline
• Exclusive employee discount and rewards at many major brands including health & well-being, retail, restaurants and mobile technology provider.

To apply:
Please submit your CV and a covering letter on this page via the portal. For more infoamtion, please email or call Josh Gray.

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