At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external affairs, influence policy, and engage with government and stakeholders.
- Company: Reputable Academy focused on science and health policy.
- Benefits: Generous pension, life assurance, hybrid working, and 26 days annual leave.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping health policy and lead a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in public affairs and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 84080 - 84080 £ per year.
Salary: £84,080
Role duration: Permanent (37.5 hours per week)
Location: London, UK (Hybrid – 50% office attendance)
Summary
The Policy Directorate brings together the Academy’s policy, analysis and external affairs functions to address major science and health policy issues in the UK and internationally. The Directorate works as a single, coordinated team, focusing resources on priority areas, applying strategic approaches, generating high-quality evidence and insights, and engaging effectively with government, stakeholders and partners to inform decision-making and influence policy.
You will lead and integrate the Academy’s external affairs function—spanning policy influence, parliamentary and government engagement, and sector engagement through FORUM—to strengthen our reach, visibility and impact. By drawing on the Academy’s Fellowship, networks and reputation, you will ensure coherence across all external-facing policy activities and play a senior leadership role in delivering the Academy’s transformation priorities. You will position the Academy as an authoritative voice on medical science and health, and ensure that our external engagement is strategic, aligns with the wider organisation’s approach to stakeholder management, and strengthens our influence.
About the Role
- Strategic leadership across external affairs: Lead and integrate policy engagement and relationships to deliver a coherent external affairs strategy. Ensure alignment between external affairs activities related to policy and wider Academy strategic priorities (through COO). Provide strategic advice on public affairs opportunities, political risk, reputational management and external positioning.
- Team leadership, governance and performance: Lead a unified external affairs team, embedding KPI-driven planning, performance management and evaluation. Build capability, progression pathways and consistent project management approaches within the team. Manage political risk on behalf of the Academy, ensuring effective governance, narrative discipline and coherent external messaging. Ensure cross‑Academy planning and alignment between external affairs, policy development, policy analysis, communications and engagement functions.
- Strategic programme and portfolio leadership: Oversee priority influencing programmes, ensuring coherence, sequencing and impactful delivery. Provide external‑facing leadership for high‑profile programmes. Support cross‑sector initiatives and commissions by providing strategic political insight and external influence.
- Political, parliamentary and institutional influence: Lead the Academy’s UK parliamentary and government engagement strategy, including select committee interactions, parliamentary briefings and relationship building with MPs, Peers and parliamentary staff. Position the Academy as an authoritative voice on medical science, policy priorities and the wider health system. Build and sustain high‑level influencing relationships across parliament and political parties, national bodies, arm’s‑length agencies, health systems and sector leaders.
- FORUM and commercial: Oversee and evolve the Academy’s FORUM to align with policy priorities and maximise its impact as a neutral, cross‑sector convening space exploring scientific innovation, technological trends and strategic priorities shaping UK healthcare. Lead the transformation of FORUM into a leading UK convenor, including membership growth, securing contributions from organisations, and delivering at least six high‑quality convenings per year. Contribute to income‑generating initiatives within approved budgets and ensure external‑facing activities support organisational sustainability.
- Leadership within the organisation: As a member of the Academy Leadership Team (Heads and Directors), contribute to organisational strategy, cultural development and the transformation programme. Provide senior leadership on organisational measurement, impact reporting and securing external funding.
- Financial and governance responsibilities: Oversee budgets associated with external affairs and related programmes. Ensure compliance with governance processes, financial controls and risk management.
Qualifications
- Strong track record in public affairs, political strategy or policy influencing, with demonstrable success securing policy adoption and measurable outcomes.
- Experience leading communications, media or public‑facing activity in a complex environment.
- Understanding of the UK science, research and public health landscape, including inequalities, national strategies and institutional dynamics.
- Proven experience managing a team, building capability and integrating multidisciplinary functions.
Competitive rewards
Generous pension scheme with flexible contributions – we contribute between 8% - 13% of your gross salary (with employee contributions of 3% - 8%). Life assurance at three times your salary.
Work‑life Balance
Hybrid and agile working. 50% office attendance. 26 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure days and bank holidays. Buying and selling leave. Family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to a qualifying period).
Wellbeing and Development
Complimentary subscriptions to Headspace and Classpass to support your physical and mental wellbeing. Support through tailored learning and development.
Additional Benefits
A range of enhanced benefits become available once you’ve completed your probation period.
Head of External Affairs employer: Academy of Medical Sciences
As the Head of External Affairs at our London-based Academy, you will join a dynamic and collaborative work culture that prioritises strategic leadership and impactful engagement in the fields of science and health policy. We offer competitive rewards, including a generous pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and development, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally. With opportunities for career progression and a focus on fostering a supportive environment, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
Contact Details:
Academy of Medical Sciences Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Affairs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the real interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you top of mind. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of External Affairs. We want to see how you can lead and integrate policy engagement, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about strategic leadership, so be sure to emphasise your experience in managing teams and driving performance. We’re looking for someone who can build capability and lead a unified external affairs team, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of the Sector:We want to know that you understand the UK science, research, and public health landscape. Use your application to show us your insights into current issues and how they relate to the Academy’s mission. This will help position you as an authoritative voice in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to engage with us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academy of Medical Sciences
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Academy’s mission and the current landscape of UK science and health policy. Brush up on recent developments and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic priorities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and managing complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully integrated multidisciplinary functions and driven performance through KPI-driven planning.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach building relationships with key stakeholders, including MPs and health sector leaders. Have a few strategies in mind for how you would position the Academy as an authoritative voice in medical science.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss your approach to public affairs and political strategy. Think about how you would manage political risk and ensure coherent external messaging, and be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences.
