At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external affairs, influence policy, and engage with government and stakeholders.
- Company: Join a prestigious Academy focused on science and health policy.
- Benefits: Generous salary, hybrid work, 26 days leave, and wellness support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping UK health and science policy.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in public affairs and team leadership required.
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 Purpose - what you will be achieving
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 in London employer: Academy of Medical Sciences
As a leading institution in the field of medical science and health policy, the Academy offers an exceptional work environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous benefits including a competitive pension scheme, and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, the Academy is dedicated to empowering its staff to make a meaningful impact in the sector. Join us in London, where you will have the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives and engage with influential stakeholders, all while being part of a supportive and dynamic team culture.
Contact Details:
Academy of Medical Sciences Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Affairs in London
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Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. Practice common interview questions, but also be ready for curveballs that test your problem-solving skills.
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Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Affairs in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public affairs and policy influencing. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of External Affairs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Experience:Since this role involves leading a team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership skills. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, and how you’ve driven performance and capability within those groups.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 position. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
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
As a Head of External Affairs, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage complex projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led initiatives in the past, focusing on your approach to team management and performance evaluation.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with key stakeholders, including MPs and health sector leaders. Be ready to share your strategies for effective engagement and how you would position the Academy as a leading voice in medical science.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and political acumen. Prepare for scenarios related to public affairs and reputational management, and think through how you would handle potential challenges the Academy might face.
