At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external affairs strategy and influence policy for housing and care.
- Company: Largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for older people in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and impactful role in shaping national conversations.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and work in a fast-paced, influential environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older people and shape future policies.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in external affairs and strong understanding of UK policymaking.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Job Type: Full Time | Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £80,000 per annum
Shape the national conversation. Build trust. Lead change.
As the largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for older people in the country, we have scale, heritage and impact. Now, we are looking for a Head of External Affairs to help us build trust, strengthen our influence, and shape the future of housing, care, and ageing at a national level.
This is an exciting role - operating at the intersection of policy, reputation and growth - and deciding where and how we make the biggest difference.
The Opportunity
You will lead the transformation of our external affairs - setting a clear strategy and message, and ensuring our voice is heard where it matters most. From influencing government policy to strengthening relationships with regulators, local authorities and sector partners, you’ll turn what we do every day into compelling narratives that build confidence, support occupancy, and drive our growth.
In this role, you will:
- Set the direction - Define and deliver a clear, insight-led external affairs strategy and narrative aligned to organisational priorities in a complex, high-profile environment
- Influence where it matters – Inform external policy and build relationships across government, regulators, local authorities and sector bodies, building our reputation
- Tell our story - Drive high-impact content that showcases our impact and supports growth.
- Lead and modernise the way we work – so your in-house and agency team deliver real, measurable impact.
- Work across housing, health, and social care - One of the most important and evolving policy areas in the UK
What We’re Looking For
A strategic, credible and intellectually curious leader who understands how change happens - and how to influence it.
You’ll Bring:
- Significant senior experience in external affairs, public affairs or corporate communications
- Strong understanding of UK policymaking, particularly across housing, health or social care
- A track record of shaping reputation, influencing stakeholders or delivering policy impact
- Experience working in complex, regulated environments
- The ability to operate confidently with senior leaders and external stakeholders
You Might Currently Be:
- Leading external affairs in a housing association, public body or regulated organisation
- Working in a government department or sector body with strong policy exposure
- Ready to step into a broader, more strategic role with national impact
Who You Are
- Strategically minded, but hands-on and delivery-focused
- Comfortable navigating political, fast-moving and ambiguous environments
- A natural connector - able to build influence and credibility quickly
- Curious about policy, stakeholders and how decisions are really made
- Resilient, pragmatic and driven by outcomes
Location & Working Style
Hybrid working (predominantly remote)
Regular presence in London (approx. 1 day per week)
Occasional travel to other locations as required
Selection Process
1st stage interviews will be held via MS Teams from 11 to 15 September
2nd stage interviews will be held in-person in London on 29 September
Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact role at a defining moment - and help more people love living in later life.
Head of External Affairs employer: Anchor
Anchor is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a supportive work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a focus on enhancing resident experiences across beautiful locations in Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire, employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and fosters a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Affairs
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Anchor.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Anchor.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Anchor.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Anchor. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Anchor. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Head of External Affairs, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anchor
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Anchor. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
