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- Tasks: Coordinate political engagement and support colleges' interests in Westminster.
- Company: Join the Association of Colleges, a leader in education advocacy.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a chance to engage with senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education policy while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Understanding of UK politics and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Association of Colleges (AoC) as a Public Affairs Officer (Interim) on a temporary fixed-term contract. This is a key role within our Public Affairs team, coordinating AoC's political and parliamentary engagement to ensure the interests of colleges are well represented across Whitehall and Westminster, and supporting members with their own political engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and evaluate political and parliamentary developments relevant to colleges and share insights with members and colleagues, including updating the public affairs section of AoC's weekly member newsletter.
- Research and produce high-quality briefing papers for AoC members, MPs and peers.
- Contribute to parliamentary engagement activity, supporting the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Further Education and Lifelong Learning.
- Help organise AoC's parliamentary and political events, including activity at party conferences.
- Maintain accurate records of engagement activity on our political monitoring system.
- Support the wider public affairs team with administrative tasks as needed.
Contract and Work Details
This is a temporary fixed-term contract for up to 6 months, full-time (37.5 hours per week). The team works in a London-office-hybrid way, with weekly office attendance expected for London-hybrid staff, alongside ad-hoc attendance and occasional UK travel as required.
Benefits
AoC offers generous benefits, flexible working, and opportunities to develop your career while making a positive impact on the FE community.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone with a good understanding of UK politics, strong written and verbal communication skills, and experience of building effective relationships and working confidently with senior stakeholders. You should be organised, proactive and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
Equal Opportunities Statement
AoC is committed to providing equal opportunities and embracing diversity. We encourage applications from everyone and will not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of age, disability, sex, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.
Public Affairs Officer (Interim) employer: Association of Colleges
Contact Detail:
Association of Colleges Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Officer (Interim)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public affairs space. 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 organisation and its recent activities. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help them navigate political landscapes. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
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 remind them why you’re a great fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Public Affairs Officer role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in the FE community.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Officer (Interim)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Tailor your application to reflect the values and goals of the Association of Colleges. Show us that you get what we do and why it matters!
Be Clear and Concise: We love a good story, but keep it relevant! Use clear language and get straight to the point. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the role of Public Affairs Officer without waffling on.
Showcase Your Skills: This is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your understanding of UK politics and your communication skills. Give us examples of how you've built relationships with stakeholders in the past – we want to see your experience in action!
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association of Colleges
✨Know Your Politics
Make sure you brush up on current political issues and developments relevant to the education sector. Being able to discuss recent events or policies will show your understanding of the landscape and how it affects colleges.
✨Prepare Your Briefing Papers
Since you'll be expected to produce high-quality briefing papers, practice summarising complex information clearly and concisely. Bring examples of your writing to the interview to demonstrate your skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've built relationships in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
This role requires juggling multiple priorities, so come prepared with examples of how you've managed your time effectively in fast-paced environments. Highlight any tools or methods you use to stay organised.