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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! Reach out to people in the public affairs field, especially those connected to colleges or education. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best work, including any briefing papers or reports you've created. This will help you demonstrate your writing and research abilities when you get the chance to chat with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on political developments! Follow news related to education and public affairs closely. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are excited about joining us. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Public Affairs Officer role.
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: 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 how you can bring that experience to our team!
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’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association of Colleges
✨Know Your Politics
Make sure you brush up on current political developments, especially those affecting further education. Being able to discuss recent news or policies will show your understanding of the landscape and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Prepare Your Briefing Papers
Since you'll be expected to produce high-quality briefing papers, practice summarising complex information clearly and concisely. Bring a sample or two to the interview to showcase your writing skills and ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've built relationships in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've engaged with senior stakeholders or contributed to collaborative projects. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
Given the fast-paced nature of this role, be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple priorities. Share strategies or tools you use to stay organised, as this will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the demands of the position.