At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead public affairs initiatives to champion cancer research and influence key decision-makers.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous benefits package, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against cancer while building valuable relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in public policy and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 22278 - 22278 £ per year.
Are you passionate about making a real difference? Join Cancer Research UK as our Public Affairs Manager for Northern Ireland, where you’ll play a key role in ensuring beating cancer stays front and centre for decision-makers.
In this dynamic and high-impact role, you’ll work closely with MLAs, Department of Health officials, and influential stakeholders to champion our cause and drive meaningful change. You’ll be the voice behind the scenes, building relationships, shaping conversations, and helping to turn policy into progress.
What will I be doing?
- Leading our public affairs activity across Northern Ireland and raising our profile with key political audiences
- Building strong, lasting relationships with politicians, special advisers, and civil servants
- Connecting across the charity to support our groundbreaking research, vital information work, and fundraising efforts
- Collaborating with our policy experts to bring powerful, evidence-based recommendations to life
What skills will I need?
- Significant experience in a public policy, public affairs or parliamentary role, with a proven track record of influencing senior decision‑makers and opinion‑formers.
- In‑depth knowledge of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, including legislative processes and political dynamics.
- Strong understanding of political advocacy, lobbying standards and policy‑making environments.
- Demonstrable experience developing and overseeing the delivery of public affairs strategies and operational plans.
- Ability to assess political and policy trends and identify opportunities to enhance organisational influence.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to translate policy priorities into effective influencing activity.
- Highly developed influencing, negotiating and relationship‑building skills with parliamentarians, officials and senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to quickly establish credibility and productive relationships across political and sector networks.
- Experience managing complex stakeholder environments and balancing multiple interests.
- Confident representative of the organisation with strong judgement and professionalism.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing high‑quality briefings, speeches and political communications.
- Strong media engagement skills, including delivering interviews as part of an influencing strategy.
- Exceptional attention to detail, including flawless spelling, grammar and presentation.
- Effective and experienced people manager, able to work collaboratively within a job‑share arrangement.
- Strong team‑working skills and the ability to support and contribute to wider public affairs and campaigns teams.
- Calm, resilient and solution‑focused under pressure.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do:
- Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
- Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
- Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
- Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen.
Public Affairs Manager (Northern Ireland) in Belfast employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer, and as a Public Affairs Manager in Belfast, you will be at the forefront of this mission. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee wellbeing and offers flexible working arrangements, alongside a comprehensive benefits package and ample opportunities for professional growth. Join us to collaborate with passionate colleagues and influential stakeholders, all while contributing to a cause that truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Manager (Northern Ireland) in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public affairs scene. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research Cancer Research UK’s mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise your presentation skills too, as you’ll want to impress them with your knowledge and passion for beating cancer.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your influencing skills! Think of examples from your past where you’ve successfully influenced decision-makers or shaped policy. Be ready to discuss these during your interview to demonstrate your capability in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t wait until the last minute; apply early to avoid missing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Manager (Northern Ireland) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When filling out your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your passion for making a difference and how you connect with our mission. Don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences that make you the perfect fit for the Public Affairs Manager role.
Tailor Your Work History:Make sure to fully complete the work history section of the online application form. Highlight relevant experiences that showcase your public policy and public affairs skills. This is your chance to show us how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:Use the application to demonstrate your influencing and relationship-building skills. We’re keen to see how you’ve navigated complex stakeholder environments in the past. Give us examples that illustrate your strategic mindset and ability to drive meaningful change.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We recommend applying early to avoid disappointment, as this vacancy may close sooner than expected. Head over to our website and get your application in – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Cancer Research UK's mission and the specific challenges facing public affairs in Northern Ireland. Brush up on recent legislation and political dynamics that could impact cancer policy, so you can speak confidently about how you would navigate these issues.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Be prepared to discuss your experience building relationships with key stakeholders like MLAs and civil servants. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to influence decision-makers and drive change, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
Since the interview includes a presentation, choose a relevant topic that showcases your public affairs expertise. Structure it clearly, use engaging visuals, and practice delivering it to ensure you come across as confident and knowledgeable.
✨Embody the Values
Cancer Research UK values boldness, credibility, humanity, and teamwork. Think of examples from your past experiences that reflect these values and be ready to share them during the interview. This will show that you align with their culture and mission.
