The Head of External Affairs will play a pivotal role in shaping the Catapult’s profile and relationships with government, industry, and key stakeholders. Reporting to the Director of Strategy and External Affairs, this position leads on communications strategy, delivery and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the organisation’s impact, reputation and visibility are maximised.
The Head of External Affairs will work with the Sales and Product Marketing teams, developing campaigns to drive lead creation for the organisation. They will drive effective and consistent messaging, cultivate strategic partnerships and manage high-level government and stakeholder relations in support of Catapult’s mission.
Our Head of External Affairs will:
- Lead the development and implementation of external and internal communications and stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Build and maintain relationships with government bodies, industry groups, academic institutions, and other stakeholders, keeping abreast of relevant policy developments.
- Manage and deliver proactive communications across media, digital, PR, and thought leadership channels.
- Support the Director of Strategy and External Affairs in positioning Catapult as a trusted adviser to government and key partners.
- Advise senior leadership and colleagues on communications strategies to engage specialist audiences, including government, industry, investment, and the public.
- Monitor and respond to stakeholder and government issues, providing updates and guidance as required.
- Support delivery of commercial campaigns to drive lead creation.
- Support the delivery of the Catapult’s impact framework, including reporting and demonstrating measurable sector influence.
- Be accountable for the leadership and performance of the external affairs and communications function, which includes both external and internal communications, and events.
- Maintain Catapult’s reputation and external positioning through consistent stakeholder engagement.
- Identify and manage reputational risk, advising the Director and CEO on stakeholder, media, and policy matters.
- Ensure alignment between corporate strategy, market positioning, and external messaging.
