At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive impactful public affairs strategies and engage in exciting campaigns for animal welfare.
- Company: Join a leading international animal welfare charity making a difference worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, competitive pension, wellbeing initiatives, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team tackling global challenges for donkeys and mules.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs or campaigns with strong communication and organisational skills.
These are exciting times for the charity, and we have an excellent opportunity for a highly proactive and professional team player with outstanding interpersonal skills to join the dedicated Public Affairs, Advocacy and Campaigns team, as a Public Affairs Officer.
Location: Devon/Hybrid, onsite attendance 2-3 days per quarter (fully remote/home working and flexible working patterns considered)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday
Salary: £34,010 annum
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Sunday 16 August 2026. Please note this role may close earlier than advertised so apply as soon as possible.
About the Role
As Public Affairs Officer, you will bring to life the global influencing strategy and plans, with a focus on strategic public affairs and events. We are tackling the greatest threats working donkeys face locally and around the world, from the donkey skin trade to challenges working animals face in disasters. The role is critical at a point of growth in the influencing work with several priority projects to support within a high-performing team.
Your principal duties and responsibilities will include:
- Working collaboratively with departments across the charity to support the development of thought leadership and influencing materials, such as blogs and policy briefs.
- Engaging on cross-cutting priorities with the campaigns team, taking on roles in specific projects and protocols as agreed.
- Supporting the establishment and maximisation of the Sanctuary’s network of contacts and partnerships, working closely with the Public Affairs Manager to deepen impact.
- Supporting the department in assessing the perspectives, policies and work of major inter-governmental agencies and how they could link in with and/or support the work of the Sanctuary.
- Preparing briefs, reports and relevant documents in support of the strategy.
- Offering input on policy positions, submissions to consultations, speaking notes, reports and briefings including leading on analysis and research where appropriate.
- Representing the charity at national and international conferences and events as required.
About You
We are looking for someone who has experience of working in the Public Affairs or Campaigns sector supporting and delivering global influencing strategies and activities.
You will also have:
- Experience in a related field to the charity’s work.
- Experience of representing externally, including at events, conferences and through civil society networks.
- An understanding of global political institutions such as the United Nations, European Union and African Union, and experience of assessing trends and developing plans.
- Experience of supporting research, having written or contributed to reports and briefings and evaluating evidence of their impact.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organisation skills with the ability to multi-task and work with a number of different systems (including IT systems and databases).
Benefits include:
- Competitive pension.
- 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
- Wellbeing team.
- Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
- Long service awards.
- Healthshield plan.
- Free parking.
- Life assurance.
- Subsidised restaurant and shop.
About the Organisation
Join one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.
The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.
Public Affairs Officer employer: Donkey Sanctuary
As a leading international animal welfare charity, we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment in Devon, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of donkeys and mules worldwide. Our hybrid working model promotes flexibility, while our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous benefits package, including 31 days of holiday, a competitive pension, and access to wellness programmes. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and personal growth, ensuring you thrive both professionally and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Officer
✨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 Donkey Sanctuary.
✨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 Donkey Sanctuary.
✨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 Donkey Sanctuary.
✨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 Donkey Sanctuary. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Officer
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 Donkey Sanctuary. 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 Public Affairs Officer, 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 Donkey Sanctuary
✨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 Donkey Sanctuary. 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!
