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- Tasks: Lead national conversations on epilepsy and drive impactful campaigns for change.
- Company: Join the UK's leading charity dedicated to transforming lives affected by epilepsy.
- Benefits: Be part of a passionate team making a real difference in people's lives.
- Why this job: Shape government policy and elevate voices of those living with epilepsy.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in communications, public affairs, and leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence public attitudes and secure vital investment for epilepsy.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Leadership That Makes a Real Difference - Lead the National Conversation on Epilepsy. Epilepsy affects more than 630,000 people in the UK, yet it remains misunderstood, underfunded, and too often overlooked. As our Head of External Affairs, you will change that. This is a rare opportunity to shape national debate, influence government policy, and elevate the voices of people living with epilepsy to the highest levels of power.
You will lead our communications, advocacy, and information services with strategic vision and hands-on energy - driving high-impact campaigns, securing meaningful policy wins, and strengthening our reputation as the UK’s leading epilepsy charity. From building relationships with senior journalists, MPs, Ministers, and sector leaders, to guiding our spokespeople and shaping our public narrative, you will be at the forefront of transforming how the UK understands and responds to epilepsy.
This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, brings senior communications and political experience, and wants their work to deliver real, measurable change. You’ll help set the direction of a growing organisation, expand the reach of our external affairs function, and ensure that the lived experience of people with epilepsy drives everything we do.
If you’re ready to make a national impact and champion a cause that urgently needs a stronger voice, we’d love to hear from you.
About Epilepsy Society: Epilepsy Society is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming the lives of people affected by epilepsy through world-class research, specialist medical care, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring every voice is heard. For more than a century, we have stood alongside those living with the condition - driving scientific progress, challenging stigma, and pushing for better services and support.
Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological conditions yet it remains widely misunderstood, chronically underfunded, and too often absent from national debate. Many still face discrimination, delayed diagnoses, and inconsistent access to treatment, leaving countless families feeling isolated or overlooked. We are determined to change this. Our pioneering research is advancing the future of epilepsy treatment and understanding - from genetics to cutting-edge diagnostics. Our specialist clinicians deliver life-changing care for those with the most complex needs. Our Helpline and information services provide trusted guidance when it matters most. And our advocacy ensures that lived experience shapes policy, practice, and public conversation.
But the scale of the challenge demands a stronger national voice - one capable of influencing government, shifting public attitudes, and securing the investment this community urgently deserves. That is why this role is so important. Joining Epilepsy Society means becoming part of a charity with ambition, momentum, and a clear mission: to create a UK where people with epilepsy are understood, supported, and empowered to live the lives they choose. You will join a passionate, driven team united by the belief that meaningful change is not only possible - it is essential.
About You: You are an accomplished communications and public affairs leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, influence, and impact. You bring:
- Extensive senior-level experience across communications, media, and public affairs, with a sophisticated understanding of parliamentary processes, political dynamics, and how to shape them.
- A track record of designing and delivering high-impact, integrated campaigns that shift opinion, influence policy, and elevate organisational profile across multiple audiences.
- The credibility and confidence to operate at the highest levels, engaging effectively with MPs, Ministers, civil servants, journalists, and sector leaders - building trust, shaping conversations, and opening doors.
- A strategic mindset paired with hands-on agility - you can set long-term direction while also stepping in to craft a briefing, shape a message, or respond to a fast-moving issue when needed.
- Proven leadership experience, with the ability to inspire, develop, and guide a growing team while expanding the ambition, capability, and influence of the external affairs function.
- Sound judgement, political awareness, and a calm, solutions-focused approach, particularly when navigating sensitive issues or high-pressure situations.
- A commitment to amplifying lived experience, ensuring that the voices of people affected by epilepsy inform and strengthen everything you deliver.
For an informal conversation please contact: Oliver Startup: oliver.startup@gatenbysanderson.com Liz Dean: liz.dean@gatenbysanderson.com
Key Dates: Closing date: 13th February Preliminary Interviews: w/c 23rd February Final Panel Interviews: w/c 9th March
Head of External Affairs employer: EPILEPSY SOCIETY
Contact Detail:
EPILEPSY SOCIETY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Affairs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the epilepsy community, attend events, and engage on social media. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for epilepsy advocacy shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight why this cause matters to you.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its impact. Know their campaigns, challenges, and successes inside out. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Epilepsy Society.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for the cause and how your experiences align with our mission at Epilepsy Society.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. Show us how you can lead the national conversation on epilepsy and drive impactful campaigns.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in communications and public affairs. We love to see measurable outcomes that demonstrate your ability to influence and create change.
Follow Up: After submitting your application through our website, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification. We’re here to help and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at EPILEPSY SOCIETY
✨Know Your Cause
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding epilepsy and the challenges faced by those living with it. Familiarise yourself with recent statistics, key issues, and the current landscape of epilepsy care in the UK. This knowledge will not only show your passion but also help you articulate how you can make a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead high-impact campaigns and influence policy. Think about times when you've successfully engaged with MPs or journalists, and be ready to share these stories to highlight your credibility and experience.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to outline your vision for the role and how you would approach shaping national conversations around epilepsy. Think strategically about how you would build relationships and drive campaigns, and be ready to discuss your ideas during the interview.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
As a leader, it's crucial to inspire and develop your team. Be ready to talk about your leadership style and how you’ve successfully guided teams in the past. Highlight your commitment to amplifying the voices of those affected by epilepsy and how you plan to ensure their experiences shape your work.
