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- Tasks: Shape GuildHE's voice and influence policy in higher education.
- Company: GuildHE, a dynamic organisation advocating for diverse higher education.
- Benefits: Opportunity to create a legacy and drive impactful change.
- Other info: Join us in a start-up environment within an established organisation.
- Why this job: Be a pioneer in shaping the future of distinctive higher education.
- Qualifications: Passion for diversity and experience in public affairs or advocacy.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Over the past 2 years, GuildHE has been transforming into the voice for distinctive higher education providers, building our brand on the principle that diversity is necessary for a healthy and vibrant higher education sector. We have a new look, a renewed energy, and a bold vision for the future of distinctive institutions. Now, we need the final piece of the puzzle: our first-ever Head of Public Affairs. This is a landmark appointment for us.
As a newly-created role following our recent rebranding, you will be building our external presence, taking our fresh identity and the work we’ve undertaken so far to the next level as we seek to double-down on our high-impact advocacy and engagement work.
As our inaugural Head of Public Affairs, you will have a unique mandate to shape the way GuildHE interacts with the world, where you can:
- Own the Narrative: Take our new brand and shape the 'GuildHE voice' across Westminster, the media, and the wider HE sector.
- Build the Blueprint: You will have the autonomy to design our engagement frameworks from scratch working with the Director of Policy and Strategy to decide how we influence policy and how we best champion the value of specialist education.
- Create a Legacy: Because this is a brand-new headcount, every success will be yours to claim. You are here to build a function that will help define our influence for the next decade.
We’re looking for someone who will champion diversity in higher education. From world-leading arts and agricultural institutions to large and distinctive HE providers who serve their students, industries and communities in innovative ways, you will find the common threads that bind our members and weave them into a compelling national story. You aren’t just representing institutions; you’re representing a vision of a more varied, vibrant educational landscape.
We’re looking for pioneers, who are energised by the phrase, 'we haven’t done that before.' We’ve done the work on our look and feel now we need you to provide the megaphone. If you’re a strategist who loves the 'start-up' energy of building and expanding functions within a respected, established body, we want to hear from you.
This is the right job for you? Please send a cover letter explaining that to us (max 2 pgs) and a CV by the deadline.
Application closing date: May 22
Interviews: June 3-4
Head of Public Affairs employer: GuildHE
Contact Detail:
GuildHE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Public Affairs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the higher education sector. Attend events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for diversity in education! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your thoughts on how you can champion diverse voices in higher education. Make it clear that you’re not just looking for a job; you’re eager to make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching GuildHE’s recent initiatives and their new brand identity. Be ready to discuss how you can take their fresh voice to the next level. Tailor your responses to show you understand their mission and how you fit into their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 and contributing to the exciting journey ahead at GuildHE.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Public Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Own Your Narrative: Just like you'll be doing in the role, make sure your cover letter tells your story. Highlight your unique experiences and how they align with our vision at GuildHE. We want to see your passion for diversity in higher education shine through!
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should be a blueprint of your career journey. Tailor it to showcase your achievements and skills that directly relate to the Head of Public Affairs role. Remember, we’re looking for pioneers, so don’t hold back on your innovative contributions!
Keep It Concise: We’ve set a max of 2 pages for your cover letter, so make every word count! Be clear and direct about why you’re the perfect fit for us. We appreciate brevity, but don’t forget to inject some personality into your writing!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this landmark appointment. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at GuildHE
✨Know Your Narrative
Before the interview, make sure you understand GuildHE's new brand and vision inside out. Be ready to discuss how you can shape the 'GuildHE voice' and what strategies you would implement to own the narrative across various platforms.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built engagement frameworks in the past. Think about specific instances where your strategic thinking has led to impactful advocacy or policy influence, as this role requires a strong ability to design from scratch.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Since championing diversity is key for this position, come equipped with ideas on how to weave together the stories of different institutions. Highlight your experience in promoting diverse educational landscapes and how you can contribute to GuildHE's mission.
✨Bring the Start-Up Energy
This role is all about pioneering new initiatives, so convey your enthusiasm for building and expanding functions. Share your experiences in dynamic environments and how you thrive when faced with challenges that require innovative solutions.