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- Tasks: Lead public affairs and external engagement to elevate the organisation's influence nationally.
- Company: Prominent not-for-profit organisation focused on impactful policy discussions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to shape national conversations.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public policy and engage with key stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in public affairs and strategic communications required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with leadership opportunities and a chance to drive strategic change.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic leader to join a prominent organisation, taking charge of the strategic direction of external engagement and public affairs. As the Director of External Engagement, you will be responsible for shaping and driving high-impact activities to elevate the organisation’s visibility, reputation, and influence across national policy discussions, public discourse, and stakeholder networks. Your efforts will ensure the organisation’s research and thought leadership play a critical role in national and international conversations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive public affairs strategy to enhance the organisation’s presence across key sectors, including Government, Parliament, and policy organisations.
- Oversee external engagement activities, ensuring strategic positioning across policy, academic, public, and commissioning sectors.
- Build and manage senior-level relationships with media, ministers, parliamentarians, civil servants, and policy bodies to influence national conversations.
- Strengthen the organisation’s digital presence, ensuring social media and digital outputs align with broader strategic goals.
- Represent the organisation at high-level national conferences, policy forums, and media platforms.
- Lead the strategy for disseminating major publications, ensuring they engage key policymakers and public audiences.
- Drive the development of strategic partnerships with key stakeholders such as government bodies, think tanks, and sector partners.
- Lead a team focused on ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and growth objectives.
Key Requirements:
- Proven experience in senior public affairs, external engagement, or strategic communications at a national level, ideally within an agency or similar setting.
- A track record of influencing policy, working with the media, and managing relationships with senior national stakeholders.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to represent the organisation externally and translate complex research into impactful narratives.
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with experience in driving strategic change.
- Deep understanding of national policy landscapes and political processes.
- Ability to think strategically, anticipate shifts in the political or social climate, and position the organisation accordingly.
Director of External Affairs (Not for Profit) employer: Hanson Search
Contact Detail:
Hanson Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of External Affairs (Not for Profit)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public affairs and policy scene. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or stakeholders, make sure to highlight your experience in influencing policy and managing relationships. Share specific examples of your past successes to really make an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current affairs! Being well-versed in national policy discussions will not only help you in interviews but also position you as a knowledgeable candidate. Follow relevant news outlets and engage in conversations about trending topics in public affairs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of External Affairs (Not for Profit)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public affairs and strategic communications. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific examples where you've influenced policy or engaged with stakeholders. We love seeing quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive change.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value genuine passion for public affairs and a strong commitment to our mission, so don’t hesitate to share what motivates you to apply for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This helps us keep track of all applications and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hanson Search
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the organisation’s mission, recent publications, and current national policy discussions. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Network
Be prepared to discuss your existing relationships with key stakeholders, such as government officials and media contacts. Highlight specific examples of how you've leveraged these connections to influence policy or drive engagement in the past.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about potential challenges the organisation might face in public affairs and come up with strategic solutions. This shows that you can anticipate shifts in the political landscape and are ready to lead the charge.
✨Engage with Confidence
During the interview, communicate your ideas clearly and confidently. Use examples from your previous roles to illustrate your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed teams and projects in high-pressure environments.
