At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external affairs strategy and shape Lancashire's public narrative.
- Company: Lancashire County Council, committed to community impact and strong leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and supportive leadership environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career development in a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in how Lancashire is perceived and engaged with.
- Qualifications: Experience in external affairs, strong networking, and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 77833 - 85119 € per year.
Salary £77,833 - £85,119 per annum | Full time | Hybrid working | County Hall, Preston
We are looking for an experienced, confident and politically astute Head of External Affairs to lead how we position, influence and represent Lancashire at local, regional and national level. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping the council's external narrative, managing reputation and profile, and ensuring our engagement with partners, stakeholders, media and opinion‐formers is purposeful, coordinated and focused on impact. You will play a critical role in ensuring Lancashire has a clear, credible and confident voice in key conversations.
Reporting to the Director of Communities and Engagement, you will work closely with elected members, the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic advice and leadership on external engagement, influence and reputation management. Your strong networking and relationship building skills will really stand you in good stead as you represent the Council's best interests with all our stakeholders. The community impact of this role and having the ability to see your work directly improve the quality of life for residents will be a key driver for you.
What You'll Be Responsible For
- Lead the development and delivery of an external affairs strategy aligned to the Council Plan, place priorities and major reform agendas.
- Act as the council's senior professional lead on external positioning, influence and reputation management.
- Shape and own the council's external narrative—ensuring consistent, credible and compelling messaging about Lancashire's priorities, achievements and ambitions.
- Advise elected members and senior leaders on high‐profile issues, external risks and opportunities, stakeholder positioning and engagement approaches.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders across local government, central government, public services, business, the voluntary sector and beyond.
- Oversee strategic engagement with regional and national bodies, ensuring our activity is targeted where it adds most value for Lancashire.
- Ensure external engagement activity is coordinated, high‐quality and focused on delivering tangible outcomes rather than being reactive or fragmented.
- Provide senior leadership within the Communities and Engagement directorate, modelling collaborative, confident and inclusive leadership.
Why join us?
We are a county full of strong communities, proud places and big ambitions. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape how Lancashire is seen, heard and be influential at a time of significant change for local government and public services. You will hone and develop your skills as you work with external partners on strategic developments in a dynamic work environment. Development and practical delivery of creative solutions for positioning the work of the Council publicly in a manner that creates a positive perspective of the organisation delivering for Lancashire. We offer flexible and hybrid working, a supportive senior leadership environment, and the chance to have real impact on the future of our county.
Closing Date: 25/05/2026
Interview Date: 11/06/2026
For questions or to arrange a confidential chat about the role, please contact Clare Coupe, Director of Communities and Engagement: clare.coupe@lancashire.gov.uk
Head of External Affairs in Burnley employer: Lancashire County Council
Join us at Lancashire County Council, where we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to make a meaningful impact in the community. As the Head of External Affairs, you will benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and the chance to shape the narrative of our vibrant county during a pivotal time for local governance. Your role will not only enhance your strategic skills but also allow you to see the direct results of your efforts in improving the quality of life for residents across Lancashire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Affairs in Burnley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, 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 job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and its values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and have some thoughtful questions ready to ask them too. Show them you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in making a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Affairs in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Tailor your application to resonate with the values and goals of the council. Show us that you get what Lancashire is all about!
Be Clear and Concise:We love a good story, but keep it relevant! Make sure your application is straightforward and to the point. Highlight your key achievements and how they align with the role's responsibilities without waffling on.
Showcase Your Skills:This is your chance to shine! Use specific examples to demonstrate your networking and relationship-building skills. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles and how you can do the same for us.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Narrative
Before the interview, make sure you have a clear understanding of Lancashire's current priorities and challenges. Be ready to discuss how you would shape and own the council's external narrative, ensuring your messaging aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your experience in engaging with local government, public services, and the voluntary sector to demonstrate your ability to represent the council effectively.
✨Be Politically Astute
Familiarise yourself with the political landscape in Lancashire and any recent developments that may impact the council. This will help you articulate your strategic advice on high-profile issues and show that you're well-prepared to navigate complex situations.
✨Focus on Impact
During the interview, emphasise your commitment to delivering tangible outcomes. Discuss how you plan to ensure that external engagement activities are coordinated and focused, rather than reactive or fragmented, to truly make a difference for the community.
