At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external affairs to influence policy and drive change for UK seas.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on ocean conservation across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join us in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in our mission.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental policy while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in public affairs and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 48000 £ per year.
Remote working within the UK (with regular travel across the UK to external meetings, events and in-person team gatherings)
Salary - £44,000-£48,000
The Role
Are you an experienced senior public affairs leader with a track record of influencing policy and legislative change? This is a rare chance to lead our external affairs work across all four UK nations, on a mission with real urgency. From Westminster to Holyrood, the Senedd and Stormont, you'll build the relationships and run the campaigns that secure political, legislative and business change. The aim is simple: change that measurably improves the health of UK seas.
You'll lead our Parliamentary Affairs team and be one of our senior external voices. As a member of our Leadership Team, you'll also help shape how we deliver our Ocean Goals across the whole organisation. You'll work closely with our Head of UK Policy & Advocacy, so our policy positions and influencing work pull in the same direction.
What you'll do
- Set the strategy. Shape our four-nation external affairs strategy with the Director of Conservation & Policy, set clear measures of success and track impact.
- Choose the right route. Decide where, when and how we influence: parliamentary work, coalitions, public campaigns or legal routes.
- Lead on parliaments and governments. Run our engagement with all four parliaments and governments, including campaigns for legislative change.
- Build business partnerships. Be our lead with business leaders on agreed priorities, and speak for us in the media and in public.
- Oversee legal interventions. Work with legal advisers on challenges and other legal routes where they're the right approach, managing the risks.
- Lead the team and budget. Line manage and develop a remote Parliamentary Affairs team and manage the external affairs budget.
- Help lead the organisation. Contribute to our strategic direction and champion joined-up working across teams.
About You
We're looking for an experienced leader who can turn ambition into change. You'll be able to show us that you:
- have led senior political or parliamentary engagement that achieved a clear policy or legislative outcome.
- understand how devolution shapes environmental or marine policy across the four nations, and adapt your influencing to match – however you gained that understanding.
- have designed, led and evaluated advocacy campaigns with clear objectives and measures of success.
- have built trusted relationships with parliamentarians, senior officials or business leaders that changed a position or practice.
- use sound political judgement to spot opportunities and risks, and pick the right tactic.
- explain complex policy in plain English and represent an organisation confidently with the media.
- have led and developed a team, including remote colleagues, and managed a budget.
- can identify and manage legal, financial and reputational risk in high-profile work.
It would be great if you've also worked on strategic legal interventions, engaged business or industry bodies, or know coastal and marine conservation issues. You don't need all of these to apply.
Most of all, you'll share our commitment to ocean conservation and to equity, diversity and inclusion. You'll need to travel regularly across the UK.
The full job description and person specification are in the information pack.
Celebrating difference
The environmental and charity sectors don't yet reflect the diversity of our communities, and we want to change that. We welcome applications from all walks of life. If you'd like an adjustment at any stage of the process, please get in touch – we want to help you shine.
Head of External Affairs employer: Marine Conservation Society
As a leading UK environmental charity, we offer a fulfilling opportunity for a Youth Engagement Officer to inspire young people across the Central Belt of Scotland. Our remote-first approach and flexible working arrangements ensure a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development creates a supportive environment for growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the ocean and empowering the next generation to take action for a healthier planet.
Contact Details:
Marine Conservation Society Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Affairs
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Marine Conservation Society, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Marine Conservation Society and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Marine Conservation Society and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marine Conservation Society
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Marine Conservation Society, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Marine Conservation Society.
