At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead NatCen’s external affairs, shaping impactful communications and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Join the largest independent social research organisation in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by influencing policy and engaging with key decision-makers.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026
Department: Social Surveys
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: London (Hybrid)
Reporting To: Gillian Prior
Competitive Salary (depending on experience) London | Hybrid Full time | Fixed term (12 months)
Working at the heart of NatCen’s Marketing and Communications team, this role takes ownership of NatCen’s external affairs function, shaping how our research reaches, influences and engages decision‑makers. You’ll bring clarity, credibility and momentum to NatCen’s public affairs, stakeholder engagement and external communications, working closely with senior leaders and research teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape NatCen’s external affairs strategy – develop and deliver a clear, joined‑up approach to public affairs, stakeholder engagement and communications that raises NatCen’s profile and impact.
- Build senior stakeholder relationships – strengthen trusted relationships with government, parliament and wider policy stakeholders to ensure NatCen’s research reaches the right audiences.
- Drive meaningful engagement – lead stakeholder mapping and horizon scanning, tailoring engagement and communications so complex evidence is accessible, relevant and influential.
- Strengthen how NatCen shows up externally – work with colleagues across the organisation to present research clearly and confidently to policy audiences and the media.
- Lead a high‑quality events programme – plan and deliver events including British Social Attitudes events, receptions and partner activity that build visibility and credibility.
- Provide senior‑level input – contribute strategic advice to senior leadership and deputise for the Director of External Engagement when required.
- Work with pace and purpose – manage multiple priorities, lead cross‑functional activity and keep delivery focused on impact.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Significant experience in external affairs, public affairs or stakeholder engagement, with a track record of delivering successful engagement strategies.
- Strong understanding of the UK political and policy landscape and confidence engaging senior stakeholders across government and parliament.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research into clear, engaging messages.
- Experience working in or with research institutes, foundations, government departments, parliament or public affairs/communications agencies.
- Experience of managing events and engagement activity.
- A confident, collaborative style, comfortable working independently and influencing at senior levels.
- Media engagement experience is desirable, as is experience providing strategic input to senior leadership.
- Line management experience is desirable.
- A clear commitment to NatCen’s values and the importance of independent social research.
If you enjoy shaping influence, strengthening external engagement and helping evidence reach the people who matter, we’d love to hear from you.
Job Benefits
- 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays) increasing to 30 days after 3 years of service
- Generous company pension scheme
- Life insurance and health cash plan
- Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan
- Career development, professional subscriptions support and mentoring from industry‑leading experts
We are proud to say we are a Disability Confident Committed Employer, so if you require any reasonable adjustments during the interview process please make us aware and we will endeavour to support you.
Senior External Affairs Manager (Maternity cover) in London employer: National Centre for Social Research
NatCen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including 25 days holiday and a robust pension scheme, and a hybrid working model, we empower our team to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in shaping impactful research that influences decision-makers while enjoying a culture that values collaboration and inclusivity.
Contact Detail:
National Centre for Social Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior External Affairs Manager (Maternity cover) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at NatCen. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could really help your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching NatCen’s recent projects and public affairs strategies. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about what we do. Tailor your answers to reflect our values and mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your experience and how it aligns with the Senior External Affairs Manager role, making you feel more confident when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at NatCen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior External Affairs Manager (Maternity cover) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in external affairs and stakeholder engagement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and engaging. Use straightforward language to demonstrate your ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages – it’s what we’re all about at StudySmarter!
Highlight Your Strategic Thinking:We’re looking for someone who can shape and deliver effective engagement strategies. In your application, share examples of how you’ve successfully navigated the political landscape or influenced decision-makers in the past. This will show us you’re the right fit for the job!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Centre for Social Research
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in NatCen’s mission and recent research. Familiarise yourself with their external affairs strategy and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Build Your Story
Prepare to share specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your success in public affairs and stakeholder engagement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Engage with Confidence
Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely. You’ll need to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders, so rehearse explaining your previous work in a way that’s accessible and engaging.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about NatCen’s current projects and future direction. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your understanding of the UK political landscape and how it relates to their work.
