At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead NatCen's external affairs, shaping impactful public engagement and stakeholder relationships.
- Company: Join the UK's largest independent social research organisation with a mission to make life better.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, generous pension, health plans, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by influencing policy and engaging with key decision-makers.
- Qualifications: Experience in external affairs and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Competitive Salary (depending on experience) London | Hybrid Full time | Fixed term (12 months)
Location: London (Hybrid – two days working from home)
Reporting to: Director of External Engagement
Directorate: Marketing and Communications
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.
What you’ll do
- 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.
What we’re looking for
- 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.
- 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.
As well as a competitive salary and excellent working environment (including a home/office hybrid working arrangement), you will be working for the largest independent social research organisation in the UK. We are proud of the benefits we offer our employees which include:
- 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
About the National Centre for Social Research
At The National Centre for Social Research, we believe that social research has the power to make life better. By really understanding the complexity of people’s lives and what they think about the issues that affect them, we give the public a powerful and influential role in shaping services that can make a difference to everyone. And as an independent, not‑for‑profit organisation we’re able to focus our time and energy on meeting our clients’ needs and delivering social research that works for society.
Our Values & Behaviours
- We Are Curious — Proactively investigates systemic issues; Uses data and insight to challenge current practice.
- We Move with Purpose — Translates diagnosis into structured, measurable action; Drives initiatives through to delivery.
- We Act with Integrity — Ensures transparent communication; Balances efficiency with fairness and risk management.
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 to help you showcase your best self during our hiring process.
Senior External Affairs Manager employer: National Centre for Social Research
At NatCen, we pride ourselves on being the largest independent social research organisation in the UK, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including 25 days holiday (increasing to 30), and a hybrid working model, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact in shaping public policy through evidence-based research. Join us in a culture that values curiosity, integrity, and purpose, where your contributions will help influence decision-makers and improve lives across society.
Contact Detail:
National Centre for Social Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior External Affairs Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at NatCen or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching NatCen’s recent projects and public affairs strategies. Show us you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to our mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to translate complex research into engaging messages, so get comfortable explaining your ideas clearly and confidently.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior External Affairs Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior External Affairs Manager role. Highlight your experience in external affairs and stakeholder engagement, and show how your skills align with NatCen’s mission and values.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, use clear and engaging language in your application. Don’t just list your experiences; explain how you’ve successfully translated complex research into accessible messages for different audiences.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of the Landscape:In your application, reflect on your knowledge of the UK political and policy landscape. Mention any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to engage with senior stakeholders and influence decision-making.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the details you need to make your submission stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Centre for Social Research
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of NatCen’s mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their recent research and public affairs strategies. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Build Your Story
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your experience in external affairs and stakeholder engagement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Engage with Confidence
Since this role involves engaging with senior stakeholders, practice articulating complex ideas clearly and confidently. Think about how you can simplify intricate research findings into accessible messages that resonate with decision-makers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current challenges in external affairs or how they measure the success of their engagement strategies. This shows your proactive mindset and genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
