Public Affairs Officer

Public Affairs Officer

Full-Time 30000 - 42000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
National Housing Federation

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead public affairs strategies and build relationships with key political figures.
  • Company: Join the National Housing Federation, the voice of housing associations in England.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 27 days annual leave, and training opportunities.
  • Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on housing policy and help communities thrive.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in influencing strategies required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 Β£ per year.

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National Housing Federation provided pay range

This range is provided by National Housing Federation. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience β€” talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Public Affairs Officer

Department: Public Affairs

Contract: Permanent

– 27 days’ annual leave + statutory holidays + three closures days over the Christmas period.

– Flexible working for all staff including working from home/hybrid working, and flexitime/TOIL scheme.

– Attractive family friendly policies.

– Season ticket loans.

– Employee awards, and training and development opportunities.

For more information about our benefits please visit our website.

Please note, the successful candidate will be expected to carry out two days in-person working per week on average which will include attendance at the above office location.

Flexible working arrangements can be discussed and agreed with the line manager subject to role and business needs.

An exciting opportunity has arisen at the National Housing Federation (NHF) for a Public Affairs Officer. The NHF is the voice of housing associations in England. We are the trade body to almost 600 housing associations, who have grown from philanthropic roots to provide 2.6 million homes to around six million people. You can find further information about the NHF on our website.

Our vision is for a country where everyone can live in a good quality home they can afford. We work with our members to make this vision a reality – delivering ambitious programmes that lead to lasting, positive change.

We work at the forefront of the political debate – not only on housing, but also on a wide range of other policy issues including welfare, homelessness and climate change. Our work affects the lives of millions of people and diverse communities across the country.

Our dynamic Public Affairs team has built close working relationships at the most senior level of politics. We have a proven track record influencing policy, shaping legislation and building trusted relationships with key decision makers.

Our Public Affairs Officers independently lead on their own policy areas, creating influencing strategies designed to achieve impactful results for our members. Following a period of significant political change in Westminster, we need you to play a crucial role to ensure social housing maintains its political salience, and that housing associations are understood as an integral part of the solution to the housing emergency.

Key elements of the role:

– Developing and leading public affairs strategies to influence the main political parties on topics that matter to our members.

– Building effective relationships with parliamentarians, ministers and shadow ministers, researchers and political advisers.

– Collaborating with colleagues through project groups and providing expert public affairs advice on a range of policy issues.

– Monitoring Parliament and key political development to ensure NHF staff and our members are informed on key issues.

– Drafting high-quality briefings, letters and other documents for national politicians.

– Making the case for the NHF’s influencing asks in face-to-face meetings with key political stakeholders and presenting to internal and member groups.

The successful candidate:

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

– A proven ability to develop and implement effective influencing strategies.

– Experience of building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders.

– Commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues across the organiaation.

– Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

– A good understanding of the political environment and climate in the UK.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The NHF has published its equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, which was co-created with staff. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we value the contribution each individual makes to our work.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and are working to increase the diversity profile of our workforce. We are currently under-represented by ethnic minorities, people with a disability or disabilities and LGBTQ+, and would particularly welcome applications from people in these groups.

Disability confident employer

We are a disability confident employer and if you are a disabled person who demonstrates you meet the skills and experience we consider essential for the role, we will offer you an interview.

Please note: there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. In certain recruitment situations such as high-volume of applications, we may be required to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.

In these circumstances the NHF will select the disabled candidates who best meet the minimum criteria for the job rather than all of those that meet the minimum criteria, as we would do for non-disabled applicants. This is in line with the Disability Confident guidelines.

We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process if you have a disability or have a condition that you feel may affect your performance during the recruitment process. Please email Stephanie Green, People Manager, with your request or to arrange a time to discuss in more detail.

Uploading your CV and cover letter

If you decide to apply for this role, when requested, please upload a version of your CV that does not include any personal details, such as name, gender, age etc. You should also ensure that you do not add your name at the end of the cover letter. This will help us to shortlist candidates for interview based solely on their knowledge, skills and experience.

Right to work in the UK/UK VISA sponsorship

You must have the right to work in the UK and it is important to note that the NHF does not sponsor individuals to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications: 2 June 2025

Interview date: 12 and 13 June 2025

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Associate

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Other

  • Industries

    Non-profit Organization Management

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Public Affairs Officer employer: National Housing Federation

The National Housing Federation is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact the lives of millions. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a strong focus on employee development, you will thrive in a culture that values collaboration and inclusivity. Join us in shaping housing policy while enjoying the unique advantages of working in London, a hub for political engagement and social change.
National Housing Federation

Contact Detail:

National Housing Federation Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the current political landscape and key issues affecting housing in the UK. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during networking events or interviews, showcasing your understanding of the role's context.

✨Tip Number 2

Build connections with professionals already working in public affairs or related fields. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to expand your network and gain insights into effective strategies for influencing policy.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on recent developments in housing policy and legislation. Subscribe to relevant newsletters or follow influential figures on social media to ensure you're well-informed and can discuss these topics confidently.

✨Tip Number 4

Practice your communication skills by engaging in discussions about public affairs. Whether through mock interviews or informal chats with friends, honing your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly will be invaluable when presenting to stakeholders.

We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Officer

Public Affairs Strategy Development
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Political Awareness
Exceptional Written Communication
Oral Communication Skills
Policy Analysis
Collaboration and Teamwork
Briefing Document Preparation
Influencing and Persuasion
Monitoring Political Developments
Project Management
Networking Skills
Adaptability to Political Changes
Understanding of Housing Policy

Some tips for your application 🫑

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Public Affairs Officer position. Familiarise yourself with the National Housing Federation's mission and how this role contributes to their goals.

Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and policy development. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence and build relationships, as these are key aspects of the role.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for social housing and your understanding of the political landscape in the UK. Clearly articulate how your skills align with the NHF's objectives and why you are the ideal candidate for this position.

Follow Application Guidelines: When submitting your application, ensure you follow the NHF's guidelines regarding anonymity. Upload your CV without personal details and avoid including your name in the cover letter to facilitate an unbiased selection process.

How to prepare for a job interview at National Housing Federation

✨Understand the Political Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the current political environment in the UK, especially regarding housing policies. Being able to discuss recent developments and their implications will show your awareness and readiness for the role.

✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for a Public Affairs Officer, so be ready to discuss your approach and any challenges you overcame.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since exceptional written and oral communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Consider preparing a brief on a relevant topic to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information effectively.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to develop and implement influencing strategies. Think of specific scenarios where you had to influence decision-makers and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.

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