At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external affairs, manage stakeholder relationships, and oversee a team of advisors.
- Company: High-profile national public sector organisation with a strong influence.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with occasional travel and participation in an on-call rota.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by engaging with senior leaders and shaping public affairs.
- Qualifications: Experience in external affairs or government relations and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Our client, a high-profile national public sector organisation, is seeking an experienced Senior External Affairs Advisor to help lead its external affairs function and strengthen relationships with government, political, industry and other key stakeholders.
This is a varied and influential role, offering exposure to senior leadership, ministers and high-profile operational activities.
Working closely with the External Affairs Lead, you will oversee stakeholder engagement, manage reputational risks, prepare senior-level briefings and ensure clear, consistent communications across the organisation.
A key priority is the day-to-day leadership and development of a team of three External Affairs Advisors.
You will manage workloads, oversee performance, quality assure written communications and ensure the team balances proactive stakeholder engagement with often urgent and sensitive requests.
You will also contribute to parliamentary responses, stakeholder briefings and media enquiries, providing sound advice to senior colleagues and deputising for the External Affairs Lead when required.
We are seeking an accomplished people manager with experience in external affairs, government relations, public affairs or stakeholder engagement, ideally gained within government, policing, transport or another complex public sector environment.
Excellent written communication skills, sound political judgement and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders are essential.
The role offers flexible UK working arrangements, with occasional office attendance (London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester or Glasgow), and travel to stakeholder meetings.
Participation in a 24/7 on-call rota is mandatory, responding to journalists and incidents outside of office hours.
The successful candidate will also be required to undergo security vetting.
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Senior External Affairs Advisor employer: Russam
At Russam, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values expertise and fosters a collaborative work culture. As an Interim CFO for Sale Readiness & Due Diligence, you will have the opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals in a dynamic environment that encourages personal and professional growth. Our commitment to employee development, coupled with our focus on impactful financial strategies, makes us an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the heart of the Private Equity sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior External Affairs Advisor
✨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 Russam, 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 Russam 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 Senior External Affairs Advisor
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 Russam 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 Russam
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Russam, 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 Russam.
