At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external affairs, influence policy, and engage with government and stakeholders.
- Company: A prestigious Academy focused on science and health policy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, hybrid working, and wellness support.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping UK health policy and lead a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in public affairs and team leadership.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: London, UK (Hybrid – 50% office attendance)
Summary Purpose - what you will be achieving: The Policy Directorate brings together the Academy’s policy, analysis and external affairs functions to address major science and health policy issues in the UK and internationally. The Directorate works as a single, coordinated team, focusing resources on priority areas, applying strategic approaches, generating high-quality evidence and insights, and engaging effectively with government, stakeholders and partners to inform decision-making and influence policy. You will lead and integrate the Academy’s external affairs function—spanning policy influence, parliamentary and government engagement, and sector engagement through FORUM—to strengthen our reach, visibility and impact. By drawing on the Academy’s Fellowship, networks and reputation, you will ensure coherence across all external-facing policy activities and play a senior leadership role in delivering the Academy’s transformation priorities. You will position the Academy as an authoritative voice on medical science and health, and ensure that our external engagement is strategic, aligns with the wider organisation’s approach to stakeholder management, and strengthens our influence.
About the Role
- Strategic leadership across external affairs: Lead and integrate policy engagement and relationships to deliver a coherent external affairs strategy. Ensure alignment between external affairs activities related to policy and wider Academy strategic priorities (through COO). Provide strategic advice on public affairs opportunities, political risk, reputational management and external positioning.
- Team leadership, governance and performance: Lead a unified external affairs team, embedding KPI-driven planning, performance management and evaluation. Build capability, progression pathways and consistent project management approaches within the team. Manage political risk on behalf of the Academy, ensuring effective governance, narrative discipline and coherent external messaging. Ensure cross-Academy planning and alignment between external affairs, policy development, policy analysis, communications and engagement functions.
- Strategic programme and portfolio leadership: Oversee priority influencing programmes, ensuring coherence, sequencing and impactful delivery. Provide external-facing leadership for high-profile programmes. Support cross-sector initiatives and commissions by providing strategic political insight and external influence.
- Political, parliamentary and institutional influence: Lead the Academy’s UK parliamentary and government engagement strategy, including select committee interactions, parliamentary briefings and relationship building with MPs, Peers and parliamentary staff. Position the Academy as an authoritative voice on medical science, policy priorities and the wider health system. Build and sustain high-level influencing relationships across parliament and political parties, national bodies, arm’s-length agencies, health systems and sector leaders.
- FORUM and commercial: Oversee and evolve the Academy’s FORUM to align with policy priorities and maximise its impact as a neutral, cross-sector convening space exploring scientific innovation, technological trends and strategic priorities shaping UK healthcare. Lead the transformation of FORUM into a leading UK convenor, including membership growth, securing contributions from organisations, and delivering at least six high-quality convenings per year. Contribute to income-generating initiatives within approved budgets and ensure external-facing activities support organisational sustainability.
- Leadership within the organisation: As a member of the Academy Leadership Team (Heads and Directors), contribute to organisational strategy, cultural development and the transformation programme. Provide senior leadership on organisational measurement, impact reporting and securing external funding.
- Financial and governance responsibilities: Oversee budgets associated with external affairs and related programmes. Ensure compliance with governance processes, financial controls and risk management.
Requirements: Strong track record in public affairs, political strategy or policy influencing, with demonstrable success securing policy adoption and measurable outcomes. Experience leading communications, media or public-facing activity in a complex environment. Understanding of the UK science, research and public health landscape, including inequalities, national strategies and institutional dynamics. Proven experience managing teams, building capability and integrating multidisciplinary functions.
Benefits: We provide our staff with a comprehensive benefits package outlined as follows:
- Competitive rewards: Generous pension scheme with flexible contributions – we contribute between 8% - 13% of your gross salary (with employee contributions of 3% - 8%). Life assurance at three times your salary.
- Work-life Balance: Hybrid and agile working. 50% office attendance. 26 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure days and bank holidays. Buying and selling leave. Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to a qualifying period).
- Wellbeing and Development: Complimentary subscriptions to Headspace and Classpass to support your physical and mental wellbeing. Support through tailored learning and development.
- Additional Benefits: A range of enhanced benefits become available once you’ve completed your probation period.
For more information and to apply, please visit our careers portal. Closing date: 9:00am on Monday 22 June 2026. Interviews will likely be held w/c 6 July 2026.
Head of External Affairs employer: The Academy of Medical Sciences
As a leading organisation in the field of medical science and health policy, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our London-based team enjoys a hybrid working model, competitive rewards, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing and development, ensuring that every member has the opportunity to grow and thrive in their career while making a meaningful impact on public health policy.
Contact Details:
The Academy of Medical Sciences Recruitment Team
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