External Affairs Officer

Ellwood Atfield is proud to partner with The Health Foundation, an independent charity committed to building a healthier UK. The Health Foundation works to improve people's health and the quality of health and care services by generating high-quality research and analysis, developing practical solutions to complex challenges, and bringing together policymakers, practitioners and communities to drive meaningful change. Through evidence, collaboration and innovation, the Foundation helps shape national policy and practice, influencing decisions that improve health outcomes for people across the UK.

Guided by its values of impact, evidence, integrity and collaboration, the Health Foundation is committed to creating a more equitable future where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life.

The opportunity:

The External Affairs Officer will play an important role in supporting the delivery of the Health Foundation's public affairs, stakeholder relations, media and strategic communications activity. This is a varied and collaborative role at the heart of the Health Foundation's External Affairs team. You will support the delivery of stakeholder engagement, public affairs, media relations and strategic communications, helping ensure their evidence and insights reach the people who can influence policy and improve health and care.

Success in the role requires excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities. You'll enjoy building relationships, communicating clearly with a wide range of audiences and working collaboratively across the organisation. An interest in UK politics and policymaking, a commitment to evidence-informed communications, and a passion for improving health and care will help you thrive in this role.

Main responsibilities:

• Support stakeholder engagement, political monitoring and parliamentary activity.
• Help deliver media relations, including press office support and media monitoring.
• Produce high-quality briefings, press materials and digital communications.
• Coordinate external events, including party conferences and stakeholder engagement.
• Build strong relationships with colleagues, journalists and external stakeholders

Key skills and experience required:

• Experience supporting communications, public affairs or stakeholder engagement activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong relationship-building skills and confidence working with a range of stakeholders.
• Good understanding of UK politics and policymaking, with an interest in health policy.
• Candidates with a background influencing or working in either national or local government is desired but not essential.

Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.