At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead NatCen's external affairs, shaping impactful public engagement and communications.
- Company: Join the UK's largest independent social research organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, generous pension, health plans, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth and mentoring from industry experts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by influencing policy and engaging with key stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs, strong communication skills, and stakeholder engagement expertise.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Competitive Salary (depending on experience) London | Hybrid Full time | Fixed term (12 months)
Role details
- 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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- 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.
- Line management experience is desirable.
- 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.
Job Benefits
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
Our Values & Behaviours
- We Are Curious — Uses data to improve field performance and delivery; Explores new approaches to workforce management.
- We Move with Purpose — Drives delivery against operational targets; Aligns workforce planning to demand.
- We Act with Integrity — Ensures fair and compliant field practice; Maintains quality and ethical standards.
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 endeavor to support you to help you showcase your best self during our hiring process.
Senior External Affairs Manager (Maternity cover) in London employer: the National Centre for Social Research
NatCen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including a competitive salary, extensive holiday allowance, and a hybrid working model, NatCen fosters a culture of curiosity and integrity. Employees have the opportunity to engage with influential stakeholders and contribute to meaningful social research, making a real impact in public affairs and policy engagement.
Contact Detail:
the National Centre for Social Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior External Affairs Manager (Maternity cover) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a personal blog or share insights on social media about public affairs and stakeholder engagement. This not only showcases your knowledge but also helps you get noticed by potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact at NatCen!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior External Affairs Manager (Maternity cover) in London
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 us how you can bring clarity and momentum to our public affairs strategy.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to translate complex research into clear messages. We want to see your writing style shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have with government, parliament, or public affairs agencies. We’re looking for someone who understands the UK political landscape, so make that clear in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at the National Centre for Social Research
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in NatCen’s mission and values, as well as their current research projects. Familiarise yourself with the UK political landscape and recent public affairs trends. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of how to shape external affairs strategies effectively.
✨Build Your Story
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your success in stakeholder engagement and public affairs. Think about how you’ve built relationships with senior stakeholders and how you’ve translated complex information into clear messages. This will help you illustrate your fit for the role.
✨Engagement is Key
Be ready to discuss how you would approach stakeholder mapping and horizon scanning for NatCen. Show your ability to tailor communications to different audiences, making complex evidence accessible and relevant. This will highlight your strategic thinking and engagement skills.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share how you’ve worked with others to deliver high-quality events or initiatives, and emphasise your ability to influence at senior levels while maintaining a confident and collaborative style.
