At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead NatCen's external affairs, shaping impactful communications and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Join a leading social research institute with a commitment to integrity and curiosity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, generous pension, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by influencing policy and engaging with key decision-makers.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026
Department: Social Surveys
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: London (Hybrid)
Reporting To: Gillian Prior
Competitive Salary (depending on experience)
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
- 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 & Behaviors
- 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 endeavour to support you to help you showcase your best self during our hiring process.
Senior External Affairs Manager (Maternity cover) employer: the National Centre for Social Research
NatCen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London with a hybrid model that promotes work-life balance. Employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to impactful social research that influences policy and decision-making. With a commitment to integrity and inclusivity, NatCen fosters a collaborative culture where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish.
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)
✨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
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission and how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the real interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior External Affairs Manager (Maternity cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in external affairs and stakeholder engagement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and engaging. Use straightforward language to demonstrate your ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages – it’s what we’re all about at StudySmarter!
Highlight Your Experience:Don’t forget to mention any previous roles where you’ve successfully managed events or engaged with senior stakeholders. We love seeing real-world examples of how you’ve made an impact in similar positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
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, especially around social research. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and how they engage with stakeholders. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in external affairs and stakeholder engagement. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully shaped strategies or built relationships with senior stakeholders in government or parliament.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice translating complex research into simple, engaging messages. You might be asked to explain a piece of research during the interview, so think about how you would present it to a non-expert audience. Clarity is key!
✨Engagement is Everything
Think about how you would approach stakeholder mapping and horizon scanning for NatCen. Be prepared to discuss your strategies for tailoring communications and driving meaningful engagement. Showing that you can think strategically will set you apart.
