Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The Training Brokers Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead impactful policy strategies and campaigns to improve cancer care in Yorkshire.
  • Company: Join Yorkshire Cancer Research, a charity dedicated to fighting cancer through innovative research.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and equal opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping health policies that matter.
  • Qualifications: Degree in public policy or related field; experience in public affairs and policy development required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer. Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life‑giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.

The Benefits

  • Enhanced contributory pension scheme
  • 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service)
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Private medical insurance
  • Enhanced maternity leave
  • Career progression
  • Learning and development
  • Wellbeing initiatives
  • Offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station
  • Free onsite parking

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Policy and Public Affairs Manager to join our Research, Policy and Impact team. Supporting the Head of Cancer Insight, you will deliver, and keep under review, the policy and public affairs strategy, including influencing at a local, regional and national level, with the aim of helping the charity achieve its strategy and bringing benefit to the people of Yorkshire.

You will have responsibility for the development of evidence‑based policy reports and recommendations that can be used to influence a variety of audiences and project manage the development, delivery and evaluation of public affairs campaigns and events. As Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will also act as a source of expertise across the organisation and externally on key policy areas and the wider policy environment.

Influencing

  • Support the further development, refinement and delivery of the charity’s policy and public affairs strategy and impact evaluation process.
  • Oversee the development of insightful written materials and reports to aid influencing.
  • Lead the charity’s response to regional and national consultations relevant to cancer in Yorkshire.
  • Oversee the continued growth of the charity’s political monitoring work.
  • Engage with regional and national decision makers to influence policy‑making for the benefit of people in Yorkshire and beyond.
  • Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders across Yorkshire and beyond.
  • Evaluate the impact of policy and public affairs activity.

Policy development

  • Ensure the continued development of the policy production and dissemination process.
  • Lead the research, production and dissemination of high quality, evidence‑based cancer‑related policies.
  • Oversee regular updates of existing policies and position statements.
  • Ensure external insight is built into policies and policy development.
  • Oversee work with relevant internal teams to create key messages for stakeholders.
  • Act as a source of expertise on the charity’s cancer‑related policies and position statements.
  • Undertake media interviews as required.

Campaigns and Events

  • Project manage the development, delivery and evaluation of public affairs campaigns.
  • Lead the outreach and delivery of influencing events.
  • Further develop and deliver a strategy for growing and maintaining a hand‑raiser supporter base.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will need:

  • A degree, preferably in a relevant subject area.
  • Significant experience of writing influencing materials.
  • Substantial experience supporting the implementation of high‑impact public affairs strategies.
  • Experience of evaluating campaigns and assessing the impact of policy and public affairs activities.
  • Excellent public affairs experience including understanding of local, regional and national government.
  • Substantial experience of developing evidence‑based policies for a health‑focused organisation.
  • Strong analytical, judgement and decision‑making skills.
  • Excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills.
  • Strong management and leadership skills.
  • Strong networking, influencing and relationship management skills.

Application

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People, before 14 May 2026. Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer. We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.

Policy and Public Affairs Manager employer: The Training Brokers Ltd

Yorkshire Cancer Research is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With benefits such as flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to diversity, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer while enjoying a fulfilling career in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
The Training Brokers Ltd

Contact Detail:

The Training Brokers Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Policy and Public Affairs Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with decision-makers. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the charity's mission and recent projects. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference in cancer research and public affairs!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with our goals at Yorkshire Cancer Research. We want to see your enthusiasm and how you can contribute.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow our process.

We think you need these skills to ace Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Public Policy Development
Influencing Skills
Campaign Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Evidence-Based Policy Writing
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Project Management
Understanding of Health Policy
Networking Skills
Leadership Skills
Time Management
Evaluation of Campaigns
Strategic Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Policy and Public Affairs Manager role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in writing influencing materials and public affairs strategies. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Yorkshire Cancer Research!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about cancer research and how your skills can help us make a difference in Yorkshire. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!

Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your past experiences, focus on the impact you've made. Whether it's through campaigns or policy development, we want to know how your work has influenced change. Use specific examples to illustrate your success!

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our values and what we stand for!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Training Brokers Ltd

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest cancer research and public health policies. Familiarise yourself with Yorkshire Cancer Research’s mission and recent initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you answer questions confidently.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to influence policy and manage public affairs campaigns. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current projects or challenges. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge how you can contribute to their goals.

✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

As a Policy and Public Affairs Manager, strong communication is key. Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a brief presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your skills during the interview.

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