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- Tasks: Lead impactful public affairs and engagement campaigns to enhance the University’s reputation.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a leading Russell Group university with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in higher education and influence policy while building valuable relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs, communications, and stakeholder management is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 40000 £ per year.
Public Affairs and External Engagement Manager
1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Overview
The University of Sheffield is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Public Affairs and External Engagement Manager who will play a key role in strengthening the University\’s reputation, relationships and influence with regional and national stakeholders. You will deliver impactful public affairs, communications and external engagement campaigns and activities that support the University’s strategic objectives and enhance its reputation with external audiences, from partners to policymakers to the wider community. This role offers the chance to work at the heart of a leading Russell Group university, building advocacy for our world-class research, innovation and education, and influencing related policy. The role requires extensive experience in using public affairs, communications and external engagement techniques to deliver strategic objectives; significant reputation and stakeholder management experience; experience coordinating high-profile visits and events; the ability to manage a complex workload with competing priorities and deadlines; and knowledge of the higher education sector, the political environment, and current challenges and opportunities.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Manage and deliver stakeholder communications, external engagement and public affairs strategies and projects that support the University’s strategic objectives and enhance its reputation.
- Produce written communications on behalf of the institution and its senior leaders, including the drafting of letters, articles, newsletters, speeches, opinion editorials, presentations and scripts.
- Manage proactive and reactive stakeholder engagement that builds positive relationships and advocacy and enhances and protects the University’s reputation.
- Provide guidance and advice to colleagues on public affairs, stakeholder management and external engagement.
- Coordinate the production of high-quality internal and external briefing materials and key messaging to support stakeholder engagement.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across a range of University departments to gather information, coordinate activities, and ensure a unified approach to external engagement and communications.
- Manage, coordinate and plan ministerial and other high profile visits to the University, maintaining records of potential and planned visits.
- Plan and lead the production of content and messaging for the University’s stakeholder newsletter.
- Track and evaluate the University’s relationships with key political stakeholders and influencers to build advocacy and identify engagement and influencing opportunities.
- Maintain a broad knowledge of current and emerging policy developments within the Higher Education sector.
- Work with the wider communications team to identify public affairs and external engagement-related media opportunities and support the preparation of materials for media briefings and statements where relevant.
- Deputise for the Head of Public Affairs where necessary.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn\\\’t match perfectly with this role\\\’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential or Desirable with assessment stages: Application/interview
- A good degree in a relevant subject and/or significant previous experience in a public affairs or communications role.
- Experience of shaping and delivering public affairs, communications and/or external engagement strategies.
- Ability to produce high-quality, clear, concise, and persuasive written communications, including letters, newsletters, speeches, opinion editorials, presentations and scripts, for a range of internal and external audiences.
- Experience of managing project teams to deliver impactful communications and/or external engagement campaigns.
- Experience of coordinating high-quality visits and events with influential stakeholders.
- Experience of managing stakeholder relationships to build and protect institutional reputation.
- Proactive, organised, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of parliamentary process and government policy trends at national, regional and local level.
- Knowledge of the Higher Education environment and issues affecting the sector.
Further Information
- Grade 7
- Salary £38,784 – £47,389 per annum, with potential to progress to £51,753 per annum.
- Work arrangement Full-time
- Duration Permanent
- Line manager Head of Public Affairs
- Direct reports External Relations Officer
- For informal enquiries about this job contact Hannah Postles, Head of Public Affairs: on h.postles@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 1046.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the week commencing the 20 October 2025. This will consist of an interview and short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in the week following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact k.mobley@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in a new window).
What We Offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date: 03/10/2025
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
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Public Affairs and External Engagement Manager employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs and External Engagement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend events, webinars, and workshops related to public affairs and external engagement. The more people you meet, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous campaigns, communications, and stakeholder engagement projects. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to organisations you admire, like the University of Sheffield, and express your interest in working with them. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organisation. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs and External Engagement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: When crafting your application, keep in mind who will be reading it. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and objectives of the University of Sheffield. Show us that you understand the role and how your experience aligns with their mission.
Be Clear and Concise: We want to see your skills shine through, so make sure your written communication is clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and fluff; instead, focus on delivering impactful messages that highlight your relevant experience and achievements.
Showcase Your Experience: Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your expertise in public affairs and external engagement. Highlight any successful campaigns or projects you've managed, and don’t forget to mention how you’ve built relationships with stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you can ensure all your details are captured correctly, and it helps us keep track of your application efficiently. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research the key stakeholders relevant to the University of Sheffield. Understand their roles, interests, and how they interact with the university. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge of stakeholder management and show that you're ready to build those relationships.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of your previous written communications, such as newsletters or speeches. Be ready to discuss how you tailored your messaging for different audiences. This will highlight your ability to produce high-quality, persuasive content, which is crucial for this role.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Experience
Think of specific projects where you coordinated high-profile visits or events. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will showcase your organisational skills and ability to manage complex workloads, which are essential for the position.
✨Stay Updated on Higher Education Trends
Familiarise yourself with current issues and policy developments in the higher education sector. Being able to discuss these topics during your interview will show your passion for the field and your readiness to engage with external audiences effectively.
