Head of Public Affairs

This is an opportunity to join a UK charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse for good. Each year nearly 2 million people in the UK suffer some form of domestic abuse. They combine insight from services, survivors and statistics to support people to become safe, well and rebuild their lives.

You will be an experienced public affairs specialist with a background in policy influencing and extensive contacts. You will build relationships between the charity and its key public affairs audiences to enhance their influence, reputation and profile both locally and nationally, and maintain really great relationships with those who currently call on their existing Head of Public Affairs and Policy for advice and input.

Responsibilities:

- Lead the policy influencing function, working with the research team and knowledge hub to produce well-argued briefings, reports and other materials that promote the strategic approach and practical activities of the company.
- Lead the reactive policy influencing function, developing position and briefing papers on political issues relevant to the company,
- Work with the Events Officer to produce high quality, impactful events with influencers and key stakeholders, including identifying target audiences and potential event partners
- Represent the company at key stakeholder and influencing events, forums and conferences.
- Contribute to their strategy and the annual impact report, which will be published in early autumn, working closely with the communications and fundraising teams to produce these documents and accompanying communication and handling plans

Skills and Experience:

- Significant political relations experience, gained in-house or in an agency or political setting
- Significant policy influencing experience, with a record of influencing political decision making
- Experience of creating and delivering, to tight and shifting deadlines, high quality written and oral communications
- Ability to synthesise data, user-voice and evidence to influence policy development and political engagement
- Strong political understanding and judgement
- Understanding of policymaking in the UK and devolved administrations including local government
- Knowledge and understanding of UK social policy, specifically domestic abuse and child protection policy
- Exceptional policy development and analysis skills

A generous package including 25 days holiday a year, employee pension scheme, childcare voucher scheme, cycle-to-work scheme and flexible hours.

Closing date is the morning of the 27th of July and is a rolling position.

This position is for maternity cover.