Straegic & External Affairs Manager

STRAEGIC & EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MANAGER
Location – Rotherham
Salary – £30,000 – £36,000

The Strategic & External Affairs Manager will support the Directors to developing marketing campaigns to promote products, services or ideas. It is a varied role that includes planning, advertising, public relations, event organisation, product development, distribution, sponsorship and research.
Person Specification:

Knowledge:

Excellent understanding of the UK Parliament and political system.
Familiarity with issues affecting small businesses is highly desirable.

Experience:

working in a policy or public affairs environment highly desirable.
Experience organising and administering complex events, projects or groups is highly desirable
Experience of stakeholder engagement and relationship management an advantage
Experience writing policy papers, briefings or similar for a variety of audiences including senior executives, politicians and the wider public.

Skills:

Flexible approach to the work is essential
Willingness to take ownership of issues and brief the rest of the team accordingly.
Ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines.
A team player that can fit in to a close-knit team easily
A good communicator that can explain political issues in a coherent but easy to understand way.
To be able to work in a membership organisation and respond to members’ requests.
Fully proficient in general office IT functions.

Essential:

Proven public affairs track record either in-house or through a consultancy
Proven track record of building and maintaining industry contacts
Thorough knowledge of the workings of UK national and local government
Good knowledge of the legislative process
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Ability to convey complex topics and ideas in a clear and engaging manner
Outstanding research skills
Ability to work under pressure and to tight timescales
Proficient in use of standard office applications
Integrity and discretion
Good understanding of social media

Desirable:

Good working knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act
Experience of working and advising director level
Willing to learn and a desire to engage in continuing professional development
Proofing experience
A willingness to engage in and support the PR strategy

Key Internal & External Clients:

Government departments and agencies
MPs, councillors and patient representative groups
Councils and local government
Executive team
Brand and marketing team
Business development team
Legal team
Governance team
Quality team
General public with an interest in the business
Unions, activists and interest groups