External Affairs Director

Job Description
As the External Affairs Director at HS2 you will lead the External Affairs strategy and function. You will be accountable for all external communications including media relations and strategic stakeholder engagement by providing professional advice, expertise and leadership to promote HS2, protecting its brand and reputation.
About the role:
To deliver horizon scanning and provide strategic advice; identify emerging threats to the reputation of HS2; advise the organisation and shape messaging appropriately. Lead on HS2's interaction with the media: this includes, issues management, crisis management, and providing accurate information to the media about the programme and its complexities (often countering inaccurate claims and information information) and monitor press coverage. To proactively build our reputation: tell the broader HS2 'story', leading on campaigns, and helping the business get its messages across to all audiences. To develop the national perspective on the economic growth that HS2 will provide in the UK, and articulating the benefits realisation. Advising the Board and Executive team on the HS2 brand identity to enable HS2 to be a trusted credible partner to the government and provide assurance that the organisation will discharge its responsibilities with minimum risk. Working as a member of the leadership team to help the organisation think clearly about the challenges it faces and how it balances its mandate to deliver the project as quickly and effectively as possible with its responsibility to do so in a manner which is sensitive to the legitimate concerns of those it impacts. Leading the strategy for the public affairs team, engaging with senior stakeholders both nationally and along the line of the route regarding key requirements, changes, and impacts, stakeholders include national and line of route MP's, council leaders, business leaders and the chamber of commerce. Continuing the process of articulating, refining and maintain the rationale for stakeholder support for the project at both a national and regional level, whilst also aligning it with both the broader strategy and the government's wider industrial strategy. Operating as a representative at the highest level across government, parliament and the regions, as well as liaising with both the Residents and Construction Commissioners to promote HS2's reputation by maintaining trust in the organisation and its ability to deliver. Using that influence to help encourage the development of the service proposition in a way that will allow the public, both on and off the line, to increasingly identify with the project. Offering advice to the Board and the Executive team both, on day to day, reactive media handling and, proactively on to communicate HS2's longer term strategic objectives. Actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.
About You:
Skills:
Proven ability to grasp, understand and promote complex and sensitive issues in a persuasive way to different audiences Strong analytical skills and a proven ability to interpret and respond to changing landscapes and stakeholders needs and views Proven ability to successfully influence and manage stakeholder relationships at director or senior executive level, including coaching them on their communications delivery Proven leadership and team management skills Excellent written communications, verbal communications and interpersonal skills
Knowledge:
Has operated within a highly commercial environment within an organisation undertaking extremely high value and high profile programme of work Political awareness and understanding Knowledge of British media and press operations and news cycles Understanding of government communications processes
Type of Experience:
Experience of working with local councils, government, and private sector organisations Experience in leading the development, delivery and measurement of media relations strategies and campaigns Experience of operating within a contentious or complex environment with evidence of effective media, parliamentary, business and stakeholder engagement Extensive experience of working in a high-profile, fast-paced matrix organisation Extensive experience of leading a Public Affairs team to a high standard and with flexibility, responding to changing business needs
The post-holder is expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with the HS2 values of Safety, Leadership, Integrity and Respect
It is expected that you will actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.
As HS2 Ltd do not hold a sponsorship license from the Home Office, we are not able to provide sponsorship to any applicant. Applicants must already have the Right to Work in the UK at the time of application and our process involves a Right to Work validation prior to the interview stage. Note, there are certain types of time-bound visas that we cannot accept.
Any offers made to applicants will be subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks which include Nationality & Immigration Status, employment references, DBS, Financial and Education checks.
We ask for a variety of detail in your online application, however we perform the first assessment of suitability for a role based solely on the information in your CV. In a further development of our efforts to create a more diverse workforce, your CV will be anonymised and personal information will be removed during the first stage of the application review. This removes bias from the process and makes it even more important that you attach an updated word version of your CV for each new application ensuring you include evidence directly related to the criteria in the job advert.
Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered.About Us
High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK's new high speed rail network. As well as improving capacity, the new scheme will shorten journey times between a number of Britain's major population centres, boost the economy and create thousands of jobs.
HS2 Ltd will create a skills legacy and develop a diverse range of talent. We aim to be a leader in EDI practice by creating a safe & inclusive working environment for all our staff - living our values of Safety, Respect, Integrity and Leadership.
In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities.
HS2 Ltd is also a safety-critical organisation. Employees are required to ensure reasonable care of their own and others' health and safety by taking personal responsibility for working to our 'Safe at Heart' programme principles and following safe working procedures at all times.
HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential.