Head Of Public Affairs

Title - Head of Corporate and Public Affairs

Location - London or Milton Keynes (minimum of two days a week in the office. You can do more than two days if preferable)

Reporting to - Chief of Staff

Banding - 4.3

Salary - £80,000 - £85,000 (depending on proven ability)

Working hours - Full time

Contract type - Permanent

Closing date - 16th January 2024 - We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Who we are

Connected Places Catapult is the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and places. Our mission is to connect people, places and businesses to a future of sustainable growth and prosperity. We provide impartial ‘Innovation as a Service’ for public bodies, businesses, and infrastructure providers to catalyse step-change improvements in the way people live, work and travel. We connect businesses and public sector leaders to cutting-edge research to spark innovation and grow new markets. 

Note that Connected Places Catapult is a not-for-profit, private organisations that receives significant funding from government. Given its closeness to government, its advocacy needs to be cognisant of Public sector guidance where direct lobbying is not permitted.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Corporate and Public Affairs role has been newly created in recognition of the increasing importance of having a strategic approach to the Catapult's engagement with central and local government and its agencies.

The successful candidate will be a highly experienced policy and Public Affairs professional with excellent connections in HM Government, Parliament and officials in the regions. This is a stand alone position within Connected Places Catapult.

Key Responsibilities

• This role will work with colleagues to foster collaboration across a wide variety of stakeholders within the Catapult and its key stakeholders. You will be an exceptional communicator across all levels who demonstrates an appetite to learn, to develop themselves, approaching challenges with ideas and creativity. The key responsibilities for the role include:
• Leading the development and implementation of a Public Affairs stakeholder engagement strategy to promote the work of Connected Places Catapult as a key delivery partner in the innovation landscape.
• A sensitive understanding of existing CPC relationships across different Government Departments, so activities are additive rather than disruptive.
• Development of strong relationships with key stakeholders in a proactive and dynamic way, helping the business engage in strategic activity that will enhance the awareness, influence and impact of Connected Places Catapult in Whitehall and Devolved Governments.
• Maintaining knowledge in the innovation policy and political environment, developing analysis to inform Catapult activities and strategy.
• Development of vibrant Public Affairs plans and campaigns that are well aligned to national and global priorities to influence and inform external policies which affect Connected Places Catapult.
• Working closely with relevant colleagues, especially from the Ecosystem Innovation Team, to respond to consultations, articulating the Catapult's position effectively.
• Managing the delivery of strategic policy making and stakeholder engagement at the highest levels and in complex environments, with a demonstrable passion for research, development and innovation.
• Building positive and effective working relationships with government circles, Whitehall and devolved governments to deliver meaningful information and influence.
• Informing the prioritisation of attendance at related events, producing relevant content to communicate the Catapult's work and key messages.
• Producing briefing documentation for government related engagements.
• Identifying opportunities for thought leadership in related policies and production of related content.
• Anticipating future requirements to influence and inform the future strategic direction and vision of Connected Places Catapult with a view to 'future proofing' its position in the event of a change in Government.

Requirements

• Experienced in policy and Public Affairs with excellent connects in HM Government, Parliament and officials in the regions.
• Able to manage conflicting priorities, balancing multiple interests, whilst managing varied stakeholders in a complex, fast-moving environment.
• An effective collaborator, always working transparently and able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
• Confident, resilient, self-motivated, and able to generate your own ideas.
• Excellent networking and interpersonal skills, experience of producing high quality written and verbal communications in a variety of styles to suit the target audience.
• Experienced in translating and distilling complex, technical content to non-technical audiences.
• Self-motivation and ability to work without intense supervision.
• Professionalism, resilience and self-awareness, always acting in a professional manner and showing determination, drive and commitment particularly when faced with challenges and setbacks.

Benefits

• 5 weeks holiday entitlement for everyone, with pro-rata calculations for part-time employees, along with a Christmas shutdown period for additional days off.
• Competitive pension, up to 10% company contribution to help you save for your future.
• Two paid days of volunteering leave per year (pro-rata for part-time employees) to support charitable activities.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential work/life support services to you and your immediate family members.
• Cycle to Work Scheme with bike racks and showers available, encouraging a healthy and sustainable commute.
• Cash Health Plan, offering reimbursement for a wide range of essential and everyday healthcare expenses, promoting your well-being.
• Payroll Giving scheme, allowing regular charitable contributions from pre-tax income, maximizing the impact of your donations.
• Discounts and offers from a wide variety of retailers, enhancing your purchasing power and providing savings opportunities.

Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. We also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled.

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