AddressHead of Stakeholder Relationships
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton or Liverpool
Permanent
Full time: 37 hours per week
£62,062 per annum (Band 4)
Who are we?
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK's centre of excellence for oceanographic sciences. We are a national research organisation, delivering integrated marine science and technology from the coast to the deep ocean.
We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community whose focus is on improving the world in which we live. Our work is balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one NOC’ approach.
We have a rich history dating back to 1949, and our future has never looked more exciting as we aim to be the world’s most innovative oceanographic institution.
About the role
The Head of Stakeholder Relationships is a public affairs role that is responsible for developing and implementing appropriate strategies to map, build and maintain the National Oceanography Centre’s relationship with influential stakeholders, both nationally and internationally. The role is importantly the supportive lead of a thriving and active Partnerships department comprised of staff working and engaging with a diverse range of Stakeholders and communities.
Other main duties include:
Being the lead source of advice to NOC by providing insight into external themes, trends and needs of national and international bodies, regulators and influential organisations
Support NOC’s excellent relationships and be aware of the breadth of NOC’s interactions with Government, NGOs and other relevant international organisations in the ocean and science space through a wide variety of personnel.
Develop and own a public affairs strategy, setting strategic direction for NOC’s lobbying activity and political engagement.
Advise and make recommendations to the NOC Executive and Trustees on the potential impact of policy developments on the organisation through ongoing monitoring of political activity in key departments (DSIT; DEFRA; FCDO; Transport; MOD) to provide strategic input to senior leaders and the wider team on the policy, procedural and political challenges facing NOC.
About you
We are looking for an individual with exceptional communication and influencing skills with experience working with navigating sectors such as media, Public relations, lobbying and brand development, who will be able to objectively recognise the value stakeholders could bring to NOC and its mission and goals. Experience in working in a technical or scientific organisation would be desirable for the ability to clearly translate science and research for different audiences and relate those concepts to accessible areas of interest and calls to action for NOC.
We also need to see demonstrated knowledge and experience of developing and deploying a strategy (including communications) and working with government bodies, regulatory bodies or NGOs.
We are looking for a pro-active relationships expert who is comfortable making recommendations at executive and board level, whilst being a supportive and approachable Head of department and line manager, with the ability to maintain cohesion, positive culture and NOC’s core values in a busy and often wide spread team.
Why the NOC?
We offer a generous set of benefits including 30 days annual leave, plus 3.5 local closure days and 8 public bank holidays, and a contributory Group Personal Pension Plan.
We promote an inclusive and supportive environment where our people can meet their full potential.
The NOC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability and we welcome applications from ethnic minorities currently under-represented. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation.
Location
This position can be based in Southampton or Liverpool. Our Southampton site is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking. The Liverpool centre is part of the University campus and is only a short walk from the city centre and Lime Street station.
The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.
We can support visa applications where required. For overseas applicants who are willing to move to the UK we may be able to offer financial support with relocation.
How to apply:
Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07590 805967
Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.
Date advert posted: 05/03/2024
Closing date: 02/04/2024 . Please note this vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.
Assessing applications
All applications to the NOC are reviewed by a real-life person, not a computer programme. Attached to our adverts you will find a ‘Job Description and Person Specification’ document which clearly sets out the criteria against which applications are assessed. Once assessed the most suitable candidates will be invited to interview.
If you have been selected for interview we will be in touch to arrange a time and date. If you haven’t been selected for interview we will let you know, although we may not be able to give detailed feedback to every applicant.
