Public Affairs Manager

The Russell Group, which represents 24 leading universities in the UK, is seeking a Public Affairs professional to work within their Communications team. This is a permanent full-time post. The role involves, but is not limited to, the following: Reporting to the Head of Communications and working with them to lead the Russell Group’s Public Affairs activity. Developing a good understanding of the Russell Group’s policy priorities and higher education policy so they can communicate confidently to a variety of audiences. Maintaining and building on the Russell Group’s existing network of political and stakeholder relationships, strengthening our ability to engage and influence and ensuring the Russell Group is seen as a trusted organisation. Co-ordinating the Russell Group’s response to new parliamentary legislation or bills that impact our universities, lobbying MPs and Peers across all political parties, civil servants, political advisers and influential third parties. Providing counsel to the Chief Executive and senior team, preparing briefings for meetings with external stakeholders and supporting policy colleagues. Take on occasional out-of-hours duties where necessary to respond to emerging issues. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the following: Experience of policy development in a political or public sector environment and able to quickly grasp complex issues. Strong experience in devising and delivering Public Affairs strategies. Experience of working in external affairs and an understanding of UK politics, policy development and advocacy. Ability to manage and prioritise a challenging and varied portfolio of work, understand the worldview of different political actors and meet tight deadlines. A full vacancy description for the role (including a detailed list of key competencies) and our Equal Opportunities Monitoring form are available to download from the Russell Group website, available via clicking the 'Apply' button. We welcome applications from people whatever their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and belief, or age. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion as a core part of our values, which are stated in the vacancy description document. The starting salary will be in the range of £48,300-£54,000, dependent on skills and experience. A higher salary may be available for exceptional candidates. The post is based in our Central London office with flexibility for home working for part of each week. Benefits include a generous career average pension, enhanced parental leave/pay and flexible working polices, an interest-free travelcard loan and a cycle scheme. Closing date for all applications: 17:00 on Wednesday, 7 February 2024 First and second round interviews are likely to be scheduled for the weeks commencing 19 and 26 February 2024 respectively. Only applicants invited to interview will be contacted. If you have not heard by 22 February 2024 your application will not have been successful. To apply, please submit the following to rg.1@russellgroup.ac.uk: 1) An up-to-date curriculum vitae (max. two sides of A4) including: details of your current and past employment your degree qualification(s) including subjects and grades two references (your current/most recent employer and a former line manager)                                                      2) A cover letter no more than two sides of A4 addressing the following points: how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role why you are interested in working for the Russell Group 3) An Equal Opportunities Monitoring form. Please click the Apply button for further details on the role and how to apply.  For a confidential discussion, please contact Hamir Patel on 020 3816 1316.