Head of External Communications & Policy

Accountabilities:

1.

External communications, reputation and policy strategy

2.

Public affairs, policy positioning and stakeholder influence

3.

Business development and growth support

4.

Media leadership and issues management

5.

People, agency and partner leadership

Key Contacts & Relationships:

Internal:

• UK Executive and senior leadership team

• Communications and Marketing colleagues

• Business development and operational leaders

• Legal and compliance and teams

• Global communications colleagues

External:

• National and trade media

• Politicians and civil servants

• Regulators and public bodies

• Industry bodies, partners and NGOs

Qualifications & Experience

What we're looking for

Experience and knowledge

• Significant experience leading PR, media and public affairs activity in a large, complex or high profile organisation.

• Proven experience engaging with politicians, civil servants and senior external stakeholders on complex policy issues.

• Strong understanding of reputational risk, issues management and crisis communications.

• Experience leading teams and coordinating multi disciplinary delivery plans and strategies.

• Strong interest in, and understanding of, welfare, health and disability policy and public services.

Skills and capabilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages.

• Strong judgement and confidence when handling sensitive or high risk issues.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to operate at pace in a fast moving environment.

• Highly organised, detail focused and comfortable managing multiple priorities.

• Collaborative leadership style, with the credibility to influence at senior levels.

Qualifications

• Degree or professional qualification in communications, public affairs, marketing or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Individual Competencies

• Strategic thinking and judgement

Able to see the bigger picture, anticipate future risks and opportunities, and make sound decisions in complex, fast moving political, media and policy environments.

• Reputational leadership

Demonstrates strong judgement when handling sensitive, high risk issues and provides calm, credible leadership during periods of scrutiny or challenge.

• Influence and stakeholder credibility

Builds trust quickly and influences effectively with senior internal leaders and external stakeholders, including politicians, civil servants, regulators and partners.

• Exceptional communication

Communicates clearly and persuasively, translating complex policy and operational issues into accessible, compelling messages for different audiences.

• Commercial and growth mindset

Understands how external communications, policy positioning and reputation support business development, partnerships and long term growth.

• Collaboration and matrix working

Works effectively acr...