An exciting interim public affairs position with a major regional body!
The Opportunity
Our client is a major public body in the North-West of England, and they are looking for an experienced public affairs professional who will be responsible for influencing Government through building and maintaining strong relationships with influential stakeholders and through providing advice. This role includes the management of a small team to ensure a high-quality public affairs service to deliver on the organisation's aims and objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Developing public affairs strategies to influence government and promote relevant objectives
- Working with national and local stakeholders, including think tanks and representative bodies to gain recognition and support for the regions's strengths and ambitions
- Leading on the promotion of some high-profile priorities for the region, such as devolution, transport, or renewable energy
- Support the promotion of the region to key audiences including through organising ministerial and senior civil servant visits in addition to developing high-profile events
- Support the management and coordination of communications with political stakeholders including government, mainly across Westminster and Whitehall, relevant local authorities, and other stakeholders both nationally and regionally
- Ensuring appropriate communication is undertaken with constituent local authorities to build and maintain relationships
- Working with the Head of Service to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Government Relations & Public Affairs team, including day to day line management of staff and determination of work programmes.
- Developing and maintaining systems to ensure good record-keeping of meetings with stakeholders and that actions are followed-up efficiently
- Engaging other relevant organisations and influencers to develop common positions on important priorities
- Ensuring timely summaries of key relevant developments, including budget statements, white papers, debates, and committee sessions
- Producing responses to consultations and calls for evidence
- Producing briefings for senior colleagues including the Metro Mayor, Chief Executive and Directors, for key meetings
- Managing workload in drafting letters on behalf of these senior colleagues to Government and other key stakeholders
- Assisting the servicing of out-of-hours meetings and events
Attitudes, Values, and Skills Required
- Previous experience in public affairs with a strong track record of successful strategic government engagement
- Previous experience in line managing members of staff or playing a lead role within a public affairs team
- Excellent relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders
- A solid understanding of the workings of Westminster and Whitehall, and ideally the structure and interaction of regional bodies with central and local government.
To apply, please submit your CV through this advert. If you require any further information on this role, please email Josh Hill on josh.h@ellwoodatfield.com, quoting the reference JH-2403-9413.
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