About the organisation:

‍

‍

Youth Futures Foundation is the national What Works Centre for youth employment, with a specific focus on marginalised young people. It builds and applies evidence, through original research and by testing and evaluating interventions, to help policymakers, employers and funders understand what works to tackle youth unemployment and inactivity. Young people with direct experience of these challenges sit at the heart of its work, through its Future Voices Group and youth board members.

‍

‍

The opportunity:

‍

This is a 12-month maternity cover appointment to lead Youth Futures Foundation's external affairs directorate at a pivotal moment for the youth employment agenda. As Deputy Director of External Affairs, you will drive the organisation's public affairs, stakeholder relations, communications and marketing work, and help keep youth employment high on the policy agenda across central, regional and local government. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team and deputise for the Director of Policy and External Affairs, working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team.

‍

‍

Main responsibilities:

‍

• Lead day-to-day external affairs activity and planning, working closely with the Director of Policy and External Affairs to align with corporate strategy and organisational goals.

• Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing team, with line management of three Heads of/Lead-level functions across engagement and communications.

• Take senior guardianship of the organisation's brand reputation across all channels, platforms and products.

• Oversee public affairs, stakeholder relations and partnerships work, building relationships that support the organisation's influencing goals across its strategic themes.

• Take senior oversight of media relations and the delivery of key external moments, including the annual Youth Employment Outlook and flagship research publications.

• Ensure the CEO and Director of Policy and External Affairs are well briefed and prepared for high-profile external engagements.

• Manage the directorate's budget and resources, including forecasting, expenditure tracking and annual business planning.

‍

‍

Key skills and experience required:

‍

• Senior experience in communications and audience engagement, developing and executing strategic plans.

• Policy and political literacy across the labour market, skills, education and employment space.

• A track record of leading and managing people and teams, and of delivering influencing and communications strategies.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complexity and manage competing priorities to tight deadlines.

• Experience of project management, including setting and tracking budgets and demonstrating success.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to represent the organisation externally at senior levels.

‍

‍

How to apply:

‍

To apply, please submit the form below and include a copy of your CV.

Application deadline: 7 September 2026

‍

‍

Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

‍

Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.

‍

‍