Head Of Public Affair Jobs in Milton Keynes
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about ensuring everyone can engage effectively with the digital world? Are you a brilliant influencer who relishes harnessing great policy and research to realise social change? Do you want to work in a pioneering initiative with impact at its core?
Then this could be the role for you. At the Digital Poverty Alliance, we are looking for our new Policy & Insights Manager. You must be able to inspire us and our partners and spearhead our public affairs work, including through our National Delivery Plan to unite action to end digital poverty by 2030.
We bring together charities, corporates and government to address the underlying issues stopping families gaining full access to digital services such as education, healthcare and employment. We seek social change through our National Delivery Plan, whilst also delivering solutions in local areas that help real people and provide evidence for change.
This is an exciting, high profile and fast-paced role, joining our small team and working alongside partners, National Delivery Committee members and our wider stakeholders to effect real change for people. You will report directly to the Chief Executive, working alongside our Head of External Affairs.
A big part of our social change ambition is delivered through our public affairs work; influencing policy makers so that our ambitions are shared with government, companies and with everyone able to deliver to our vision of a world where everyone is able to connect successfully with the digital world where and when they want to. You will also be responsible for drafting white papers, analysing trends and data, and identifying new insights. You will support our Industry Forum, working with existing and new members to broaden the group.
The DPA aims to work through partners in delivering to our core mission and, as such, we retain only a small core team with support from our PR agency. As such, you’ll lead on delivering our policy and public affairs work, from briefing MPs to developing our policy positions.
Whilst the role is remote based, you will regularly need to attend in-person meetings and events in central London (daytime and evening), as well as undertaking travel across the UK. Given the need to attend meetings in Westminster and Whitehall, you will need to live within commuting distance of London.
Key focus areas
- Building relationships with public, private and third sector organisations, including the wider DPA community.
- Working to convene and collaborate with organisations and individuals committed to ending digital poverty.
- Work with colleagues across local, regional and national governments and across political parties to advocate for policies to promote digital inclusion.
- Undertaking research and analysis to understand digital poverty and the impact of policies to address it.
- Managing policy and research projects including the ongoing development of the national delivery plan and supporting ‘proof of concept’ projects.
- Developing commercial and research partnerships with organisations and supporting the development of the industry forum.
- Communicating the DPA vision and perspective through verbal and written communication.
First interviews will be held w/b 6th May 2024 via Microsoft Teams. Second interviews will be held soon after. The role is to start as soon as possible. Please note this role will be subject to a DBS check.
Unfortunately, due to the expected volume of applications and our small team, we will not be able to acknowledge every application. If you have not heard from us by 6th May you have not been successful on this occasion.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Senior Communications Officer
Location: Remote (with occasional travel)
Salary: £34,200
Length of contract: Permanent
Hours per week: 37
Interviews: 15th & 16th May
Who are Women’s Aid?
Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. We are a federation of over 170 organisations which provide just under 300 local lifesaving services to women and children across England. For almost 50 years we have campaigned on behalf of our members and survivors to shape policy and practice, and to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
Purpose of the Senior Communications Officer role:
As Senior Communications Officer, the successful candidate will be a creative, agile and impactful professional, who will play a pivotal role in shaping Women’s Aid’s communications campaigns, working closely with the Communications Manager and the Head of Media, Brand and Relationships. The successful candidate will take the lead on generating creative, engaging content and ideas for Women’s Aid communications – including major campaign moments and brand awareness. Working across all external channels, including traditional media and social media, you will curate compelling stories that build our profile and target key audiences in our mission to keep women and children safe from domestic abuse. You’ll be joining us at an exciting time, as we mark our 50th Birthday with some powerful campaigns and engagement.
Key duties and responsibilities of the Senior Communications Officer:
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To be the key communications officer representing the communications team, developing the key messaging of external campaigns, brand-building and communications for the organisation and developing public awareness of these.
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To lead on planning, drafting and implementing a communications plan for Women’s Aid key communications campaigns such as International Women’s Day, 16 Days, as well as wider organisational projects, incorporating press and social media and providing media support as required.
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To develop relevant media and social media contacts, as well as contacts in the sector, to maximise the reach and coverage of key communications campaigns as well as wider organisational projects.
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To work with colleagues to ensure the campaigns take an intersectional approach and centres the most marginalised voices.
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To work with a diverse range of survivor case studies and media spokespeople, including Women’s Aid member organisations, and to ensure they are treated in an appropriate and safe manner.
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To help identify both proactive and reactive media opportunities.
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To write blogs, news articles and promotional copy for Women’s Aid.
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To proof and typeset publications as required.
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To be part of the communications team out-of-hours on call rota for media calls.
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To line manage the Junior Communications Officer
What we are looking for in our Senior Communications Officer:
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At least two years experience working in communications/journalism/publications or similar.
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Experience of liaising with a variety of individuals and organisations of all seniorities, internally and externally.
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Experience of maintaining systems for information storage and retrieval.
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Experience of online communications/websites/social media, including Content Management Systems.
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Experience delivering public-facing campaigns with a range of stakeholders.
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Experience in getting effective PR results.
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Ability to produce high quality written material, for copy writing, copy editing and publicity materials, posters and press releases.
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Capable of translating complex information into audience-friendly messages.
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Ability to carry out a range of research and information-gathering activities.
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IT skills, including accurate data inputting skills, ability to use Microsoft programmes, understanding of Content Management Systems and troubleshooting simple website problems, and willingness to learn new packages and IT skills as required.
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Ability to communicate sensitively with survivors of domestic violence to discuss case studies.
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Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise work, work to tight deadlines and respond to urgent unplanned demands.
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An understanding of public affairs and the role that campaigning plays.
Benefits of joining us as our Senior Communications Officer include:
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Generous Annual Leave: 25 days + 2 Company Holidays + 8 UK Bank Holidays, with an extra 1 day per year after 1 year of service, up to a maximum of 5 additional days.
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Valuable Pension Benefits: a generous 7% employer contribution.
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Flexible Working: remote working, a generous TOIL scheme, and family-friendly policies
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Wellness and Support: including a cycle to work scheme, free optician check-ups, annual flu vaccines, access to a 24-hour employee assistance counselling helpline, a ‘Headspace’ app for mindfulness, and ‘Reflective Practice’ sessions.
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Making a genuine difference, in a rewarding role where your work will directly result in helping Women’s Aid to be able to provide lifesaving services for women and children across England.
How to apply?
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Please submit your CV and a Cover Letter. Your Cover Letter should be no more than 2 pages long and should include a summary of your reasons for applying for the position. You should also include details of how your skills, behaviours and experience meet those necessary for the role, as listed in the Job Description and Person Specification.
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Please ensure that you also complete the EDI form and send all completed paperwork to the recruitment email address. (Please clearly mark your name and the role title in the subject line of your email).
NB:
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Women only need apply under schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010
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If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants.
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We reserve the right to close a recruitment campaign earlier than the advertised closing date if a high volume of responses are received.
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All posts, including remote posts, must be based in the UK.
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Women’s Aid is committed to quality, equality, and valuing diversity. Applications are particularly welcome from Black and minoritised women.
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We are a Disability Confident employer. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for vacancies.
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Please read our Single Sex Statement on the Women's Aid webste
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Salary: £34,000 to £37,000 per annum (FTE), depending on experience.
Hours: 35 hours per week FTE, we will consider flexible hours & 3 or 4 day week working.
Place of work: Remote/Hybrid.
Please note that the role will require some attendance at face-to-face meetings in either the Scottish parliament or Northern Ireland Assembly and therefore applications are welcomed from people living in, or with easy access to, Edinburgh or Belfast. You will also be required to attend our Hatfield Office for a minimum of 4 (all staff) days annually.
About us
We're the UK's leading charity for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Right now, an estimated 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease many people have never heard of and for which there is no known cure. Because of the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these diseases, thousands of people are suffering in silence. But we’re here to support and champion their cause and our new ambitious plans will help to make a real difference.
The role
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of those living with Crohn's and Colitis? At Crohn’s & Colitis UK, we are seeking a dedicated Policy Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping our policy and public affairs initiatives in alignment with our strategic objectives and UK-wide influencing priorities. As a Policy Lead, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the development of our policy and public affairs engagement plans that ensure a strong and influential voice for individuals affected by Crohn’s and Colitis.
Working closely with the Head of Policy and Campaigns and the Policy Manager, you will actively engage in effective policy development and advocacy efforts, making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of people across the UK. Join our team and be a driving force in creating positive change for those impacted by these conditions.
This role will require some attendance at Scottish Parliament, or Northern Ireland Assembly and other Government offices for face-to-face meetings.
About you
- develop and deliver evidence-based policy initiatives to transform services
- build and maintain relationships with decision makers across Scotland and Northern Ireland
- communicate with them succinctly and effectively to amplify our voice
- keep track of policy developments in Scotland and Northern Ireland
- use your knowledge of health policy and build networks to change systems.
Together, we will achieve better diagnosis, better care and better lives for everyone affected by Crohn’s and Colitis.
How to apply
Closing date: Tuesday 7th May 2024 – 9am.
If you wish to apply for this role, please provide a cv and supporting statement giving evidence and examples of how you meet the criteria of the person specification and what you feel you would bring to the role.
Please note: no applications will move forward within the recruiting process without a supporting statement. Applications will be assessed as and when they are received, and interviews arranged, so we may close the position before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found
We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.
We will not be accepting any contact from Recruitment Agencies or Media Sales
Please ensure that you provide a Supporting Statement with your application, Only CV's provided with a Supporting Statement will move forward within the recruitment process.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.