Assistant Director of Policy, Practice and Influence

Help shape a future where fewer people die by suicide

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At Samaritans, our vision is that fewer people die by suicide. Our ambition is to see rates decline to the lowest ever recorded rates in the UK and Ireland.​

As our next Assistant Director of Policy, Practice & Influencing, you’ll ensure our strategy and plans for policy, public affairs, campaigns, and industry partnerships help our work towards make this ambition a reality.​

This is a rare opportunity to shape national and sector-wide policy at a time when suicide prevention has never been more urgent. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team and leading a high-performing team across policy, public affairs and industry partnerships, you’ll set the strategic direction for our influencing work.​

This is a high impact senior leadership role with strategic responsibility for influencing Westminster government, industry, and media. We’re looking for a confident strategic thinker and values- led leader, someone who brings clarity, compassion and credibility in equal measure.​

You’ll be a visible ambassador, trusted adviser, and systems thinker, someone who can help shape our Influencing function to be able to drive forwards progress with our mission. ​You’ll help us build new partnerships, and ensure our voice is not only informed by evidence, lived experience, and practice, but is far reaching and amplified ensuring that Samaritans remains at the forefront of influencing much needed change for the future.

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Full outline of the role available in the Job description file here.​

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Contract Terms:​​

• Initially a 12month fixed term contract
• £75,000 - £80,000 per annum with Benefits
• We’re open to how this contract is worked, our full time hours are 35 hours per week, but we are passionate about flexible working, and would support you to work part time, talk to us about your preferences.
• Hybrid working: Linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office with a blend of home working and access to work from our offices in Ewell and London Bridge.
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month.

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What you'll lead:​

• Reviewing our function and developing the delivery of our policy and influencing strategy to drive systemic change in suicide prevention
• High-performing teams covering policy, public affairs and industry practice
• Strategic stakeholder relationships across Government, NHS, regulators, industry and third sector
• Ground-breaking thought leadership, advocacy, and responsible media influence
• Integration of lived experience and insight into all influencing activities

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About you: ​

You’re an experienced senior leader in public affairs, policy, or advocacy, with a track record of influencing change at national level. You bring clarity, compassion and credibility to every conversation. You understand the power of collaboration and storytelling, and you’re driven to create lasting impact.

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Your experience includes:​

• Leading multi-disciplinary influencing teams
• Shaping high-quality policy and public affairs strategies
• Navigating complex political and stakeholder environments
• Embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of your work
• Making evidence-based decisions underpinned by research and real-world insight
• Inspiring engagement and bringing your team with you on the journey to contribute to your vision for the future.

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Why Samaritans: ​

​You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.

For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.  ​

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Ready to lead change and help us save lives?

If you’re a strategic, compassionate leader with a passion for influencing policy and practice at the highest levels, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please complete the application questions including those outlined below, and submit your answers along with your CV and an optional brief supporting statement.​

• Why do you want to work for Samaritans leading our influencing work and what do you think might be challenging about the topic? 300 words max
   
• How would you go about creating a culture of influencing within the organisation and what success have you had of doing this? 300 words max
   
• Tell us about a time when you've developed and delivered an influencing strategy - what impact did you have and what learnings were there? 300 words max​

We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.

Applications close: ​9am, Monday 28th July

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Interviews:

Virtual interviews will take place on the 11th and 12th August.

Informal second stage interviews will be held in person at our offices in Ewell on the 13th August. Those invited to attend will be informed on the 12th August. Unfortunately due to staff holidays we may not be able to be as flexible as usual in offering an alternative date so please do hold these dates in your diary, if applying.