Director, Government & External Affairs

University of Sheffield; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Generous pension

Staff networks

Job summary

The University of Sheffield AMRC seeks a senior leader to join its Board as Director of External Affairs, driving national public affairs and strategic policy positioning with UK Government. Collaborating with the CEO and UEB, the role ensures messaging and engagements align with institutional priorities.

You will lead UK Government engagement, stakeholder relations, and oversee marketing and communications to deliver strategic external affairs objectives and a strong national presence.

Qualifications

• Deep working knowledge of UK Government structures and decision-making processes.
• Ability to formulate and land institutional messaging across Whitehall.
• Experience as a senior executive leader contributing to strategy and governance.
• Proven line management of multidisciplinary teams (communications, public affairs).
• Ability to operate across complex matrix structures linking university priorities with government goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead external strategy, political risk management, and strategic policy positioning as a core AMRC Board member.
• Develop and execute UK Government engagement strategies to reach ministers, advisers and civil servants.
• Position AMRC and University as go-to authorities on advanced manufacturing and national policy.
• Line-manage marketing, communications and STEM engagement teams to align delivery with strategy.

Skills

UK Government Engagement

Strategic Messaging

Executive Leadership

Team Management

Public Affairs Stakeholders

Job description

The University of Sheffield AMRC seeks a senior leader to join its Board as Director of External Affairs, driving national public affairs and strategic policy positioning with UK Government. Collaborating with the CEO and UEB, the role ensures messaging and engagements align with institutional priorities.

You will lead UK Government engagement, stakeholder relations, and oversee marketing and communications to deliver strategic external affairs objectives and a strong national presence.