External Affairs, Research and Strategy Manager

Michael Page (UK); Walsall; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic communications professional to enhance their stakeholder management and external affairs. This role involves monitoring the external environment, providing timely briefings to senior leaders, and supporting the Executive Team in strategic reviews. The ideal candidate will excel in building professional relationships, possess strong analytical skills, and be adept at navigating complex information. With a hybrid working model and a competitive salary, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Attractive Benefits

Hybrid Working Model

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in communications or external affairs is essential.
• Experience advising colleagues at executive levels is required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor external environment for regulatory changes and provide strategic insights.
• Develop and lead stakeholder management to support the Corporate Plan.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Analysis

Networking

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Communications Qualification

Job description

About Our Client

Not-for-Profit

Job Description

• Ensure that our corporate plan and strategies are aligned and responsive to the external operating environment.
• Monitor the external operating environment including regulatory and public policy changes to ensure our strategies are contemporary.
• Support the effective communication and interpretation of the corporate plan and strategies into the business.
• Support the Executive Team in strategic reviews providing appropriate analysis and insight.
• Ensure whg's approach to stakeholder management is up to date, effective and fit for purpose.
• Develop and lead on stakeholder management (including mapping and engagement) to support delivery of our Corporate Plan.
• Undertake focused horizon scanning of the external operating environment to understand emerging risks and opportunities.
• Monitor parliament, local and devolved governments for updates on relevant policy areas and provide timely briefings to senior leaders and board members.
• Strategically analyse insight to determine the impact on the business and brief appropriate colleagues to support their decision-making.
• Build a network of senior contacts across the sector and key regional stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for our voice to be heard in regional and national forums and research projects.
• Provide prompt and regular briefings (briefings may be written or verbal) to senior colleagues on the latest news and information about influential individuals, partners and target organisations.
• Support senior leaders with briefings/presentations for external engagements e.g. conference appearances.
• Working with specialist colleagues, including the Head of Communications, and external agencies, to support the development of a strategic PR programme, including thought leadership and speaking opportunities, to position whg appropriately.
• Working with others, contribute to the management of our reputation, focusing on the stakeholder and media audiences, in real-time (crisis comms) and proactively.
• Create networks and forums (e.g. roundtables), primarily externally, to support delivery of our Corporate Plan.
• Attend sector and political conferences, networking events, webinars and research seminars to ensure you are well informed and up to date.
• Working with a specialist external agency, lead on whg's stakeholder perception survey.
• Manage the External Affairs budget, including setting and monitoring spend.

The Successful Applicant

• Have a communications and/or external affairs professional qualification.
• Have experience working with and advising colleagues at all levels, up to and including executive level.
• Be strategically minded and able to analyse insight and intelligence.
• Excel at building and maintaining professional relationships.
• Possess well developed networking and influencing skills.
• Have strong written and verbal communications skills and present a professional style.
• Be able to provide clarity from complexity and have excellent attention to detail.

What's on Offer

Salary up to 55,500pa + attractive benefits.

Hybrid working - typically 2 days office based, 3 days remote.