Head of Policy and Advocacy

Oral Health Foundation; Rugby; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading charity dedicated to improving global oral health as the Head of Policy and Advocacy. In this pivotal role, you will shape and deliver strategies that influence public policy and drive advocacy efforts. Collaborate with experts, engage with stakeholders, and lead impactful campaigns on critical health issues. This position offers a supportive environment with hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth. If you are passionate about making a difference in public health and possess strong communication and project management skills, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Hybrid working arrangements

Inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• Several years' experience in policy development and advocacy.
• Strong communication skills to translate complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policy positions and advocacy strategies.
• Lead campaigns to raise awareness of critical oral health issues.

Skills

Policy Development

Advocacy

Public Affairs

Communication Skills

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Degree level qualification

Job description

Job Title: Head of Policy and Advocacy

Location: Hybrid working, with up to two days a week in the office in Rugby, Warwickshire

Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 per annum

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Woking Hours: 35 hours per week

About Us:

The Oral Health Foundation is a leading UK-based charity dedicated to improving oral health related wellbeing, worldwide. Operating for over 50 years, we deliver impactful campaigns, provide education, and drive changes that promote better oral health

Role Overview:

We seek a dynamic and experienced Head of Policy and Advocacy to join our team. The role will shape and deliver the Oral Health Foundation's approach to influencing public policy and driving advocacy. This includes developing clear, evidence-based policy positions and translating complex issues into compelling stories that inspire action. Reporting to the Director of Communications, the post-holder will work with senior leadership, external stakeholders, and the communications team to influence public health agendas and champion meaningful change to oral health policy

They will be a strong team player that thrives in a collaborative environment. They should also be self-motivated and capable of taking initiative when working independently

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Development and Advocacy:

• Develop and implement policy positions and advocacy strategies that align with the Strategy
• Monitor, analyse and report on policy developments and insights in oral health and public health
• Respond to policy consultations, calls for evidence, and regulatory proposals, ensuring the Oral Health Foundation's voice is heard in key debates
• Build relationships with policymakers, government departments and health professionals, to influence oral health policies

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Be the key point of contact for external stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and industry partners
• Build coalitions and partnerships to support shared policy goals and amplify the Oral Health Foundation's voice
• Develop and strengthen relationships with MPs and policymakers, to improve parliamentary knowledge of oral health issues and advocate for effective solutions

Campaigns and Advocacy Projects:

• Lead policy-focused campaigns to raise awareness of critical oral health issues, such as nutrition, access, health inequalities and links to systemic diseases such as diabetes

Strategic Communications:

• Translate policy positions into clear, impactful, and persuasive communications for diverse audiences, including policymakers, press and the public
• Develop comprehensive topic briefs to equip media spokespeople and ambassadors with clear and consistent messaging on key issues
• Provide high-quality copywriting and editing for policy briefs, reports, press releases, web content, social media, and marketing materials for policy messages

Internal Collaboration:

• Collaborate with the communications team to align policy messaging with wider organisational campaigns
• Work across departments to ensure a joined-up approach to policy communication

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Degree level qualification with several years' post-graduate experience in policy development, advocacy, or public affairs, ideally within a link to health and charity sector
• Experience working with policymakers, government bodies, and other stakeholders to influence policy
• Knowledge of public health issues, with a particular interest in oral health, diabetes or related areas
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible content
• Highly organised with excellent project management skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and manage multiple priorities
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach and the confidence to work independently
• Strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented mindset, with a willingness to support colleagues and share expertise

Desirable:

• Knowledge of key oral health issues, such as inequalities in care access, or systemic disease and links to oral health
• Experience in media relations or public relations, particularly in relation to policy and advocacy
• Experience working in or with the non-profit or charity sector

What We Offer:

• Opportunities to work on high-profile issues and collaborate with leading experts
• A supportive and inclusive working environment, with opportunities for professional development
• Hybrid working arrangements plus benefits package

Additional Information:

Please visit our website to see a full job description

The Oral Health Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all

To be considered for this role, please send a cover letter and your CV, explaining how you are a good fit for this role

NOTE: Applicants must include a cover letter in order to be considered for the role

Closing date for applications: 19th May 2025

Interviews between 21st May and 7th June

Click on the APPLY button to send your CV and Cover Letter.

Candidates with experience of: Policy & Advocacy Development; Policy Strategist; Senior Policy Officer, Senior Policy Manager, Director of Policy, Healthcare Policy Advocate, Charity Policy may also be considered for this role.