Head of Policy & Public Affairs

Nacro •; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A social justice organization is seeking a strategic and dynamic Head of Policy & Public Affairs to lead their policy development and influence work. The successful candidate will drive impactful changes and ensure policy positions are evidence-based. With a strong background in public affairs and excellent communication skills, you will lead a high-performing team and maintain relationships with government officials and stakeholders. This hybrid role is crucial for improving the lives of those affected by the criminal justice system and housing insecurity.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in policy and public affairs.
• Strong track record of leading impactful policy campaigns.
• Excellent judgement and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Nacro's strategic policy activities with Government and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a compelling public affairs strategy.
• Motivate a high-performing team and drive innovation.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs.

Skills

Strategic policy development

Public affairs strategy

Relationship building

Political awareness

Excellent communication skills

Leadership

Job description

Head of Policy & Public Affairs

Contract type: Full time Permanent

Salary: 50420 per annum (5000 area London area weighting if applicable)

Hours: 40 hours per week

Location: Hybrid with regular attendance in Devonshire Square London

Direct Reports: 3

About the Role

Nacro is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Policy & Public Affairs to lead our strategic policy development and influencing work with Government officials and other key decision-makers. This pivotal role will shape and deliver a high-impact policy and public affairs strategy that improves the lives of the people we support, those affected by the criminal justice system, housing insecurity and barriers to education.

You will be Nacro's senior voice in government spaces, the media and across the public affairs landscape. You will ensure our policy positions are evidence-based, rooted in lived experience and influential at the highest levels.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Policy & Public Affairs

• Lead Nacro's strategic policy and public affairs activity with Government, parliamentarians, officials and other stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a compelling public affairs strategy that drives meaningful change.
• Build and maintain strong productive relationships with senior policymakers.
• Represent Nacro externally including with senior stakeholders and in the media.
• Oversee the development of evidence-based policy positions and research projects that support Nacro's strategic objectives.
• Ensure service user experience informs all policy and influencing work.
• Produce and oversee high-quality policy outputs including consultation responses, briefings, reports, blogs and media commentary.
• Safeguard Nacro's reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of insight and expertise.
• Provide strategic political intelligence and advice to the Director of Engagement & Impact and the Chief Executive.

People Leadership

• Lead, motivate and support a high-performing team setting clear direction and expectations.
• Model Nacro's values and behaviours enabling a positive, inclusive and accountable culture.
• Manage communication channels effectively ensuring key organisational messages are understood and cascaded.
• Set objectives, monitor performance and hold regular one-to-one meetings.
• Support professional development and wellbeing across the team while driving innovation and high standards.
• Take responsibility for all aspects of people management including recruitment, conduct, performance and attendance.
• Recognise, reward and encourage excellent performance.

Leadership Across the Organisation

• Play an active role in the Senior Leadership Team helping to drive organisational strategy.
• Operate both strategically and operationally, identifying opportunities and risks for Nacro.

Professional Expertise

• Significant senior-level experience in policy and public affairs.
• Strong track record of leading policy campaigns that delivered real impact.
• Excellent political awareness, judgement and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of criminal justice, education, young peoples' policy or housing policy (desirable).

Performance & Compliance

• Set and deliver directorate performance targets, ensuring effective management of budgets and resources.
• Oversee health & safety responsibilities in your area.
• Contribute to business development and bid work in partnership with relevant teams.
• Ensure accurate and timely record-keeping and reporting.
• Promote and uphold Nacro's values, safeguarding, data protection and equality and diversity policies.
• Represent Nacro positively, building strong internal and external relationships.

Why Join Nacro

We believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard and the chance to start again with support from someone on their side.

That's why our housing, education, justice and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it's why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.

We see your future, whatever the past.

If you are a strategic thinker, an influential communicator and passionate about social justice, we want to hear from you.

Please click here to view the role profile and the Nacro candidate pack.

Apply now to lead change where it matters most.