Public Affairs and External Engagement Manager

University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Russell Group university in Sheffield seeks a Public Affairs and External Engagement Manager to enhance its reputation and influence with key stakeholders. This role involves developing impactful communication strategies, coordinating events, and engaging with policymakers and community partners. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with an excellent understanding of parliamentary processes and strong relationship-building skills.

Benefits

Highly competitive annual leave

Generous pensions scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Commitment to development and well-being

Wide range of retail discounts

Qualifications

• Can work independently and as part of a team.
• Possesses excellent judgment in managing issues.
• Ability to engage with key external audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver public affairs, communications, and external engagement campaigns.
• Coordinate high-profile visits and events.
• Lead stakeholder communications across various formats.

Skills

Strategic thinker

Understanding of parliamentary process

Experience building productive relationships

Job description

Overview

Job Reference Number: 1476 • Working Pattern: Full time • Faculty: Professional Services • Closing Date: 3 October 2025

Are you a highly-motivated and experienced public affairs professional looking to make an impact? The University of Sheffield is seeking a Public Affairs and External Engagement Manager to join our Communications team and play a key role in strengthening the University's reputation, relationships, and influence with regional and national stakeholders.

You'll be instrumental in developing and delivering impactful public affairs, communications, and external engagement campaigns that support the University’s strategic objectives and enhance our reputation. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a leading Russell Group university, building advocacy for our world-class research, innovation and education.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver public affairs, communications, and external engagement campaigns that support the University’s strategic objectives and enhance its reputation.
• Coordinate high-profile visits and events.
• Lead a wide range of stakeholder communications, from writing letters, briefings and speeches to news articles, opinion editorials, and newsletters.
• Engage with key external audiences, from policymakers to community partners.
• Provide strong judgement to manage issues, protecting and enhancing the University’s reputation and advising colleagues and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Strategic thinker who can work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent understanding of parliamentary process.
• Experience building productive relationships.

About the Department

You will be part of the University’s Department of Marketing, Admissions, Recruitment and Communications (MARC), which is collectively responsible for external and internal engagement, reputation and branding, marketing, market insight and research, corporate communications, admissions, events, student recruitment and access strategies for the University.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more).
• Generous pensions scheme.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Commitment to your development and wellbeing.
• Wide range of retail discounts and more.

Find out more at sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits and join us to become part of something special.