Public Affairs Manager

Royal British Legion; Northern Ireland; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent charitable organization is seeking a Public Affairs Manager in Northern Ireland. You will lead public affairs activities, develop relationships with political stakeholders, and contribute to policy change. This role requires experience in public affairs and strong communication skills. Benefits include generous holidays and pension contributions, alongside flexible working options.

Benefits

28 days paid holiday

Generous pension contributions

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Development courses

Opportunities to volunteer

Travel loans and Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in public affairs or related field.
• Familiarity with the political landscape in Northern Ireland.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement public affairs activities in Northern Ireland.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders.
• Advise on political developments affecting RBL's operations.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Public relations

Political awareness

Job description

Overview

We have an opportunity for a Public Affairs Manager to join our team and help shape and carry out the Royal British Legion's public affairs activities in Northern Ireland.

In this newly created role, you will develop and implement RBL's public/external affairs activities in Northern Ireland at both the national and local level. You will advise colleagues on political developments of importance to RBL’s operations in Northern Ireland, manage relationships with external stakeholders and aid in the establishment of a supporter network in Northern Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Development of a Public Affairs engagement programme for Northern Ireland and manage its day-to-day implementation through a combination of regular events, meetings, briefings, and attendance at conferences, including party conferences
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with key members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, NI MPs and their staff, Veteran’s Champions, as well as Committees and All Party Groups, and other related national stakeholders.
• Lead RBL’s relationships with key local stakeholders and partners, including engagement with local councils, Health & Social Care Trusts, the Housing Executive, NI Veteran’s Commissioner’s Office and NI Veterans’ Welfare Service and other public bodies in Northern Ireland
• Lead on the production of external briefings for Northern Ireland Assembly debates and local council business, as well as internal briefings for colleagues
• Work closely and effectively with colleagues in Campaigns, Policy & Research to ensure RBL is a leading organisation in facilitating evidence-based policy change, through working together to influence policy professionals and decision-makers.

RBL's Campaigns, Policy, and Research (CPR) team raise the profile of issues affecting the Armed Forces community, and work to influence politicians, officials, and the wider sector, to improve policy and service delivery to address these issues. This new role will see you as a key part of this vital team working across the RBL group.

This is a permanent position. You will be contracted to your home address. You will be expected to work both there and on a mobile basis at other locations in Northern Ireland, with occasional travel beyond this area.

Employee benefits

• 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
• Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 14%
• Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
• Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
• Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
• Opportunities to volunteer
• Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.