Stakeholder Engagement Manager

Office for Students; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental education regulator in England seeks a Stakeholder Engagement Manager to lead engagement around strategic projects. The role involves advising on communication plans, writing briefings for senior staff, and coordinating stakeholder engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate should have strong knowledge of the higher education sector, proven experience in stakeholder engagement strategies, and excellent interpersonal skills. This role provides a competitive salary and opportunities for flexible working.

Benefits

Generous Civil Service defined benefit pension

Learning and development opportunities

Annual leave starting at 25 days

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of the higher education sector.
• Experience in developing stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Exceptional interpersonal and networking skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise on stakeholder engagement for strategic communications.
• Track stakeholder engagement and develop coordination processes.
• Write briefings and talking points for senior staff and parliamentarians.

Skills

Knowledge of the higher education sector

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder engagement strategies

Public affairs strategies

Political acumen

Written and verbal communication skills

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Job description

Stakeholder Engagement Manager

Location: Bristol or London

Salary: 56,209 - 58,820 (plus London allowance of 3,566 where appropriate)

Generous Civil Service defined benefit pension

Overview

The Office for Students (OfS) is the independent regulator of higher education in England. We regulate higher education on behalf of all students. Our mission is to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers.

About the role

Sitting within the Strategy Delivery and Communications (SDC) Directorate, the communications team drives OfS external and internal communications including public affairs, media relations, digital publishing, stakeholder engagement, events and public engagement. It is essential for the organisation to drive progress towards our strategic goals.

We are looking for someone with strong knowledge of the higher education sector, experience of developing and implementing stakeholder engagement and/or public affairs strategies, and strong interpersonal skills to join our busy team.

Working with the Head of Stakeholder Engagement, you will drive forward and co-ordinate stakeholder engagement around key strategic projects. The role requires close collaboration with colleagues across the organisation to ensure a joined-up approach to stakeholder engagement across strategic communication plans and publication launches. The role-holder will also work with the Head of Provider Relations, for example supporting our programme of visits to higher education providers. The role holder will need to think about the bigger picture and how these activities contribute to our wider aims.

Key responsibilities

• Advise on and implement stakeholder engagement for strategic communications plans and launches
• Track stakeholder engagement across the OfS and develop processes to ensure the organisation's engagement is coordinated
• Write briefings, speeches and talking points for a range of audiences from senior OfS staff to parliamentarians
• Prepare oral and written evidence documentation to be used in reports, briefing documents and speeches
• Undertake proactive political and sector monitoring and manage timely internal updates including the drafting of lines to take
• Draft parliamentary correspondence
• Undertake networking and attend external meetings to support senior leaders and staff in representing the views of the OfS as a regulator
• Work with the Head of Stakeholder Engagement to prepare senior OfS staff for external engagements, including meetings and external events, testing out scenarios to address policy issues and lines of enquiry
• Maintain the OfS stakeholder mapping process and ensure it is up to date
• Deputise for the Head of Stakeholder Engagement as required
• Collaborate with the Head of Provider Relations on shared work, including supporting the management of the programme of visits to universities and colleges and related engagement interventions

About you

The key person attributes to fulfil this role are:

• Excellent knowledge of the higher education sector
• Demonstrable evidence of developing and implementing successful public affairs / stakeholder engagement strategies
• Exceptional interpersonal, influencing and networking skills with the ability to build rapport and establish strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong political acumen and interest in politics and current affairs
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills with the ability to speak about OfS work with confidence internally and externally
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to use initiative to work proactively and autonomously
• Strong judgement and discretion
• The ability to develop and improve systems and processes and embed new ways of working

Competencies

Making effective decisions

• I make decisions when they are needed, even if they prove difficult or unpopular
• I consult with others in good time to ensure potential impacts are considered
• I recognise patterns and trends in evidence and use this to inform decisions
• I present clear, well-reasoned recommendations in a timely manner outlining considerations of other options, costs, benefits and risks
• I debate and discuss issues rigorously before making decisions
• I recognise where there is a need or legal obligation to consult
• I can assess regulatory risks associated with decisions

Delivering at pace

• I ensure the delivery of timely quality outcomes by providing the right resources for tasks, reviewing and adjusting performance expectations and rewarding success
• I maintain my own level of performance in challenging circumstances and support others to do the same
• I adjust priorities and focus swiftly as OfS internal and external context changes, considering how my work impacts other teams
• I translate strategic priorities into clear, outcome-focused objectives for managers and teams
• I quickly re-prioritise and formulate plans accordingly as the environment changes

Communicating and influencing

• I actively deploy different methods for influencing others, including using digital resources to respond to different learning styles
• I act as a role model by communicating with clarity, honesty and enthusiasm to build trust
• I am open-minded and impartial in discussion to respect diverse interests and opinions
• I deliver difficult messages with clarity and sensitivity
• I can articulate arguments clearly and persuasively

Collaborating and partnering

• I readily share resources across the OfS to support high-priority work
• I ensure consideration and support for the wellbeing of myself and the team
• I create an inclusive working environment where all opinions are considered respectfully
• I encourage collaboration with other OfS teams to deliver common goals

Working for us

The OfS regulates the higher education sector on behalf of all students. We value diversity and the wealth of perspectives, experience and ideas that it brings to our work and strive to embed equality of opportunity in everything we do.

We recruit based on fair and open competition and welcome applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, race and ethnicity, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

At the OfS we recognise that flexibility can enable people to work more effectively. A set of organisation-wide principles shape our approach to flexible and hybrid working, which teams use as guidance on how they deliver their business goals. This would usually mean working from the office for two to three days in a typical week.

To note, if your primary location is London there will be occasional travel to Bristol. This role will also require some morning and evening work to attend meetings, receptions and network events.

Flexible working options (e.g., job share and part-time) apply to this role. Our Total Reward Framework offers a range of benefits, including learning and development, annual leave starting at 25 days per year (plus public holidays), access to Civil Service pension and health benefits.

Next steps

To apply, please upload a copy of your CV and a cover letter describing your suitability for the role, reflecting on the key responsibilities and competencies outlined.

Closing date for applications: 12:00, 24 November 2025

Interviews from 15 December

Required Experience: Manager

Key Skills

Business Development, Employee Orientation, Public Health, Account Management, VersionOne, Conflict Management, Project Management, Relationship Management, Team Management, Customer relationship management, Human Resources, Public Speaking

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1