Strategic External Affairs Manager – Wales (Hybrid)

Vma Group; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Exchange for Change seeks a Senior External Affairs Manager to shape and deliver high-impact public affairs and engagement programmes for Wales, supporting the UK DRS rollout. Reporting to the Head of External Affairs, you will collaborate with peers across the UK to raise the profile of the Welsh DRS initiative and build broad stakeholder support.

You will influence policy positions, craft communications, and develop advocacy networks with government, industry and civil society.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in public affairs, policy, communications or stakeholder engagement (role requirement).
• Strong understanding of Welsh political system and policy landscape.
• Strong relationships with government, industry and external stakeholders relevant to DRS.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to influence and represent the organisation.
• Experience developing engagement strategies and building advocacy networks.
• Strong policy briefing and consultation response writing skills.
• Ability to identify emerging issues, manage reputational risk, and provide strategic advice.
• Welsh language skills would be highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with peers in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to elevate Exchange for Change and DRS in Wales.
• Shape and deliver high-impact public affairs and engagement programmes.
• Develop engagement strategies and advocate across sectors to raise awareness of the DRS.

Skills

Public affairs

Policy knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Advocacy networks

Welsh language (advantage)

Job description

Exchange for Change seeks a Senior External Affairs Manager to shape and deliver high-impact public affairs and engagement programmes for Wales, supporting the UK DRS rollout. Reporting to the Head of External Affairs, you will collaborate with peers across the UK to raise the profile of the Welsh DRS initiative and build broad stakeholder support.

You will influence policy positions, craft communications, and develop advocacy networks with government, industry and civil society.