Join the ACU as Public Affairs Manager and use your experience of policy and public, ideally within higher education, to help us build a better world through international collaboration in higher education.
The ACU offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the higher education sector. We are one of the largest, most diverse international university networks, bringing together over 500 universities in 50 countries. Championing the power of higher education to improve lives, we support our members – and our people – in contributing to sustainable development across the Commonwealth and beyond.
The role
We have an exciting opportunity for a talented Public Affairs Manager, with experience of working in higher education, to join a global organisation and contribute to an ambitious strategy to secure support for higher education with governments and stakeholders across the Commonwealth and on the global stage.
The post holder will use insight and monitoring to inform and develop the ACU’s policy priorities and strategic engagement, provide high quality and strategic advice, and produce impactful briefings and written content for senior team members to support the communication of the ACU’s policy priorities both internally, and externally.
You will be expected to lead, develop and nurture effective and influential strategic relationships within Whitehall, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Commonwealth Governments, High Commissions and other stakeholders.
Who are we looking for?
You will need
- Knowledge and relevant experience of working in higher education and/or international development, the SDG’s, and the Commonwealth.
- Parliamentary experience or relevant experience working in the public affairs sector influencing with Governments.
- Excellent understanding of the political landscape, processes and systems across the UK and/or Commonwealth countries. Knowledge of international/multilateral bodies, including the UN is an advantage.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to draft briefs, speeches, and present and communicate complex information in a clear, compelling, and concise manner, with an awareness for the audience and an ability to respond rapidly.
- A strategic thinker, effective influencer, and networker, with a track record of effectively influencing change in a policy or public affairs capacity.
- Strong analytical skills, including an ability to gather, analyse, interpret, and present information and intelligence effectively and to apply it strategically to inform work plans.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, influencing and negotiating skills, including an ability to develop and manage strong and strategic relationships with a range of stakeholders.
What to expect:
We see equality, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our mission and we value the many different perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our collective performance (you can find more about our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and safeguarding on our website). We believe in investing in all our people and creating cultures in which everyone can thrive.
We offer a fantastic package of benefits including:
- 27 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees), plus 4 Christmas closure days
- Generous pension scheme – 5% employee contribution, 10% employer contribution
- Volunteering days
- Enhanced maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave
- Give As You Earn charitable donations scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Sabbatical leave
- Ability to request flexible working from day one
To find out about our benefits, flexible working, health and wellbeing and professional development, visit our website.
Click here to visit our website for further information and to apply online.
How to apply:
To apply please visit our website where you can submit your CV (maximum 2 pages) and online application form (maximum 1000 words) outlining how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the criteria for the role. Please include your motivation for applying.
If you have questions about this job, or would like further information, please contact Richard Grubb – Richard.Grubb@acu.ac.uk.
Position type: Permanent/35 hours per week
Interviews will take place 1 December 2022 and will be conducted virtually.
If we receive sufficient applications before the closing date, interviews may take place earlier, so you are encouraged to apply early.