The University of Nottingham is a leading Russell Group university providing an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience for our students, who are consistently targeted by leading graduate employers. We deliver world-leading research that transforms lives, improves societies, and shapes the future.
The Head of Public Affairs is a vital role in the Communications and Advocacy division, reporting to the Deputy Director for Advocacy. You’ll lead our dynamic Political and Civic Affairs team, informing and engaging key external stakeholders in the UK and across the globe, building trust and advocacy for the mission of the University, enhancing our public reputation to support our strategic aims for education, research, student recruitment and global influence.
You will lead the strategic development of a public affairs programme, delivered by the team in collaboration with colleagues across the university. You will build strong relationships with senior leadership and support them to navigate and influence the external environment. You will use your knowledge and understanding of the local political landscape to inform the university’s civic engagement, and you will deliver impactful stakeholder engagement around key strategic priorities, including our Zero Carbon ambitions and the brand new Castle Meadow Campus.
You will have experience of leading public affairs activity, a track record of managing effective relationships with external stakeholders and a good understanding of the policymaking and legislative processes, having gained experience in similar roles. You’ll also have experience of successfully working with and influencing internal stakeholders in a large complex organisation, working in a collaborative manner to plan and deliver integrated campaigns. You will be able to convey messages in a clear and compelling way, tailored to the audience, and have excellent standards of accuracy, consistency and attention to detail.
Your excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, and proactive “can do” approach to work will enable you to manage timely delivery in a demanding environment, dealing with rapid change, complexity and ambiguity.
You can expect to work in a friendly and supportive hybrid working environment with a generous salary and benefits package including a defined benefit pension and 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and additional ‘university closure’ days) – and the opportunity to test your skills in one of the most varied, stimulating, and fast-paced roles to be found anywhere.
The post is offered on a permanent contract. Hours of work are full-time (36.25 hours per week) ; however applications are also welcome from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 29 hours per week). Please specify in your application if you wish to work part time and the number of preferred hours. Job share arrangements may be considered.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Begum Karacaoglu, begum.karacaoglu1@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.
Our University is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We warmly welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. We welcome applications from UK, Europe and from across the globe. For more information on the support we offer our international colleagues, see our Moving to Nottingham pages.
For successful international applicants, we provide financial support for your visa and the immigration health surcharge, plus an interest-free loan to help cover the cost of immigration-related expenses for any dependants accompanying you to the UK. For more information please see the our webpage on Financial support for visas and the immigration health surcharge.
Application URL:
https://jobs.nottingham.ac.uk/REG163323