Senior Public Affairs Manager

Location - London or Milton Keynes (minimum of two days a week in the office. You can do more than two days if preferable)

Reporting to - Head of Content & Communications

Working hours - Full time (9 day fortnight - every other Friday off)

Band - 3.2

Salary - £57,000 - £62,000 (depending on office location and proven ability)

Contract type/duration - Permanent

Closing date - 12th September 2024

If you have been selected for consideration for the position, our Recruitment team will contact you to arrange a preliminary phone interview.

Connecting people with compelling stories, ideas, new business opportunities and of course each other lies at the heart of how the Catapult engages with the wider world. Our marketing and communications strategy is aimed at creating meaningful connections between buyers, suppliers, innovators, researchers, policy makers, thought leaders and investors.

An important part of this function is our ability to take a strategic approach to engaging with central and local government, as well as key public agencies. The purpose of this role is to lead and deliver the Catapult’s public affairs strategy and operations.

The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced policy and public affairs professional with excellent connections in HM Government, Parliament and officials in the regions. This role will require a deep understanding of the political landscape, exceptional communication skills, and a proven track record of successful advocacy and stakeholder engagement, developing and executing public affairs campaigns, managing government relations, and representing the company in various forums.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities for the role include:

• Responsible for supporting the Head of Content and Communications in developing and implementing a public affairs stakeholder engagement strategy to promote the work of Connected Places Catapult as a key delivery partner in the innovation landscape.
• Responsible for delivering impactful public affairs activities and campaigns aligned to the Catapult’s national and global priorities, in conjunction with the Head of Content and Communications.
• Responsible for communicating with, engaging and involving key internal stakeholders such as CELT and the Board in the delivery of the Catapult’s public affairs activities.
• Responsible for developing strong relationships with key stakeholders that will enhance the awareness, influence and impact of Connected Places Catapult in Whitehall, Devolved Government and cities/regions, as well as in key markets including place, transport, R&D and tech.
• Responsible for maintaining knowledge of the innovation policy and political environment, developing analysis to inform Catapult activities and strategy.
• Responsible for working with relevant colleagues to respond to consultations, articulating the Catapult's position effectively.
• Responsible for prioritising attendance at related events, producing relevant content to communicate the Catapult's work, key messages and briefings.
• Responsible for producing briefing documentation and speeches for government related engagements.
• Accountable for identifying opportunities for thought leadership in related policies and production of related content.
• Accountable for ensuring the Catapult’s engagement with public stakeholders is conducted ethically and in compliance with relevant regulations and guidance.
• Ensuring an ethos of equity, inclusivity and diversity underpin your work activity, contributing to inclusive innovation across all Catapult activities.
• You may be required to undertake any other reasonable duties to support the Catapult in achieving its strategic outcomes and ensure effective business operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, or a related field, with a proven track record of success.
• Experienced in policy and public affairs with excellent connects in HM Government departments, Parliament, Devolved Governments, cities and regions.
• Demonstrable interest/experience of working in the areas of technology, innovation, cities and transport.
• Able to manage conflicting priorities, balancing multiple interests, whilst managing varied stakeholders in a complex, fast-moving environment.
• Confident, resilient, self-motivated, and able to generate your own ideas.
• Excellent networking and interpersonal skills, experience of producing high quality written and verbal communications in a variety of styles to suit the target audience.
• An effective collaborator, always working transparently and able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
• Experienced in translating and distilling complex, technical content to non-technical audiences.
• Self-motivation and ability to work without intense supervision.
• Professionalism, resilience and self-awareness, always acting in a professional manner and showing determination, drive and commitment particularly when faced with challenges and setbacks.

Benefits

• 9 day fortnight for everyone, we have a full company shutdown every other Friday.
• 23.5 holiday entitlement for everyone, with pro-rata calculations for part-time employees, along with a Winter shutdown period for additional days off between Christmas and New Year.
• Competitive pension, up to 10% company contribution to help you save for your future.
• Two paid days of volunteering leave per year (pro-rata for part-time employees) to support charitable activities.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential work/life support services to you and your immediate family members.
• Cycle to Work Scheme encouraging a healthy and sustainable commute.
• Cash Health Plan, offering reimbursement for a wide range of essential and everyday healthcare expenses, promoting your well-being.
• Payroll Giving scheme, allowing regular charitable contributions from pre-tax income, maximizing the impact of your donations.
• Discounts and offers from a wide variety of retailers, enhancing your purchasing power and providing savings opportunities.

Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. We also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled.