Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Summary

• Sector/Organisation Type: Membership Body (Healthcare)
• Contract: Fixed-Term Contract, Full-time
• Duration: 12 Months
• Salary: £44,800 per annum
• Hours: 35 hours per week (flexitime available)
• Location: Belfast (Hybrid, minimum 2 days per week in the office)

Overview

Join an influential membership body leading policy, public affairs, campaigning and communications activity across Northern Ireland.

Play a high-profile role in shaping healthcare policy and supporting senior leaders to engage with government, elected representatives and key stakeholders.

Lead and contribute to policy development, political engagement, media relations and campaigning activity on issues affecting healthcare services.

Build relationships with senior stakeholders across government, the political landscape and the wider health sector.

Identify opportunities to influence decision-makers and help shape policy discussions affecting primary care and healthcare delivery.

Develop evidence-based policy positions, briefings and strategic communications to support organisational priorities.

Enjoy significant autonomy and exposure in a politically sensitive and externally-facing role.

Represent the organisation at stakeholder meetings, political events, conferences and external engagements.

Work closely with senior leadership to ensure the organisation's voice is heard on issues of strategic importance.

Ideal for candidates with experience in policy, public affairs, government relations, campaigns, communications or advocacy who are comfortable engaging senior audiences and translating complex issues into clear, impactful messages.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the organisation's policy, public affairs, campaigning and communications activity across Northern Ireland.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government departments, elected representatives, healthcare organisations and other key stakeholders.
• Monitor political and policy developments and identify opportunities to influence decision-making.
• Produce high-quality briefing papers, consultation responses, policy reports and stakeholder communications.
• Support senior leaders in meetings with ministers, MLAs, public bodies and sector stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver public affairs and campaigning activities to raise awareness of priority issues.
• Lead media engagement, including proactive communications, press releases and reputation management.
• Represent the organisation at meetings, conferences, political events and stakeholder forums.
• Manage social media and external communications activity.
• Undertake policy research and analysis to inform organisational positions and priorities.
• Line manage and develop a Policy & Campaigns Coordinator.
• Ensure activity is delivered effectively within agreed budgets and timescales.

Essential skills and experience

• Experience working in policy, public affairs, campaigns, communications, advocacy or stakeholder engagement roles.
• Experience engaging with government, public sector organisations, elected representatives or policymakers.
• Strong experience producing briefings, consultation responses, policy papers, reports or research outputs.
• Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships and influencing senior decision-makers.
• Experience leading communications, campaigns or media-facing activity.
• Line management or team leadership experience.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Northern Ireland political landscape.
• Understanding of healthcare, public health or wider public policy issues.
• Experience engaging with the Northern Ireland Assembly, government departments or healthcare bodies.
• Experience working within a membership organisation, charity, professional body or healthcare setting.
• Experience delivering public affairs, influencing or advocacy campaigns.

What we're looking for

• An excellent communicator with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Politically aware and comfortable operating in a complex stakeholder environment.
• A confident relationship builder who can influence and engage senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex information and develop practical recommendations.
• A proactive, self-motivated individual who enjoys taking ownership and driving activity forward.
• Someone who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to delivery.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

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