This is a key, senior level, strategically influential role, requiring a high degree of technical expertise, commercial acumen and experience in delivering complex initiatives.
The role holder is required to combine these skills with strong leadership in order to bring about a fundamental change in how Public Affairs is delivered within ICAS and is responsible for the delivery of influential leadership of ICAS to government leaders, policy makers, financial decision makers, corporate leaders, media, and other influential opinion formers.
Thorough the delivery of ICAS’ thought leadership and the recognition of our professional credentials, the role is responsible for the creation of positive change in the market and to create demand for the growth of the profession. The role is fundamental to the positive positing of ICAS and its trusted voice on the matters which are relevant to our Membership and the finance sector.
Dimensions
This is a new role created to deliver a key strategic objective, which is a clear and continued ambition to increase trust in ICAS by our key stakeholders and society. The role also leads on ICAS’ cutting-edge thought leadership programme and in the provision of high-quality technical resources for our Members and Firms.
This role contributes directly to the brand perception and external influencers and stakeholders perceptions of ICAS and its membership. This role is integral to ensuring ICAS maintains and meets its public interest mandate through the provision of ethical leadership and its public policy programme. This role is also responsible for the effective delivery of ICAS’ brand, thought leadership, public policy mandate and internal and external communications strategies.
This role will have a clear objective of increasing Member and Student awareness of the work or ICAS through a multi-layered and effective communications strategy as well as increasing our visibility and brand awareness with our key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Work with and influence governments to both proactively and reactively ensure policy decisions are made with the best possible professional insight;
- Ensuring the effective development and delivery of the ICAS policy strategy;
- Driving initiatives to influence the future of the profession and business;
- Overseeing the developmental regulatory initiatives to promote high standards among the regulatory population and working with the wider policy team;
- Leading on strategic communications relating to the policy, research and ethics functions;
- Leading on all regulatory, legal and governance requirements in relation to the policy, research and ethics activities;
- Ensure the delivery of strong member, student and firm focused communications strategy to increase satisfaction amongst key audiences;
- Drive the PR and external communications strategy to grow the ICAS voice and position ICAS as a thought leader and influencer;
- Drive the corporate communications strategy, including internal communications, to empower and engage colleagues and position ICAS as a leading employer and membership body;
- Creating a positive, supportive and empowering environment to enable the delivery of professional outcomes;
- Working with teams across ICAS in an open, planned and collaborative manner;
- Be continually in touch with the market leaders, their needs and developments in the market and government that require ICAS professionalism.
Experience / Skills Required
- Demonstrated leadership skills across a diversity of roles, functions, and locations;
- Knowledge and understanding of the policy and media landscape;
- Proven ability to develop relationships and work collaboratively;
- Strategic thinking with delivery of related tactical projects and outcomes;
- Proven track record of delivery in a multi-functioning team environment;
- Able to communicate effectively in writing, orally and with strong presentation and influential skills;
- Demonstrable ability to succeed in a matrix environment;
- Confident and motivated self-starter with a flexible and agile approach.
Key Challenges
- The post holder will demonstrate the gravitas and leadership qualities that are commensurate with a high profile change leadership role;
- Stakeholder engagement at a senior level is critical to success in this role. This includes both internal and external stakeholders and the ability to influence and persuade challenging stakeholders;
- Ability to motivate and inspire a team through significant levels of change and transformation to deliver on the plan;
- Managing complex budgets to demonstrate return on investment.
Expected Outcomes
- Positive market change developed from the delivery of ICAS outputs;
- Becoming the indispensable partner to key market and government leaders;
- Increase ICAS’ visibility across key markets and in targeted media (KPIs to be agreed);
- A focused, engaged, proud and motivated team;
- Positive ICAS cross-team working.
The successful candidate will join a highly reputable and well established organisation, a brand synonymous with quality and professionalism. Delivering in a key role, there is a highly competitive salary and package, commensurate with experience, and true focus on flexibility built around individuals.