MoneySavingExpert.com is the UK's biggest consumer website with over 15 million users a month. The site's dedicated to cutting your bills and fighting your corner with journalistic research, cutting edge tools and a massive community – all focused on finding deals, saving cash and campaigning for financial justice.
The External Affairs and Campaigns Officer will work mainly with the External Affairs and Campaigns Manager to provide a link between government, regulators, charities and consumers to ensure consumers’ views are represented in places that matter. You’ll also liaise with colleagues in the editorial, clubs, news and forum teams to share ideas and updates. Together we want to be at the forefront of helping consumers on the big issues that affect them.
You need to be capable of writing detailed research papers as a substantial part of the role will involve submitting comprehensive written responses to government and regulator consultations in order to influence key consumer areas. With a policy or parliamentary background you’ll need a drive to enhance consumers’ financial rights and effect long term change for the better.
We put consumers first in everything we do, whether that’s improving the handling of Payment Protection Insurance complaints, getting financial education added to the national curriculum or pushing for improvements in the high cost credit industry. If that sounds like something that makes you get out of bed in the morning we want to hear from you.
Main activities / tasks:
- Respond to official consultations that are relevant to consumers;
- Monitor and engage with users of our forum and social media to ensure consumers’ views are being represented;
- Support the work of other consumer charities, groups and campaigners;
- Contribute to the development and delivery of public awareness campaigns;
- Attend external meetings and events on behalf of the team and organisation;
- Be both reactive and proactive when responding to consumer policy issues;
- Ensure effective communication takes place with other teams within the organisation;
- Build and maintain successful working relationships with key decision makers and influencers including politicians, government and regulators;
- Identify new areas to expand our engagement;
- Protect the organisation’s high level of trust and good reputation.
Knowledge & skills:
- A policy, campaigns and/or politics background, either via experience or education;
- Writing detailed reports based on research, analysis and/or opinion;
- Effective communication skills – able to communicate with internal/external stakeholders;
- Flexible and adaptable approach to the role with a positive, can-do attitude;
- Strong attention to detail and ability to process lots of information and policy areas rapidly;
- A good organiser and able to prioritise multiple tasks;
- Be able to work independently;
- A passion to push for real change for consumers;
- Familiarity with the consumer market, such as financial services, energy, consumer rights;
- Handling of social media.