We are seeking to appoint a politically aware and influential individual to come and join us at Cranfield University as Public Affairs Manager. As one of the UK’s top five research intensive universities and only wholly postgraduate university focused on science, technology, engineering and management, this is a key role which will contribute to the development and implementation of the University’s strategic aims.
Working with the Assistant Director of Communications & Public Affairs, you will be developing and implementing Cranfield University’s public affairs strategy involving senior staff across the University. You will be responsible for delivering a wide-ranging programme of public affairs activities to enhance the University’s relationships with policy influencers and other key stakeholders.
This is an important new role within the recently created cross-university Marketing, Communications and Development team (MCD) which has been established to provide an excellent service to all our stakeholders. MCD ensures that audience needs are served ‘end to end’, supporting colleagues within the University to deliver a creative, efficient and effective service that places customers at the heart of the operation.
With a track record in public affairs, gained either in-house or consultancy, you're a strong project manager with a keen understanding of political process and with the credibility to influence at all levels, both externally and internally. With extensive contacts you will build relationships between the University and its key stakeholders to enhance its influence, reputation and profile locally, nationally and internationally. This role will entail delivering a planned programme of proactive engagement with key political and other high-level stakeholders to increase awareness and understanding of our work and help generate support to achieve our objectives.
Educated to degree level or equivalent, you will have a detailed understanding of local and national government, particularly around higher education or a related field, and a strong record in public affairs. You will have relevant political contacts relating to our work including Government organisations, funding bodies and education partners and demonstrable experience of building and maintaining a network of contacts in the sector.