Do you have significant experience in political lobbying at the highest levels, as well as the personal gravitas it takes to influence and persuade senior stakeholders internally and externally? Then join Shelter as Head of Public Affairs and you could soon be instrumental in helping us end homelessness and improve housing for millions of people.
About Shelter
A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.
We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
About the team
As the cost-of-living squeeze begins to grip the lives of millions, a broken housing system looks more fragile than ever before. In response, our Comms, Policy and Campaigns Directorate (CPC) is re-doubling its efforts in the fight against poor housing and homelessness. Our aim is to lead the campaign to secure greater rights for renters and a new generation of truly affordable social homes. Things are tough for the people we work with across the country, but we firmly believe that change is within our grasp. This is your chance to play a fundamental role in helping to achieve that change and create a fairer society for those who lack the comfort and security of a proper home.
About the role
As Head of Public Affairs, we’ll look to you to ensure our campaigning and communications are rooted in a robust political strategy, both nationally and within the communities we work with. You’ll be leading a team of five - a Public Affairs Manager, two Public Affairs Officers and a Public Affairs Assistant, within an Advocacy & Activism Function within our CPC Directorate. You’ll also work closely with colleagues in our hubs to build networks and engage with, and influence, decision makers at local and regional level. Leading and inspiring a team to deliver, delivering a strategy at a local and national level, engaging with government and stakeholder audience and contributing to the development of our campaigning priorities and approaches – these are just some aspects of this vital role.
About you
To succeed, you’ll need to bring a passion for Shelter’s issues, rich political insight, imagination, and the ability to involve and co-create with people in housing need across the country. You’ll also need a good understanding of the various ways of effectively influencing policy and practice at a central and local government level. A flair for integrating public affairs work with media and public-focused campaigns is important too, as is the ability to grasp complex policy ideas and translate them into strong campaigning messages suitable for political audiences. And, because you’ll be leading a team, managing a budget and having oversight of complex projects and work streams, good organisational and people management skills are essential too.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.