We’re looking for an outstanding Public Affairs Officer to support all aspects of our public affairs activity.

The Public Affairs Officer will:

• Have a clear understanding of government, parliament and political parties in a changing political environment, and the importance of the Russell Group’s wider community
• Build a good understanding of Russell Group and higher education policy priorities to communicate these confidently
• Support the Head of Public Affairs to maintain and grow political and stakeholder networks, coordinate meetings, and prepare briefings/de-briefs
• Help prepare Russell Group responses to parliamentary legislation affecting universities, including lobbying MPs, Peers, civil servants, advisers and influential third parties
• Support the Russell Group’s parliamentary activity, including monitoring debates, inquiries and consultations, drafting parliamentary questions and mapping key stakeholders.
• Support the development of advocacy positions showing how our universities can help deliver political stakeholders’ priorities and promote the positive impact of high-quality higher education and research

Applicants should demonstrate the following:

• Ability to quickly grasp complex policy issues and translate them into clear, persuasive messages for and stakeholder audiences.
• Good understanding of UK politics, policymaking and Parliament, and how to engage effectively with parliamentarians and stakeholders across the political spectrum.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to produce outputs for different audiences.
• Experience of supporting public affairs activity, stakeholder engagement or advocacy campaigns.
• Excellent political nous, judgement and awareness of complex policy positions, with the ability to develop advocacy positions and represent the organisation credibly.
• Knowledge of the HE sector would be an advantage.

Please download our full Candidate Pack from https://russellgroup-ac-uk.pinpointhq.com/

Our offices are based in Westminster, but we offer flexibility for staff to work from home up to two days a week, subject to priorities. Benefits include:

- Membership of USS pension scheme
- 25 days of Annual Leave at start, rising to 30 days
- Additional Easter and Christmas closure days
- Private healthcare insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme