Senior External Affairs Manager (Maternity cover)

Application Deadline: 1 June 2026

Department: Social Surveys

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: London (Hybrid)

Reporting To: Gillian Prior

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Shape NatCen’s external affairs strategy — develop and deliver a clear, joined‑up approach to public affairs, stakeholder engagement and communications that raises NatCen’s profile and impact.
• Build senior stakeholder relationships — strengthen trusted relationships with government, parliament and wider policy stakeholders to ensure NatCen’s research reaches the right audiences.
• Drive meaningful engagement — lead stakeholder mapping and horizon scanning, tailoring engagement and communications so complex evidence is accessible, relevant and influential.
• Strengthen how NatCen shows up externally — work with colleagues across the organisation to present research clearly and confidently to policy audiences and the media.
• Lead a high‑quality events programme — plan and deliver events including British Social Attitudes events, receptions and partner activity that build visibility and credibility.
• Provide senior‑level input — contribute strategic advice to senior leadership and deputise for the Director of External Engagement when required.
• Work with pace and purpose — manage multiple priorities, lead cross‑functional activity and keep delivery focused on impact.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Significant experience in external affairs, public affairs or stakeholder engagement, with a track record of delivering successful engagement strategies.
•  Strong understanding of the UK political and policy landscape and confidence engaging senior stakeholders across government and parliament.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research into clear, engaging messages.
•  Experience working in or with research institutes, foundations, government departments, parliament or public affairs/communications agencies.
•  Experience of managing events and engagement activity.
•  A confident, collaborative style, comfortable working independently and influencing at senior levels.
•  Media engagement experience is desirable, as is experience providing strategic input to senior leadership.
•  Line management experience is desirable.
•  A clear commitment to NatCen’s values and the importance of independent social research.
• If you enjoy shaping influence, strengthening external engagement and helping evidence reach the people who matter, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Benefits

• 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays) increasing to 30 days after 3 years of service 
• Generous company pension scheme
• Life insurance and health cash plan
• Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan
• Career development, professional subscriptions support and mentoring from industry‑leading experts

• Uses data to improve field performance and delivery
• Explores new approaches to workforce management

• Drives delivery against operational targets
• Aligns workforce planning to demand

• Ensures fair and compliant field practice
• Maintains quality and ethical standards