The Senior Public Affairs Officer leads on our strategic engagement with high profile stakeholders, increasing their understanding of and involvement in, HMD and HMDT.
Job purpose and role
To lead on HMDT’s strategic engagement with high profile stakeholders, increasing their understanding of and involvement in, HMD and HMDT.
Main Responsibilities
- Working with the Head of Communications, create and deliver the programme of strategic engagement with opinion-formers and high- profile stakeholders across the UK;
- Develop and implement a programme for key stakeholders to engage with local HMD activities, working closely with the Outreach team;
- Ensure key stakeholders are aware of HMDT and understand our work, brand, theme and key symbolism (e.g. the purple flame);
- Create meaningful relationships with key UK and devolved administration parliamentarians and their offices, including through relevant APPGs;
- Be alert to relevant sensitive external issues and lead any HMDT responses;
- Support Parliamentarians to engage with annual HMD events, both national and constituency, and record their involvement;
- Monitor relevant policy developments and political activity to ensure HMDT staff are kept updated and respond where appropriate.
General
- Support the UK HMD Ceremony;
- Undertake any other duties which may reasonably be requested;
- Provide support and cover of duties across the wider Communications team where necessary;
- Work as part of the HMDT team to realise the charitable aims and HMDT organisational strategic plan.
Personal Specification
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the workings of the UK government and parliamentary procedures in both Houses;
- Extensive experience in public and parliamentary affairs;
- Excellent political awareness, including of sensitive issues;
- Robust communication skills, both in person and in writing;
- Ability to create and nurture working relationships at all levels;
- Track record of influencing stakeholders;
- Sound analytical and fact-finding skills, with the timely ability to identify and understand key issues;
- Collaborative and team player;
- Strong self-starter.
Desirable
Knowledge and understanding of political and parliamentary procedures in the devolved nations of the UK.