Public Affairs Manager

We are looking for a public affairs specialist to strengthen our relationships with Staffordshire MPs, with key influencers and decision makers in Whitehall, and across local government.

In this brand-new role, you will brief cabinet members, directors and senior officers on the latest local and central government thinking, issues, and policies. You will provide strategic advice and lead public affairs activity to raise Staffordshire's profile, connect with key decision makers, and secure investment for major projects, as well as making the case for increased funding and powers for the council and local partners.

We are looking for candidates with a passion for public policy, adept at persuading and influencing senior colleagues, and able to forge relationships within the council and partner organisations, including the Local Government Association.

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Communications, you will be a senior adviser and influencer in the award-winning Communications Team.

You'll be joining an ambitious council, with clear objectives and priorities, and working in a talented team committed to effective, impactful communications and engagement with our audiences.

Please note that this post is classed as politically restricted.

You will be working across a broad agenda of issues, from economic growth, job creation and skills to social care, climate change and education.

The post holder will analyse the work of Government, think tanks, key influencers and organisations, and the potential impact on the council's aims and objectives.

You will work with cabinet members and senior officers to formulate the public affairs activity that makes sure Staffordshire's voice is heard by central government.

You will plan and deliver campaigns and events the bring together local stakeholders, including the Staffordshire Leaders Board, to favourably influence policy and legislative decisions.

And you will manage the council's relationship with Staffordshire's MPs, organising monthly meetings and setting the agenda in consultation with the leader and chief executive.

We're looking for a passionate public affairs specialist with the right blend of skills, experience, and personality to work with senior colleagues across the council.

We are looking for someone who:

• is experienced in public and political relations
• has a strong grasp of current political issues and developments
• has experience of planning lobbying strategies, ideally having worked within a campaigning organisation
• is able to manage a busy workload including daily contact with politicians.
• has a track record of effective influencing and alliance building around legislation or policy-making processes.
• has a good understanding of the issues affecting local government

For more information please take a look at the full job description, and if you have any questions before applying or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Helena Hornby, Head of Communications helena.hornby@staffordshire.gov.uk

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too. 

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. 

In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to a range of benefits .

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Silver Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.