Head of External Affairs (Fixed Term)

Are you an experienced External Affairs professional looking for a new challenge? We have a fantastic opportunity to join Sovereign Network Group as our Head of External Affairs, on a fixed term basis for 18 months. This is a key strategic leadership role, where you'll be developing and delivering a government relations and media strategy that positions SNG as an influencer within the housing sector, with political stakeholders in government and parliament, local authorities and other policymakers. It's a really exciting time to join us as Sovereign have joined forces with Network Homes to form SNG (Sovereign Network Group). Together we provide over 84,000 homes and invest in communities across London and the South of England - our purpose being to provide good affordable homes: the foundation for a better life and our vision is thriving communities over generations. Based from our offices in Basingstoke or Wembley, you'll combine home and office working to ensure a positive work / life balance. There may be occasional travel to our other offices or London for meetings so you should have access to transport and be happy to travel. The role Reporting into our Communications and External Affairs Director, you'll manage our Press Officer and Stakeholder Engagement Lead. You'll be an ambassador for SNG, building and enhancing SNG's reputation through thought leadership, public affairs, events and awards. You'll protect SNG's reputation on and offline,. Responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing the public affairs strategy to ensure delivery of objectives set out in SNG's Corporate Plan
• Delivering a media strategy that generates positive coverage of SNG in the trade press, national and local media
• Leading on research, thought leadership and policy development
• Developing well-written content, including writing the annual report and ESG report
• Developing a process for political and media monitoring and horizon scanning to ensure SNG's leadership are informed of key political developments. You'll provide analysis of the impact of political developments on SNG and develop action plans to address them
• Drafting responses to government consultations and developing policy positions for SNG and advocating those to the sector and beyond
• Oversight of the press office, including media monitoring, media output, responses to journalists and the strategic comms forward look
  
  You should have proven experience working in a similar senior role in External Affairs, with a track record in developing a strong and effective public affairs strategy. You'll also have:
• Demonstrable experience in identifying and building relationships with diverse stakeholders including government officials, media, advocacy groups, community organisations and industry associations
• Experience of delivering effective communication strategies, including advocacy, lobbying, media relations, and public relations techniques
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to write copy for a range of publications and audiences, including reports and responses to government consultations
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence at all levels, especially senior leadership and executive levels.
• Experience in managing a high performing team, providing guidance and encouraging ongoing development
• Good working knowledge of government, parliamentary processes and political trends and a willingness to understand and learn more about them
• Experience in housing would be beneficial, but not essential provided you bring transferrable skills from other sectors and strong appetite to learn
  
  £450 yearly flexible benefit pot to use against benefits of your choice
• 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (with an extra day every year up to 30 days)
• Chance to buy or sell holiday as part of our flexible benefits package
• Generous matched pension scheme up to 12% and Life cover at 4x salary
• Options for private medical insurance, dental insurance and critical illness cover
• Wellbeing discounts, including Gym Memberships and access to a 24/7 virtual GP service