Stakeholder Engagement Manager

Sitting within the Strategy, Delivery and Communications (SDC) Directorate, the communications team drives the OfS's external and internal communications, including public affairs, media relations, digital publishing, stakeholder engagement, events and public information. Communications is essential for the organisation to drive progress towards our strategic goals.
We're looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to drive stakeholder engagement to join our busy team.
Working with the Head of Stakeholder Engagement, you'll work to drive forward and co-ordinate stakeholder engagement around key strategic projects. The role requires close working with colleagues across the organisation to ensure a joined-up approach to stakeholder engagement across strategic communication plans and publication launches. The role-holder will also work with the Head of Provider Relations, for example on collating insights from the provider visits programme. In all cases, the role holder will need to think about the bigger picture and how to make sure these activities contribute to our wider aims.
Key responsibilities may include:
Write briefings, speeches and talking points for a range of audiences, ranging from senior OfS staff to parliamentarians.
Supporting the management of the programme of visits to universities and colleges and the anticipated engagement interventions, drawing up plans and initiating lines of enquiry where required.
Prepare oral and written evidence documentation to be used in reports, briefing documents and speeches.
Advise on and implement stakeholder engagement for strategic communications plans and launches, track stakeholder engagement across OfS.
Undertake proactive political monitoring and manage timely internal updates, including the drafting of lines to take.
Draft parliamentary correspondence, undertake networking and attending external meetings, to support senior leaders and staff in representing the views of the OfS as a regulator.
Working alongside the Head of Stakeholder Engagement, prepare senior OfS staff ahead of engagement, select committees or evidence sessions by conducting coaching sessions (1 on 1 or small group) and testing out scenarios to deal with different OfS policy issues and lines of enquiry.
Maintain the OfS stakeholder mapping process and ensuring it is up to date.
Deputise for the Head of Stakeholder Engagement as required.
Undertake joint working with the Head of Provider Relations on shared pieces of work where required., Making effective decisions
I make decisions when they are needed, even if they prove difficult or unpopular.
I consult with others in good time to ensure the potential impacts of decisions are considered.
I recognise patterns and trends in evidence, drawing on this to inform decisions.
I present clear, well-reasoned recommendations in a timely manner, outlining the consideration of other options, costs, benefits and risks.
I debate and discuss issues rigorously before making decisions.
I recognise where there is a need or legal obligation to consult.
I can assess regulatory risks associated with decisions.
Delivering at pace
I ensure the delivery of timely, quality outcomes, through providing the right resources for tasks, reviewing and adjusting performance expectations and rewarding success.
I maintain my own level of performance in challenging circumstances and support others to do the same.
I adjust priorities and focus swiftly, as the OfS's internal and external context changes, considering how my work impacts other teams across the organisation.
I translate strategic priorities into clear outcome-focused objectives for managers and teams.
I quickly re-prioritise and formulate plans accordingly as the environment changes.
Communicating and influencing
I actively deploy different methods for influencing others, including making the most of digital resources to respond to different learning styles.
I act as a role model to others by communicating with clarity, honesty, and enthusiasm to build trust.
I am open-minded and impartial in discussion so I can adjust my arguments to respect the diverse interests and opinions of others.
I deliver difficult messages with clarity and sensitivity.
I can articulate arguments and reasons in a clear and persuasive manner.
Collaborating and partnering
I readily share resources across the OfS, to support high priority work, showing pragmatism and support for the shared goals of our organisation.
I ensure consideration and support for the wellbeing of myself and individuals throughout the team.
I create an inclusive working environment where all opinions and challenges are considered in a respectful way.
I encourage my team to work proactively with other OfS teams to ensure we deliver common goals successfully.

exceptional interpersonal, influencing and networking skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
strong political acumen and interest in public affairs and the higher education landscape;
outstanding written and verbal communications skills, with the ability to speak about the OfS's work with confidence internally and externally;
excellent organisational skills and attention to detail;
strong judgement and discretion;
the ability to develop and improve systems and processes and embed new ways of working.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the independent regulator of higher education in England - we regulate higher education on behalf of all students. Our mission is to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers

At the OfS, we recognise that flexibility can enable people to work more effectively. A set of organisation-wide principles shape our approach to flexible and hybrid working, which our teams then use as guidance on how they deliver their business goals. This would usually mean working from the office for two to three days in a typical week.
To attract the widest possible field of qualified applicants, flexible working, for example job share and part time working, apply to this role.
In addition, our Total Reward Framework offers a range of benefits to suit your way of life. These include comprehensive learning and development, annual leave starting at 25 days per year (plus public holidays), access to the highly regarded Civil Service pension scheme and a variety of health benefits.
Next steps
To make an application, please upload a copy of your CV. There are also three application questions to answer, which will draw on your experience to date.