Senior Policy & External Affairs Manager

Incommunities

. Maintain a close working relationship with the Chief Executive, providing strategic advice, horizon-scanning insight and support on political, policy and reputational issues .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeBradford • United KingdomSenior💰 £66,708 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in policy analysis, public affairs strategy, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong ability to provide strategic counsel and develop integrated influencing campaigns. Proven experience in managing media relations and advising senior leaders on complex issues is essential.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Policy AnalysisPublic Affairs StrategyStakeholder EngagementMedia Relations ManagementStrategic Counsel

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Policy MonitoringLegislative AnalysisRisk AssessmentInfluencing Campaign DevelopmentBriefing PreparationEvaluation TechniquesConsultation CoordinationReputation ManagementDecision-Making TranslationLine Management

Soft Skills

Strategic ThinkingAnalytical SkillsCommunication SkillsJudgmentCollaboration

Industry Keywords

Public SectorNot-for-ProfitPublic InterestRegulated EnvironmentExternal Affairs

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Maintain a close working relationship with the Chief Executive, providing strategic advice, horizon-scanning insight and support on political, policy and reputational issues
Monitor and analyse housing and related public policy, legislative and regulatory change
Provide timely advice and reporting to the Executive Team and colleagues on emerging policy issues, risks and opportunities
Coordinate contributions to local and national policy, regulation and legislation, including leading consultation and call-for-evidence responses
Translate policy insight into practical organisational implications and decision-making
Support senior leaders and spokespeople with briefings, lines and media preparation
Shape and deliver a joined-up Public Relations and Public Affairs Strategic Plan
Shape messaging and positioning on key external issues
Provide strategic counsel on high-profile, sensitive and complex issues
Develop integrated influencing campaigns on priority issues
Plan and coordinate stakeholder events, visits and meetings
Track and evaluate influencing, reputation and stakeholder activity
Use learning and evaluation to improve policy, public affairs and engagement approaches
Line-manage, support and develop the PR Specialist

Requirements

What you’ll need

Educated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience
Significant experience working in policy, public affairs, external affairs, stakeholder engagement or strategic communications within a regulated, public sector, not-for-profit or public interest environment
Experience developing and delivering influencing, stakeholder engagement or reputation-building activity supporting organisational objectives
Experience advising and briefing senior leaders with clear, evidence-based recommendations and insight
Experience managing media, public relations or reputation-related activity, including supporting spokespeople on sensitive or high-profile issues
Ability to operate confidently at strategic and delivery levels, combining sound judgement with hands-on delivery
Strong analytical and evaluative skills using insight and evidence to shape activity and assess impact
Previous line management experience
2 days per week in the office (BD17 7BN) and occasional travel across West Yorkshire for events and meetings
Right to Work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available

Benefits

Comp & perks

Social Housing Pension Scheme with up-to 10% employer contribution
28 days annual leave that increases with service plus bank holidays
Option to buy and sell annual leave
Training, development, and qualification opportunities
Exclusive access to discounts and savings at over 800 retailers
Corporate health scheme membership
Agile and hybrid working
Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
Cycle to work scheme
Local gym membership discounts
Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders
Mindful Employer commitment to mental health and wellbeing
Committed Menopause Friendly Accreditation