Senior External Affairs Manager

Senior External Affairs Manager (Maternity cover) Competitive Salary (depending on experience) London | Hybrid Full time | Fixed term (12 months)

Role details Location: London (Hybrid – two days working from home) Reporting to: Director of External Engagement Directorate: Marketing and Communications

Working at the heart of NatCen’s Marketing and Communications team, this role takes ownership of NatCen’s external affairs function, shaping how our research reaches, influences and engages decision‑makers.

You’ll bring clarity, credibility and momentum to NatCen’s public affairs, stakeholder engagement and external communications, working closely with senior leaders and research teams.

What you’ll do

Shape NatCen’s external affairs strategy — develop and deliver a clear, joined‑up approach to public affairs, stakeholder engagement and communications that raises NatCen’s profile and impact. Build senior stakeholder relationships — strengthen trusted relationships with government, parliament and wider policy stakeholders to ensure NatCen’s research reaches the right audiences. Drive meaningful engagement — lead stakeholder mapping and horizon scanning, tailoring engagement and communications so complex evidence is accessible, relevant and influential. Strengthen how NatCen shows up externally — work with colleagues across the organisation to present research clearly and confidently to policy audiences and the media. Lead a high‑quality events programme — plan and deliver events including British Social Attitudes events, receptions and partner activity that build visibility and credibility. Provide senior‑level input — contribute strategic advice to senior leadership and deputise for the Director of External Engagement when required. Work with pace and purpose — manage multiple priorities, lead cross‑functional activity and keep delivery focused on impact.

What we’re looking for

Significant experience in external affairs, public affairs or stakeholder engagement, with a track record of delivering successful engagement strategies. Strong understanding of the UK political and policy landscape and confidence engaging senior stakeholders across government and parliament. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research into clear, engaging messages. Experience working in or with research institutes, foundations, government departments, parliament or public affairs/communications agencies. Experience of managing events and engagement activity. A confident, collaborative style, comfortable working independently and influencing at senior levels. Media engagement experience is desirable, as is experience providing strategic input to senior leadership. Line management experience is desirable. A clear commitment to NatCen’s values and the importance of independent social research. If you enjoy shaping influence, strengthening external engagement and helping evidence reach the people who matter, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

As well as a competitive salary and excellent working environment (including a home/office hybrid working arrangement), you will be working for the largest independent social research organisation in the UK. We are proud of the benefits we offer our employees which include: 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays) increasing to 30 days after 3 years of service Generous company pension scheme Life insurance and health cash plan Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan Career development, professional subscriptions support and mentoring from industry‑leading experts

About the National Centre for Social Research

At The National Centre for Social Research, we believe that social research has the power to make life better. By really understanding the complexity of people’s lives and what they think about the issues that affect them, we give the public a powerful and influential role in shaping services that can make a difference to everyone. And as an independent, not‑for‑profit organisation we’re able to focus our time and energy on meeting our clients’ needs and delivering social research that works for society.

Our Values & Behaviours

We Are Curious Proactively investigates systemic issues Uses data and insight to challenge current practice We Move with Purpose Translates diagnosis into structured, measurable action Drives initiatives through to delivery We Act with Integrity Ensures transparent communication Balances efficiency with fairness and risk management

We are proud to say we are a Disability Confident Committed Employer, so if you require any reasonable adjustments during the interview process please make us aware and we will endeavour to support you to help you showcase your best self during our hiring process.