Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Are you a policy and public affairs expert looking to put their mark on one of the UK’s largest charities?

We’re recruiting for a new Policy and Public Affairs Manager to join our team in Wales!

About the role

As our Policy and Public Affairs lead in Wales, you’ll be responsible for the strategic development and direction in British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) influencing activities in Wales. 

You’ll be joining us at an exciting time, and will be involved in devising and implementing Welsh-specific policy actions ensuring that BHF Cymru’s influences developments in health policy within the BHF policy framework.

You’ll play a crucial role in developing a strategic direction for our influencing in Wales and ensuring our aims and ambitions are met. Leading our influencing in the Welsh Parliament and Government you’ll drive forward our agenda in line with our strategy and ensure BHF Cymru’s voice is heard on key issues relating to heart and circulatory disease.
 
Working arrangements 
  
This is a blended role, where your work will be dual located between your home and our Cardiff office. 

The work will require some evening and weekend work. There will also be opportunity to visit our Edinburgh, Belfast and London offices on occasion.
 
At BHF we believe in the power of being together, so our colleagues on blended contracts can expect to spend some time in their office, at least one day each week, on average.  The use of our office spaces is driven in part by your role and the activities you need to do. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause. 
 
Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.  

About you

With an excellent understanding of the political environment in Wales, especially the main political parties you’ll have knowledge of the workings and processes of devolved government in Wales and understand how to use them to best effect.

You’ll have a good grasp of the interface between the voluntary and statutory sector as well as extensive experience in public affairs / policy in Welsh institutions or charities.

To be successful in this role, you’ll also have the following skills and experience:
• able to plan, manage and deliver multi-faceted strategic public affairs and communications solutions
• able to get results, even when under pressure and without supervision 
• able to network and build positive relationships with a wide range of key stakeholders including Ministers, advisors and civil servants 
• excellent time and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines 
• excellent communication skills, able to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively 

With a network of contacts within the Welsh Parliament and a sound understanding of public affairs and influencing in a Welsh context, you’ll have previous experience of designing and delivering multi-faceted policy projects grounded in evidence and stakeholder insight.

How to apply

It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at BHF. Just click through to our careers site to apply. All you’ll need is an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.

As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, the BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.