Head of External Affairs

Join RABI as our new Head of External Affairs and play a pivotal role in developing and implementing an ambitious external affairs strategy as the charity continues to develop our focus on empowering the worth and well-being of the farming community. 

Location: Oxford / Hybrid (min 2days p/w from office)

Applications close by 9 a.m. Monday 9th December 2024

About us

RABI (The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) is a national charity providing one-to-one expert support, advice and guidance to the farming community across England and Wales.  Established in 1860, the commitment to address the individual needs of farming people remains at the core of RABI’s mission. Our farming communities are facing increasingly complex challenges and pressures and for many stress cracks are beginning to show.  RABI has a crucial role to play now and in the future, to support the personal resilience and wellbeing of farming people.

RABI continues to work tirelessly to develop and deliver services and support that uplifts and supports farming people through practical, financial and emotional assistance, touching the lives of thousands of people every year. Whether giving expert advice on benefits or providing mental health support, RABI offers a beacon of hope.

About the role

We are seeking a passionate and strategic leader to join our team as our new Head of External Affairs. In this critical role, you will develop and implement a comprehensive external affairs strategy aimed ensuring decision makers and influencers understand the impact of the challenges farming people face and continue to work with RABI to develop and implement solutions that building physical, mental and financial resilience.  As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will report directly to the Chief Executive while building and leading a new External Affairs department.

You will be tasked with establishing strong relationships with government officials, Members of Parliament, and farming sector representatives. Collaborating closely with the Senior Leadership Team you will develop and deliver an external affairs strategy that supports the charity’s objectives to build farmers personal resilience and ensure farming people’s wellbeing is a fully embedded principle within key policy making decisions. 

What we are looking for

You will come with a proven track record in leading and implementing successful external affairs strategies that align with organisational goals. Significant experience in advising at senior levels and expertise in integrated external affairs, including drafting public affairs briefings and developing policy positions will be crucial. As well as an exceptional influencing and networking ability, alongside exemplary written and oral communication skills.

We need someone with experience managing teams through organisational changes and be open, confident, and collaborative in engaging with others. Importantly you will be adept at building relationships at the Ministerial level and fostering cross-party support for policies while integrating service user voices into strategies. Strong stakeholder engagement and planning skills are required to manage a diverse portfolio of projects. A commitment to the objectives of RABI, a full clean UK driving license, and readiness to travel and on occasion work unsociable hours are also necessary.

Closing date for applications: By 9 a.m. Monday 9th December 2024

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