IMPORTANT | This is a senior appointment, and applicants’ experience should be reflective of the role’s requirements. Please read the job description carefully before applying:
About the Eastern Powerhouse
The Eastern Powerhouse, hosted by ResPublica, is the leading voice of business and civic leadership across the East of England. It platforms the whole of the East as a single interconnected region, encompassing its coastal towns, rural villages, and world-class cities. The aim is to showcase the region’s untapped potential and unlock the many opportunities for growth, and to convince businesses and government to invest in this burgeoning economic powerhouse.
About this role
This is a senior-level position. We are looking for someone with at least ten (10) years’ professional experience. PhD holders with fewer years of experience would also be considered.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work with high profile business partners, and shape policy ideas for the East of England. We would be keen to employ someone with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and outreach management, especially in a corporate or trade association environment, as well as a flair for public policy innovation and an eye for detail.
Key responsibilities
Reporting to the Eastern Powerhouse Director, Phillip Blond, you will lead the external engagement function, by being methodical in your work and by taking charge of the organisation’s outreach plan, including current Members, prospective Members, and wider stakeholders;
Have a prominent part in both Business and Membership Development, with the ability to excite prospective clients on the value we can deliver for them, as well as to incite projects based on their needs;
Support the Eastern Powerhouse Chair, James Palmer, in his efforts to attract new Members, which includes keeping a thorough record of meetings and their outcomes, and following-up with leads;
Represent the Eastern Powerhouse in external events, and secure speaking opportunities for the Chair, the Director, and yourself, where possible;
Draft high-level content, including briefs for business leaders, politicians, and policymakers, press releases, blog articles, etc.;
Contribute in the drafting of policy papers, project proposals, and event briefs
You have
A proven track record of engaging with high-profile individuals, especially with Businesses or Politicians (e.g. CEOs, Ministers, MPs, etc.); You may have previous experience on a professional body, a trade association, a regional business association or equivalent;
A proven track record of your organisational skills, being able to independently project-manage outreach programmes, while coordinating with other members of the team;
Strong knowledge of the UK’s public policy landscape, with an in-depth understanding of at least one of the following policy areas: devolution, governance, public service reform, business and enterprise, local economic development, employment, education, and skills;
The ability to think innovatively and creatively about outreach methods;
The ability to read the relevant political landscape and anticipate where policy agendas are going;
Excellent writing and communication skills;
Strong academic credentials, including a high 2:1 or 1st-class undergraduate degree.
We offer
The opportunity to be seen as the voice of the organisation, alongside the Chair
The opportunity to expand your network, with Business Leaders, Politicians, and Policymakers
A thought-provoking work environment, advancing the needs of the population residing in the East of England and beyond.
Your background
We are open to candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, such as public policy roles in Government and non-governmental organisations, research and consultancy, communications, business development, academia, and public affairs.
ResPublica places a high value on equality and diversity, and we are committed to promoting an inclusive working environment as we expand our team. Our commitment flows from our fundamental principles of society, prosperity, and virtue, through which we aim to strengthen social bonds, foster opportunity, and empower everyone to reach their potential.
We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, especially candidates who belong to historically underrepresented groups, or who identify as meeting one or more legally protected characteristics. Fundamentally, we are looking for someone who believes in and supports the mission of ResPublica and the ideas that we advocate.
Terms
This is a full-time permanent position. However, we are open to a fixed-term contract or consultancy appointment, full time, or part time.
The position can be based in London or in one of the Counties in which the Eastern Powerhouse operates: Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Lincolnshire, Herefordshire, Bedfordshire. We require presence in our London office one day a week (usually Wednesdays), with remote working for the rest of the time. Occasional travel across the region will be required.
Application method
The deadline for applying for the position is 10th March 2023.
We will be interviewing candidates on a rolling basis and we may appoint earlier than the closing date. If you are interested, please submit your application as soon as possible.
If you are interested in working with us, please send your CV, and a cover letter referencing your relevant knowledge, skills, and experience, to jobs@respublica.org.uk.
Please include ‘Deputy Director – Eastern Powerhouse’ in the subject line of your email.