External Affairs Manager

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £35,450 - £44,115

We’re Learning and Work Institute, an independent policy and research organisation focused on lifelong learning and better work.

We're focused on the big questions. How do we help more people find work and build careers in a changing jobs market? How do we help people to be active and engaged citizens? How can more adults develop their skills over their lifetime?

This role within our external affairs team focuses on securing impact for our work through the management and delivery of effective communications, events, campaigns and public affairs work.

This varied role involves management of L&W’s digital communications, press and media work, stakeholder relations and events throughout the year. The role also involves supporting the delivery of L&W’s flagship campaign, Get the Nation Learning, and supporting L&W’s public affairs work. The postholder will work closely with the senior management and research and development teams to develop and deliver effective communications and influencing strategies, and to support fundraising through sponsorship of our events and other communications activities. The role involves working with our team in Wales who lead on campaigns and activities in Wales.

The ideal candidate will need experience of working in a busy communications role; experience of developing and delivering in person and online events; a track record of building relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels; flexibility and adaptability; excellent project management skills; and an interest in adult learning, employment and skills policy. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Communications

• Secure press and media coverage for L&W’s work, including proactively identifying opportunities to promote our work, responding to press and media enquiries, and working with colleagues to launch research reports and other outputs.
•  Lead the development of regular and ad-hoc external communications, including press releases, newsletters and marketing communications.
•  Manage our social media channels and website, producing regular, high-quality content.
• Ensure all activities are monitored and evaluated to assess impact and to inform future work.

Events

• Manage the planning and delivery of L&W’s in-person and online events, including our annual Employment and Skills Convention.
• Work with internal and external colleagues to develop content for L&W’s events, including securing high-profile speakers.
• Secure sponsorship for L&W’s events.
• Ensure all activities are monitored and evaluated to assess impact and to inform future work.

Campaigns

• Support the delivery of Get the Nation Learning, including national awards, Get the Nation Learning Week, and regional adult learning awards.
• Work with colleagues to secure sponsorship for Get the Nation Learning.

Policy and public affairs

• Support the planning and delivery of L&W’s public affairs activities, with a focus on UK Parliament, UK Government, Mayoral Combined Authorities, and local government in England, in order to raise our profile and deliver impact.
• Undertake regular public affairs activities, including: horizon scanning and planning for upcoming parliamentary activity; writing to Ministers and MPs; coordinating parliamentary briefings, parliamentary questions and consultation responses; and other policy influencing opportunities.
• Ensure all activities are monitored and evaluated to assess impact and to inform future work.

Other duties

• Line manage staff according to organisational need.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility for this post.

Essential criteria:

• Excellent communication (oral and written), good copywriting, with the ability to tailor communications to a range of audiences.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• Strong social media skills including the use of platforms such as Bluesky and LinkedIn, with proficiency in the use of web and social media analytics tools, such as Google Analytics.
• Basic design skills and familiarity with design software, such as Canva.
• Proficient in the use of CRM, email marketing and website editing software.
• Strong project management skills.
• Knowledge of the press and media, and how to secure coverage.
• Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose.
• Proven experience in a communications role.
• Experience of designing and managing events.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, prioritise workloads, negotiate and meet deadlines.

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of the policy-making process and how to influence it. 
• Knowledge of current policy and practice in education, skills, and employment, and associated areas of public policy.
• Experience of managing successful influencing campaigns.
• Experience of fundraising, marketing and securing sponsorship to support activities.
• People management.

A full job description and person specification is available on our website.

Salary of £35,450 - £44,115, depending on experience and location

- 31 days' holiday increasing to 33 days after 5 years’ service, of which 3 are shutdown days in addition to public holidays.

- Generous company pension scheme with 8% employer contribution

- Group Life Assurance 3*salary

- Hybrid working (with 40%-60% of your time in the office)

- Flexible working practices

- Employee Development Scheme

- Retailer Discounts

- Enhanced occupational maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay

- Enhanced occupational sick pay

- Eye care scheme

- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme

- Gold award in Investors in People

We value equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from different backgrounds. We are also committed to making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have accessibility requirements.

If you possess the experience and attributes above and have a passion to support the delivery of our vision, then you could be the person we are seeking. Applications that include CV and covering letter are welcomed through the link below.

The closing date for applications is 10th August 2025 Interviews will be held after the closing date.

Should you have any questions please contact the HR Team: [email protected].