External Relations Manager

Job Description
Background

The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities which are committed to

maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and
unrivalled links with business and the public sector. You can find out more about us on our
website: http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk.

We aim to ensure that higher education and research policy development is underpinned by
a robust evidence base and a commitment to improving life chances, raising aspirations,
contributing to economic prosperity and innovation, and to civic responsibility.

Our work on higher education policy encompasses a wide range of important public policy
areas. This includes the economy, industry, the labour market and research and
development, tax, welfare and public finances, children and families, regional development,
public services and education from early years’ provision, schooling and further education to
workforce development.

Responsibilities of the Role

This is a high responsibility role in a busy Westminster office, for an organisation which
values its people. The post holder will work with the Head of Communications to devise and
execute a new and dynamic strategy for the Russell Group’s external relations. The
successful candidate will need to be a confident influencer, able to communicate complex
policy issues in a changing political landscape. They will need a firm grasp of government,
parliament and working with political parties, as well as recognising the importance of the
Russell Group’s wider community, which encompasses a broad variety of stakeholders.

This post demands judgement, creativity and the ability to act as an ambassador for leading
UK universities. Applicants who do not have a higher education background should not be
put off applying.

The successful candidate will:

• Work with the Head of Communications to renew the Russell Group’s external
relations operation to reflect and deliver the Chief Executive’s overarching
strategy for the organisation; they will directly manage the Russell Group’s
external relations activity.
• Provide counsel to the Chief Executive and senior team, draft briefings for the
Russell Group Board of Vice Chancellors and support to colleagues in their
outward-facing roles.
• Work with communications and policy colleagues to develop advocacy positions
and deliver their successful communication.
• Keep oversight of stakeholder relationships held across the organisation,
including to ensure that we are maximising opportunities for coordinated activity
with our partners.
• Develop strong relationships with external relations teams in member institutions
and other organisations, providing support to our members and leading
collaborations where appropriate.
• Demonstrate excellent project management skills, including planning and
prioritisation.

russellgroup.ac.uk
 • Be required to attend relevant events and/or represent the organisation.
• As a member of an integrated communications unit, undertake a number of core
tasks which apply to all members of the team, including being part of an out-of-
hours on-call rota, and occasionally carry out other assignments in response to
work load and capacity requirements within the organisation

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a motivated and confident individual to fill this role. The successful
candidate will have previous experience as a communicator and influencer and will have the
emotional intelligence to develop strong relationships among diverse stakeholders.

You will be a graduate with a good honours degree. You will be able to work under pressure
and demonstrate an ability to think strategically, while getting stuck in to the day-to-day.

The successful candidate will have experience of working in external affairs and understand
UK politics, policy development and advocacy. You will need to demonstrate that you can
manage and prioritise a challenging and varied portfolio of work, meet tight deadlines as well
as managing longer term work and work co-operatively as part of a small team.

Terms and Conditions

This appointment is permanent and will be based in London. We welcome applications from
people whatever their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and belief, or age.

The starting salary will be £46,000-50,000 dependent on skills and experience. Other
benefits include a generous career average pension, enhanced parental leave/pay and
flexible working polices, an interest-free travelcard loan, a cycle scheme, and a subsidised
canteen. The postholder will need to take part in an out-of-hours on-call rota.

Application Procedure

Please submit the following to rg.1@russellgroup.ac.uk by the closing date (5pm, Tuesday
23rd October 2018):

1) An up-to-date curriculum vitae including:

a. details of your current and past employment including your current salary
b. your degree qualification(s)
c. two references: your current or most recent employer; and a former line
manager who could be contacted during the process

2) A one-page cover letter addressing the following points:

a. how your knowledge, skills and experience meets the requirements of the role
b. why you are interested in working for the Russell Group

For a confidential discussion, please contact Zena Creed on 020 3816 1300.