Head of External Affairs

Head of External Affairs

Location: Home based | London 1-day per week

Job Type: Full Time | Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £80,000 per annum

Shape the national conversation. Build trust. Lead change.

As the largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for older people in the country, we have scale, heritage and impact. Now, we are looking for a Head of External Affairs to help us build trust, strengthen our influence, and shape the future of housing, care, and ageing at a national level.

This is an exciting role - operating at the intersection of policy, reputation and growth - and deciding where and how we make the biggest difference.

The Opportunity

You will lead the transformation of our external affairs - setting a clear strategy and message, and ensuring our voice is heard where it matters most.

From influencing government policy to strengthening relationships with regulators, local authorities and sector partners, you’ll turn what we do every day into compelling narratives that build confidence, support occupancy, and drive our growth.

In this role, you will

• Set the direction-Define and deliver a clear, insight-led external affairs strategy and narrative aligned to organisational priorities in a complex, high-profile environment
• Influence where it matters–Inform external policy and build relationships across government, regulators, local authorities and sector bodies, building our reputation
• Tell our story-Drive high-impact content that showcases our impact and supports growth. Lead and modernise the way we work – so your in-house and agency team deliver real, measurable impact.
• Work across housing, health, and social care- One of the most important and evolving policy areas in the UK

What We’re Looking For

A strategic, credible and intellectually curious leader who understands how change happens - and how to influence it.

You’ll Bring:

• Significant senior experience in external affairs, public affairs or corporate communications
• Strong understanding of UK policymaking, particularly across housing, health or social care
• A track record of shaping reputation, influencing stakeholders or delivering policy impact
• Experience working in complex, regulated environments
• The ability to operate confidently with senior leaders and external stakeholders

You Might Currently Be:

• Leading external affairs in a housing association, public body or regulated organisation
• Working in a government department or sector body with strong policy exposure
• Ready to step into a broader, more strategic role with national impact

Who You Are

• Strategically minded, but hands-on and delivery-focused
• Comfortable navigating political, fast-moving and ambiguous environments
• A natural connector- able to build influence and credibility quickly
• Curious about policy, stakeholders and how decisions are really made
• Resilient, pragmatic and driven by outcomes

Location & Working Style

• Hybrid working (predominantly remote)
• Regular presence in London (approx. 1 day per week)
• Occasional travel to other locations as required

Selection Process

• 1st stage interviews will be held via MS Teams from 11 to 15 September
• 2nd stage interviews will be held in-person in London on 29 September

Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact role at a defining moment - and help more people love living in later life.