Policy and Public Affairs Manager (Scotland)
Sector : Professional Membership
Permanent Opportunity
Salary: £40,318-£44,748 per annum plus benefits
Location: Edinburgh (Scotland)

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic individual who can blend exceptional campaign, analytical, and policy development skills with strong interpersonal abilities to effectively communicate the Scotland's perspectives on a diverse range of complex policy areas. In collaboration with the National Manager, Officers, Leads, Devolved Council, and committees, you will shape, influence, and implement the organisation’s policy in Scotland. Your role will require proven experience in working effectively with both internal and external stakeholders to enhance the Institution's influence. As the Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will craft and implement strategies and campaigns to advance the Institute's objectives in Scotland. Collaborating closely with the National Manager, your role will involve providing expert support and advice to officers, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, and driving policy influence on national health issues.

Experience in assimilating complex information and crafting influential reports and briefings is highly desirable, as is a thorough understanding of the Scottish policy-making process. Your will be joining an esteemed and influential organisation, and you will be part of a team renowned for leveraging our members' expertise, playing a pivotal role in Scotland's health sector. Your work will be instrumental in advancing cross-party commitments within Scotland’s campaign, making a significant impact on the nation's health policies.

Responsibilities

Policy Management: Oversee the Institute’s policy work in Scotland, including communication strategies, and serve as the primary contact for Scottish policy issues.
Stakeholder Engagement: Identify, cultivate, and sustain high-level relationships with key external stakeholders to bolster the Institute’s public affairs initiatives.
Policy Development: Lead efforts to influence local and national health systems, ensuring the Institute's perspectives are represented and consulted.
Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough background research, gather data, and monitor the policy landscape across the Scottish Government, UK National Parliament, Welsh Government, and Northern Ireland Assembly to identify emerging issues.
Consultation Responses: Prepare and submit informed responses to formal consultations, coordinating with relevant healthcare specialties.
Evidence-Based Outputs: Undertake analysis and research to produce evidence-based policy 
Representation: Attend and represent the Institute at external meetings and events, ensuring the organisation’s voice is heard.
Strategic Collaboration: Work with senior leadership, including the Chair, Devolved Council, Director of Strategic Communications, and Heads of Divisions, to develop and execute strategies that promote equal treatment for individuals with mental illness, learning difficulties, and developmental disorders.
Campaign Management: Regularly liaise with the Head of Policy and Campaigns to align influencing and campaigning strategies with annual KPIs.
Media Support: Assist the National Manager and Senior Media Officer with press and media tasks as needed.
Coordination and Guidance: Support and guide specialist networks within the Institute, acting as the liaison for network representatives and facilitating regular discussions.
Political Engagement: Develop and oversee the Institute’s contributions to Scottish Political Party Conferences in collaboration with the National Manager.

Flexibility and self-reliance are essential for this role - the successful candidate will have a proven record of working in a busy and complex environment in a policy and/or public affairs role and will be passionate about achieving change and improving the lives of people in Scotland. You will have strong interpersonal skills, robust research and analysis capabilities and will have had experience of developing and delivering policy and public affairs advocacy strategies. Experience in assimilating complex information and writing influential reports and briefings is desirable, as is a demonstrable knowledge of the Scottish policy making process.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence health policy and public affairs in Scotland, driving impactful change and ensuring the Institute’s strategic aims are met. If you are passionate about health advocacy and possess the expertise to manage high-level policy work, submit your CV for immediately