Job share and flexible working patterns will be considered

 Change your career, change lives

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.

The role

The Senior Public Affairs Manager will be the University’s eyes and ears in Westminster.  You’ll be part of the Government and External Affairs team based within the Strategy Office.  Key to the role is developing and strengthening relationships with politicians to maximise awareness of the OU’s contribution to policy and research development across Westminster and Whitehall, and to influence policy outcomes that support the OU’s mission. You’ll also need to work closely with government affairs colleagues at the OU in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. 

While this role is based in Milton Keynes, there is likely to be some flexibility to work from home as part of the University’s future ways of work strategy.  Regular travel to London (when appropriate) will also be required.

Skills and experience

Can you demonstrate significant experience of operating in a policy influencing environment in or around Westminster?

Are you driven by a passion for making change happen with a commitment to delivering outputs of the highest quality?

Do you have strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills and are highly motivated with an ability to manage a complex brief and exercise initiative and judgement across a broad area of responsibilities?

If so, then we would love to hear from you. 

More information can be found via the Job Description on our website.

If you would like to discuss the particulars of this post before making an application, please email Resourcing-Hub@open.ac.uk

What you get in return

We have a strong commitment to providing training and development in and beyond your current role. This includes thorough induction into the organisation and regular reviews of your training and development needs.

We also offer a great range of benefits that support our employees and their families for the long term. Benefits include an attractive pension proposition and 33 days holiday per annum pro rata, plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure days.

Closing date: 4 August 2021 - 12:00.

We value diversity and we recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.