Senior Advocacy & Policy Manager

We are looking for someone to create and deliver public affairs strategies which advance the interests of NRAS with decision-making bodies, such as UK governments, industry regulators and social care bodies alike.

The role would have a predominant focus in advancing the interests of NRAS with decision-making bodies such as UK governments, industry regulators, NHSE, Public Health England, devolved health and social care bodies and other stakeholders.

Additionally, the creation and delivery of public affairs strategy to support the NRAS strategy and organisational objectives contributing to the NRAS’ vision and mission. Increase the charity’s impact by developing and executing the society’s influence and communications work with policy-makers and the media.

The main responsibilities for the Senior Advocacy and Policy Manager will include but are not restricted to, the following:

• Maintain a sustainable level of campaigning activity to raise political and stakeholder awareness of the needs of those with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis working from the excellent reputation built and base of campaigning activities delivered to date.
• Help set the strategic direction of the charity’s Policy & Campaigns functions, establish the necessary lobbying programmes and co-manage budgets to meet the charity’s objectives in agreement with the CEO and Senior Management Team.
• Lead engagement with MPs, ministers, civil servants, key opinion leaders, and key NHS figures to ensure that RA and JIA are prioritised amongst long term conditions.
• Identify parliamentary question opportunities and FOI requests leading to drafting appropriate policy asks.
• Monitor the political environment, the policy emerging from relevant government departments and health institutions, and provide relevant written and oral briefings and analysis for the CEO and department heads to inform internal awareness, message development and support their external speaking engagements.
• Represent NRAS at various stakeholder meetings and work collaboratively with ARMA, ABPI, NCVO and other alliances to further NRAS’ policy agenda.
• Lead campaign external communications including drafting press releases and build relationships with the media and agencies, maintaining the campaigns page NRAS website and liaising with the Digital & Social Media team on planning digital campaign engagements and messaging.
• Engage with supporters through our regular e-bulletins to update them on anything relating to relevant health policies and campaigns.
• Contribute to, and participate in, projects facilitated by industry and to work with PR and public affairs agencies representing pharmaceutical partners in regard to RA and JIA.
• Develop our reach and presence in the devolved nations by working with Ambassadors and expert Volunteers in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
• Work closely with the Senior Management Team to ensure synergy between all departments of the charity in relation to the policy and campaigns activity. Work alongside the marketing executive to develop charity campaigns.

• Travel throughout the UK (and some out of UK travel), involving some overnight stays
  Out of hours working, including occasional weekends.
• NRAS expects all employees to respect the unique contribution of every individual and operates an equal opportunity and diversity policy.
• All employees must work responsibly within the health and safety policy of the organisation and ensure they are observing this at all times.

Essential

• Degree level or equivalent experience relevant area of health or health policy.
• Proven successful political/public affairs experience within the third sector; or sector with relevant transferable skills.
• Proven experience of understanding of health and/or social care policies.
• A knowledge, understanding and experience of developing and delivering successful end-to-end, integrated public affairs and media strategies in line with organisational objectives.
• Excellent knowledge of health systems across the UK.
• Excellent written and speaking communication skills with the ability to write and communicate effectively. 
• Good organisational and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail.
• A ‘can do’ positive proactive attitude and sound work ethic.
• Problem solver and creative.
• Flexible and enthusiastic.
• Able to remain calm under pressure.
• Able to work on own initiative without supervision.

Desirable

• Previous work within communications.
• Understanding of inflammatory arthritis or long-term conditions and their treatment.
• Strategic thinker.

• Willingness to travel and work out of hours and stay away overnight as required.

How to apply

If you wish to apply, please do so through Third Sector application process.

When writing your cover letter, please ensure that you provide specific examples to demonstrate your competencies, achievements and skills addressing the specific criteria set out. We recognise that some of your experience may be from unpaid roles as well as paid employment – please include any voluntary work if it helps to show why you are the right candidate for the job.