Director (Public Affairs)

Expires

25th April 2019

Department: PVC Global Division

Responsible to: PVC Global

Grade: Grade 10, Band 1

Salary range: £63,464 – £75,629 (pro rata) plus London weighting and potential market supplement commensurate with experience

Working arrangements: Permanent, 0.3 FTE (London based)

Durham University has an ambitious ten-year strategy to achieve its objectives of becoming world-leading in research, teaching and the wider student experience. Successful implementation of the Strategy is in part dependent on our approach to engaging, influencing and informing relevant politicians, policy makers and enabling organisations at regional, national and international level, in support of our institutional objectives.

The University is therefore creating a presence in London with the aim of increasing our capacity to develop an approach to public affairs and engagement that is consistent with our wider strategic objectives; creating greater opportunities for our academic and professional services staff to engage directly in policy debate and development related to our strategic objectives; and increasing our ability to engage proactively with policy developments across the higher education sector.

We are therefore seeking to appoint a Director (Public Affairs), based in London, to develop and cultivate networks of influence within the national and international policy sphere, working closely with the Director of Policy Engagement (also based in London). The successful candidate will have significant experience of working in government, advocacy, or related business activities, and will have the credibility to connect with those at the highest levels of government and other political settings.

This senior role will involve shaping and raising the reputation and profile of Durham University with stakeholders at the highest level in national policy making. The role holder will engage with senior representatives of embassies, high commissions and enabling organisations in order to support the University in achieving its ambition to increase global profile and influence.

A key aspect of the role will be to develop and coordinate a series of high-profile public policy engagement events based in London in order to raise Durham University’s reputation, starting with the planned London Lectures series in 2019.

The post holder will be an outstanding communicator, diplomat and influencer with the credibility, stature, networking ability and influence to represent Durham at the highest levels.

The successful candidate will be expected to possess specialist knowledge of UK, EU and international political institutions, have an deep and broad knowledge of the higher education policy and regulatory landscape, and the gravitas to act as a spokesperson for the University in a range of contexts.

For information and to apply please click here