Head of Policy and Campaigns

Full Vacancy Description

Head of Policy and Campaigns

Job summary

This role will have responsibility for overseeing and undertaking research to help CTSI establish evidence-based positioning across a range of policy areas.

This will include producing policy paper, reports and consultation responses.

The role will also involve developing and managing advocacy campaigns which will have impact in helping to raise awareness and change policy, practice and legislation. They will also help to lead and shape CTSI’s influencing and engagement work with the media, politicians and key stakeholders.

Responsibilities and duties:

work with the Policy and Public Affairs Director to develop CTSI’s policy and campaign priorities with responsibility both for managing and delivering activities.

manage horizon scanning and intelligence gathering to ensure CTSI keeps up to date with and responds to developments affecting trading standards and the consumer protection landscape.

oversee research activities (literature reviews, surveys, focus groups, polling and investigations) to inform policy and campaign development.

develop and deliver a variety of policy and communication outputs to support CTSI positioning in priority areas, including policy papers, reports, reactive, briefing papers and consultation submissions, working with CTSI members and key stakeholders.

lead and oversee the team’s policy work including stakeholder engagement, undertaking research, policy and campaign development, communication plans and influencing activities.

manage CTSI’s press office, including supporting the Policy and Communications Executive

Policy and campaign areas of focus will include tackling consumer vulnerability, raising awareness of consumer issues impacting our health and wellbeing or the environment); promoting and showcasing the Trading Standards and consumer protection workforce; examining new and emerging threats to consumers such as online)

Lead on the development of campaigns that will help achieve policy goals – including developing partnerships, working with the wider communications team to build content, and influencing strategies to support campaign goals and achieve impact.

Produce a range of content including blogs, vlogs and think pieces, website copy and external publications, based on campaigning areas.

Develop an engagement plan to ensure that CTSI has effective and productive relationships with a wide range of different audiences including media, parliamentarians, policy makers, strategic partners, CTSI Vice Presidents

Lead on the lobbying to members, media, parliaments, governments and key stakeholders’ groups and work with other teams in CTSI in relation to campaigns and public affairs

Represent CTSI externally, including on industry and sector forums, being a media spokesperson and speaking externally at conferences.

This is not an exhaustive list, and you will be expected to be flexible in your approach to carrying out your duties that may change from time to time to reflect changes in the Company’s circumstances.

Job description

Skills & Knowledge

First class written and presentation skills and with the ability to communicate with different audiences.

Significant experience of working in policy and campaigns and experience of working with a range of policy areas and issues.

Proactive and creative approach to policy and campaigning work

Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise work, handle conflicting demands and meet tight deadlines.

Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with the ability to influence and advocate for change.

Team and budget management experience

Extensive experience of stakeholder management, both internal and external.

Good understanding of the workings of central, devolved and local government

Experience of working in the voluntary sector or with a membership organisation

Personal Attributes:

Proactive and personable with a flexible “can-do” attitude to problem solving who responds well to deadlines, priorities and changing briefs.

The confidence and personal authority to deal at senior level with external organisations, agencies, the media, and political contacts.

Ability to juggle competing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to build and develop relationships both inside and outside of CTSI.

Politically aware with tact, diplomacy and the ability to deal with matters sensitively

Desirable:

Educated to degree level, or equivalent, and/or relevant professional experience.