The Organisation:

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Drinkaware is the UK’s leading alcohol charity. They work in partnership to reduce alcohol harm across the UK, deliver public-facing campaigns and digital services and use their expertise to give governments, industry, communities, and individuals the knowledge and support to make informed decisions about alcohol and how to reduce the harm it can cause.

Drinkaware was established in 1996 to convene all key players across industry, retailers, government, researchers, academics and charities, they use their collective expertise to promote informed decisions about alcohol and how to reduce the harm it can cause.

About the role:

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The successful applicant will take ownership of the strategic direction of the public affairs function, leading on the formulation of accompanying plans, priorities and objectives. The Head of Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement will be responsible for a small team and report directly into the Director of Research, Strategy and Impact.

Main responsibilities:

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- Identify opportunities for Drinkaware to deliver positive change to reduce alcohol harm, with a focus on delivering Drinkaware’s overall strategic goals through public affairs.
- Develop a robust integrated public affairs strategy to further the impact and reputation of Drinkaware, raising awareness of alcohol related harm amongst key decision makers and promoting the role of Drinkaware as a leading UK expert/delivery partner.
- Develop, shape and deliver Drinkaware’s advice to governments and wider civil society with Senior Leadership Team, on a range of issues affecting alcohol harm.
- Maximise Drinkaware’s evidence and expertise in informing stakeholder (e.g. government, public health, third sector) responses to alcohol, helping create a UK environment most conducive to harm reduction.
- Ensure all advocacy work operates in line with the agreed boundaries of Drinkaware’s Memorandum of Understanding and corporate governance.
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Experience Required:
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- A strong interest in, and enthusiasm for, politics, policy issues and current affairs.
- Excellent inter-personal, team-working and leadership skills.
- Able to develop and sustain a wide network of senior (including ministerial) stakeholders.
- Experience of working in partnership and collaboration; building relationships and convening a broad range of stakeholders and partners.
- Strong influencing skills and the ability to adapt style to different audiences.
- Significant experience of working in the public/government affairs environment, either through government, a regulator or membership organisation or trade body.
- Experience working in an integrated communications environment with an ability to identify and mitigate risks to organisational brand and reputation.
- First class written communication skills with the ability to draft succinct, timely and detailed briefs appropriate to senior audiences.
- Excellent research skills and attention to detail, possessing the ability to assimilate, analyse and summarise material quickly.
- Experienced and confident public speaker.

Benefits:
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- Salary: £60,000-£65,000
- Hybrid working (2 days based in the office located in EC1)
- Competitive benefits package

How to Apply:

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To apply for this position please submit a copy of your CV via the “Apply for this position” button.

The closing date for applications will be 21st October, 2024.
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Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

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Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.