Head of External Affairs

  • Head tags

Closing date: Sunday 03 September 2023
Location: Based in Andover, Hampshire with Home based and Hybrid options available.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £48,500-£52,500 per year
Contract: Full time although we are happy to discuss flexible working options.
Interview date: Monday 25 September 2023 and Thursday 28 September 2023

Want to work with a team that does something worthwhile? We are proud to work together to Beat Macular Disease – and this has been recognised by The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023 list.

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to Beat Macular Disease forever.

In this new role of Head of External Affairs, you will be responsible for the development and implementation of a new policy and public affairs strategy.  You will make it happen with plans that show real impact for people affected by macular disease – ensuing that macular disease is a priority for both government and the NHS.

We want to truly show we care, which is why we are looking for transformational change to the system to provide better support for patients, with earlier and better access to NHS services.  If you are able to develop relationships with policy makers and parliamentarians to ensure that the needs of people affected by macular disease are understood and improved, and can develop strategies to ensure we are the go to organisation for any issue relating to macular disease, then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a new team member who is an excellent strategic thinker, able to use their exemplary communication skills to authentically reach across a number of different audiences to increase resonance and relevance, someone who knows their stuff and has a proven track record in delivering successful influencing campaigns.

In return, we provide a great working culture – we do something worthwhile and are proud to work together to Beat Macular Disease – as recognised by our inclusion in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023 list.

We offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, rising to 27 after one years’ service, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies, and 6% pension contribution. To find out more please visit: Macular Society website.

We are passionate about treating people fairly and as equals, doing so is instinctive to us. We know that to Beat Macular Disease for all we have work to do. That’s why we are keen to hear from people of all backgrounds who have the skills and experience we are looking for. We particularly encourage applications from people from under-represented groups, to help ensure what we do and how we do it is inclusive – for everyone.

Please view the full job specification here.

Hear what our teams say about working here.

Please address any questions by email to Cathy

To apply, please email our recruitment team with your CV and covering letter.

For further information about this vacancy and details of how to apply, please visit the Macular Society website: https://www.macularsociety.org/careers/vacancies/

Join our mailing list

If you would like to receive regular news and updates about our work, then you can sign up to our mailing list.

Sign up