Head of External Affairs
London
£75k + benefits
Established in 1974, the Federation of Small Businesses has enjoyed a significant track record of growth and is recognised as the UK’s largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the small business community. With some 200,000 members, the FSB is the most quoted business representative organisation in Westminster. It now offers this exciting and challenging opportunity for a skilled External Affairs professional to lead its highly important lobbying arm, comprising the press and parliamentary offices in Westminster, Belfast, Glasgow and Cardiff.
The Challenge:
Reporting to the National Policy Chairman and the Head of Operations, you will provide motivational leadership, guidance and support to a highly effective 30-strong team comprising the policy, media, external affairs and public affairs functions.
To maximise the impact of the FSB’s policy and campaigning activities ensuring that it continues to be recognised as the authoritative voice of small businesses at the highest levels of UK Government.
To provide expert advice, support and guidance to the Directors in order to maximise the influence of the FSB within Westminster, Whitehall and Brussels.
To play a leading role in the FSB’s advocacy, media and campaigning activities, utilising the extensive research and surveys it undertakes, to address the key issues faced by the small business sector.
To be a respected ambassador and advocate for the FSB amongst opinion-formers within both the Government and media.
To act as the chief spokesperson and ensure that the FSB maintains the high profile it currently enjoys.
The Candidate:
Of degree calibre, you should already be operating at a senior management/director level in a campaigning/lobbying organisation such as a membership or perhaps charitable body.
Having worked in the political arena within Westminster and Whitehall where you will have an extensive network of contacts, you should have an excellent knowledge of the UK parliamentary and regulatory decision-making processes, together with a good understanding of EU and devolved governance processes.
With outstanding verbal and written communication skills, you should have developed and implemented lobbying campaigns on a national scale.
Having acted as a spokesperson for a high profile organisation in a media-facing role, you should have developed strong relationships within both the print and broadcasting media whilst also being aware of the opportunities offered by new media channels.
A highly effective people manager, you should have the proven ability to plan, prioritise and manage a heavy workload whilst maintaining a high quality output both personally and from your team.
Should be able to demonstrate first-class knowledge of economic and political affairs, together with the issues facing the small business sector.
To apply for this high profile opportunity, please submit your CV, quoting Ref. No. EM4811, to: Roger Ruane at FR Europe, Church House, 3 Church Walk, Newark, Notts. NG24 1JS. Email: infonew@freurope.com.
