Senior Policy & External Affairs Manager

Ready to make a real impact? As our Senior Policy and External Affairs Manager, you'll be at the heart of how Incommunities engages with the world around us. Working closely with our CEO, Executive Team and Board, you'll shape influential policy positions, lead high-impact public affairs and stakeholder engagement, and champion the voices of our customers and the wider social housing sector. From national policy and legislation to regional and local decision-making, you'll turn insight and relationships into influence, combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery to help shape the future of Incommunities.About usWe are a social housing landlord and one of the largest housing providers in the region with over 22,000 social and affordable homes, mainly in the Bradford district. We employ a talented workforce of nearly 1,000 people.In 2024 we launched our five-year Corporate Strategy, which runs to 2029. Our purpose is to provide high quality homes, services, and support to our customers, so we've worked with colleagues and customers to find out what's important to them. Our customers sit at the heart of what we do, and our colleagues are the people who'll help us achieve our vision, which is to create the best customer experience to improve everyday lives.Duties include: Maintain a close working relationship with the Chief Executive, including weekly engagement to provide strategic advice, horizon-scanning insight and support in navigating political, policy and reputational issues.Monitor and analyse housing and related public policy, legislative and regulatory change through horizon scanning and insight gathering. Monitor and analyse housing and related public policy, legislative and regulatory change through horizon scanning and insight gathering. Provide clear, timely advice and reporting to the Executive Team and colleagues on emerging policy issues, risks and opportunities. Coordinate Incommunities' contribution to the development of new local and national policy, regulation and legislation, including leading formal responses to consultations and calls for evidence. Ensure policy insight is translated into practical implications for the organisation and informs decision-making.Support the Chief Executive, Executive Team and other spokespeople with briefings, lines and media preparation.Work closely with the Head of Communications and Marketing to shape and deliver a joined-up Public Relations and Public Affairs Strategic Plan. Shape messaging and positioning on key external issues with the Head of Communications and Marketing, drawing on policy insight and stakeholder intelligence.Provide strategic counsel on high-profile, sensitive or complex issues, including political developments, ensuring alignment between organisational strategy, external positioning and executive decision-making.Use policy insight and research to develop integrated influencing campaigns on priority issues. Plan, organise and coordinate stakeholder events, visits and meetings that support our influencing and engagement objectives.Track and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of influencing, reputation and stakeholder activity, using insight and evidence to assess what is working and where approaches need to change. Use learning and evaluation to continuously improve policy, public affairs and engagement approaches. Provide line management, support and professional development for the PR Specialist. RequirementsEducated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience.Significant experience working in policy, public affairs, external affairs, stakeholder engagement or strategic communications within a regulated, public sector, not-for-profit or public interest environment.Experience of developing and delivering influencing, stakeholder engagement or reputation-building activity that supports organisational objectives.Experience of advising and briefing senior leaders, including providing clear, evidence-based recommendations and insight.Experience of managing media, public relations or reputation-related activity, including supporting spokespeople on sensitive or high-profile issues.Ability to operate confidently at both strategic and delivery levels, combining sound judgement with hands-on delivery.Strong analytical and evaluative skills, using insight and evidence to shape activity and assess impact.Previous line management experience. 2 days per week in the office (BD17 7BN) and some occasional travel across West Yorkshire for events / meetingsRight to Work in the UK - Visa Sponsorship is not availableBenefitsSalary of £66,708 per year Social Housing Pension Scheme with up-to 10% employer contribution 28 days annual leave that increases with service plus bank holidays Option to buy and sell annual leave Training, development, and qualification opportunitiesOur Hub: our wellbeing and benefits site, with exclusive access to discounts and savings (at over 800 retailers)Corporate health scheme membershipAgile and hybrid workingJoin Our Team!We're looking for great people to join us! At Incommunities, we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included, and supported. We actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences—because we know that diverse perspectives make us stronger.Based in Bradford, a city known for its rich cultural diversity, we serve vibrant communities. As a social housing provider, we're passionate about making a real difference by providing safe, affordable homes and improving lives.Our recruitment process is designed to support you every step of the way. If you need any adjustments or assistance, just let us know.We're proud to be a Mindful Employer, committed to mental health and wellbeing. We also hold the ‘Committed' Menopause Friendly Accreditation, recognising the importance of support in the workplace. Apply early! We review applications as they come in and may close the advert before the deadline.Ready to make an impact? Come work with us!