Head of Policy & Public Affairs

Head of Policy & Public Affairs

Contract type: Full time Permanent

Salary: 55420 per annum

Hours: 40 hours per week

Location: Hybrid with regular attendance in Devonshire Square London

Direct Reports: 3

About the Role

Nacro is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Policy & Public Affairs to lead our strategic policy development and influencing work with Government officials and other key decision-makers. This pivotal role will shape and deliver a high-impact policy and public affairs strategy that improves the lives of the people we supportthose affected by the criminal justice system housing insecurity and barriers to education.

You will be Nacros senior voice in government spaces the media and across the public affairs landscape. You will ensure our policy positions are evidence-based rooted in lived experience and influential at the highest levels.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Policy & Public Affairs

• Lead Nacros strategic policy and public affairs activity with Government parliamentarians officials and other stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a compelling public affairs strategy that drives meaningful change.
• Build and maintain strong productive relationships with senior policymakers.
• Represent Nacro externally including with senior stakeholders and in the media.
• Oversee the development of evidence-based policy positions and research projects that support Nacros strategic objectives.
• Ensure service user experience informs all policy and influencing work.
• Produce and oversee high-quality policy outputs including consultation responses briefings reports blogs and media commentary.
• Safeguard Nacros reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of insight and expertise.
• Provide strategic political intelligence and advice to the Director of Engagement & Impact and the Chief Executive.

People Leadership

• Lead motivate and support a high-performing team setting clear direction and expectations.
• Model Nacros values and behaviours enabling a positive inclusive and accountable culture.
• Manage communication channels effectively ensuring key organisational messages are understood and cascaded.
• Set objectives monitor performance and hold regular one-to-one meetings.
• Support professional development and wellbeing across the team while driving innovation and high standards.
• Take responsibility for all aspects of people management including recruitment conduct performance and attendance.
• Recognise reward and encourage excellent performance.

Leadership Across the Organisation

• Play an active role in the Senior Leadership Team helping to drive organisational strategy.
• Operate both strategically and operationally identifying opportunities and risks for Nacro.

Professional Expertise

• Significant senior-level experience in policy and public affairs.
• Strong track record of leading policy campaigns that delivered real impact.
• Excellent political awareness judgement and communication skillsboth written and verbal.
• Knowledge of criminal justice education young peoples policy or housing policy (desirable).

Performance & Compliance

• Set and deliver directorate performance targets ensuring effective management of budgets and resources.
• Oversee health & safety responsibilities in your area.
• Contribute to business development and bid work in partnership with relevant teams.
• Ensure accurate and timely record-keeping and reporting.
• Promote and uphold Nacros values safeguarding data protection and equality and diversity policies.
• Represent Nacro positively building strong internal and external relationships.

Why Join Nacro

We believe that everyone deserves a good education a safe and secure place to live the right to be heard and the chance to start again with support from someone on their side.

Thats why our housing education justice and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And its why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.

We see your future whatever the past.

If you are a strategic thinker an influential communicator and passionate about social justicewe want to hear from you.

Please click hereto view the Role Profile please click hereto view the Nacro candidate pack

Apply now to lead change where it matters most.