The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

The University of Sheffield is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Public Affairs and External Engagement Manager who will play a key role in strengthening the University's reputation, relationships and influence with regional and national stakeholders.

You will be instrumental in delivering impactful public affairs, communications and external engagement campaigns and activities that support the University’s strategic objectives and enhance its reputation with a range of external audiences from partners to policymakers to the wider community  This role offers the chance to work at the heart of a leading Russell Group university, building advocacy for our world-class research, innovation and education, and influencing related policy.

This fast-paced and challenging role requires someone who has extensive experience of using a range of public affairs, communications and external engagement techniques to deliver strategic objectives; significant reputation and stakeholder management experience; experience of coordinating high-profile visits and events; the ability to manage a complex workload with competing priorities and deadlines; and knowledge of the higher education sector, the political environment, and current challenges and opportunities.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Manage and deliver  stakeholder communications, external engagement and public affairs strategies and projects that support the University’s strategic objectives and enhance its reputation.
• Produce written communications on behalf of the institution and its senior leaders, including the drafting of letters, articles, newsletters, speeches, opinion editorials, presentations and scripts.
• Manage proactive and reactive stakeholder engagement that builds positive relationships and advocacy and enhances and protects the University’s reputation.
• Provide guidance and advice to colleagues on public affairs, stakeholder management and external engagement.
• Coordinate the production of high-quality internal and external briefing materials and key messaging to support stakeholder engagement.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across a range of University departments to gather information, coordinate activities, and ensure a unified approach to external engagement and communications.
• Manage, coordinate and plan ministerial and other high profile visits to the University, maintaining records of potential and planned visits.
• Plan and lead the production of content and messaging for the University’s stakeholder newsletter.
• Track and evaluate the University’s relationships with key political stakeholders and influencers to build advocacy and identify engagement and influencing opportunities.
• Maintain a broad knowledge of current and emerging policy developments within the Higher Education sector.
• Work with the wider communications team to identify public affairs and external engagement-related media opportunities and support the preparation of materials for media briefings and statements where relevant.
• Deputise for the Head of Public Affairs where necessary.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the week commencing to be confirmed. This will consist of an interview and short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in the week following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact k.mobley@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date : 03/10/2025 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.