Head of Responsive Policy and Public Affairs (maternity cover)
Salary: £73,978 - £90,983 per annum (pro rata)
Contract type: 12-month fixed-term contract (35 hours a week but we would consider flexible working options)
Accountable to: Assistant Director - External Affairs
Location: central London/hybrid (see below)
Closing date: Thursday 27 November, 9.30am
About the role
We are looking for a Head of Responsive Policy and Public Affairs to join us for a year’s maternity cover leading a dynamic and fast‑paced team working on issues at the top of the political agenda.
This is a pivotal position leading The King’s Fund’s response to emerging and topical issues in health and care. You’ll head up a small but talented Responsive Policy team, located within a wider External Affairs team in the Communications and Engagement Directorate at The King’s Fund.
You’ll produce impactful content – including reports, blogs and briefings – on a range of topical issues and support our work to help people make sense of the health and care system and influence the health and care debate.
Working across policy, communications and external affairs, you’ll devise and deliver strategies to shape national debate, influence decision‑makers, and strengthen The King’s Fund’s reputation as a trusted and independent voice in health and care policy.
You’ll also act as a spokesperson for The King’s Fund – contributing to media debates, Parliamentary engagement and high‑profile events – and lead on some core elements of public affairs activity including legislation and engaging with Parliamentary committees, ensuring our work reaches and influences key audiences.
About you
You’ll bring:
A deep understanding of health and social care policy and the UK policy‑making process including legislation and Parliamentary process.
Strong experience in policy development and analysis (including quantitative data analysis skills), public affairs and external influencing.
Excellent leadership and people management skills, with a commitment to inclusive and compassionate leadership.
Outstanding writing and communication skills and a demonstrable ability to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging content in a variety of formats.
The ability to think strategically, work collaboratively and decisively, and make an impact in fast‑moving environments.
This role offers a rare opportunity to combine strategic influence with practical policy analysis and content creation, shaping how The King’s Fund responds to the challenges and opportunities facing the health and care system today.
You’ll join us at a vital and exciting time, as we work to influence what the future of health and care looks like with our new strategy and a reshaped communications and engagement directorate.
The Fund has an ambition to increase the diversity of our workforce and introduce careers in health and care policy to a broader range of people. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community, including those from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We believe that diversity of background and experience contributes to a broader collective perspective that will improve the way we influence health and social care policy.
What you’ll get in return
The King’s Fund is committed to a hybrid working model that meets the organisation’s needs, while giving staff flexibility to choose between office and home working. In keeping with our current policy, the post‑holder will be required to work a minimum of two days per week from our central London office (pro rata, averaged over a month).
In addition to a competitive salary, The King’s Fund offers generous holiday entitlements, a £3 daily discount in our café and an on‑site gym.
How to apply
To apply, please read our supplementary guidance documents below, then download and fill in our application form. If completing the application form presents any challenges, contact us by email [emailprotected] so we can discussion options.
Please note that in order to apply, you must have existing documented proof of your right to live and work in the UK.
Applications to undertake this role on secondment to The King’s Fund for up to 12 months will be considered. Please specify if this is your intention.
The deadline for receipt of applications is Thursday 27 November, 9.30am. Late applications will not be considered.
We regret that we cannot respond individually to all applicants due to the high number of applications we receive. If you have not been contacted within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted for interview.
First interviews will be held week commencing 8 December, but the panel can be flexible for a particularly strong candidate.
Equality of opportunity
The King’s Fund is committed to equal opportunities in all its activities, and appointments will be determined solely on merit. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community, including those from minority ethnic groups and those with disabilities.
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