NFU Graduate - Communications & External Affairs
Salary: £28,000 per annum | £2,000 relocation support to assist with relocation costs between placements.
Location: HQ Stoneleigh, Warwickshire and Westminster, London, with agile working (mix of office and home working).
Working Hours: 35 hours per week.
Contract: 2-year fixed term commencing September 2026.
Purpose of the Role & How You Will Contribute
Join us and you'll enjoy a wide variety of work in a collaborative atmosphere, with opportunities to connect with people across the organisation and beyond. All in an open, inclusive environment, where we all pull together to support our members.
The NFU’s Communications and External Affairs Graduate Programme offers a rare opportunity to gain experience of political lobbying and public campaigning, national media management, event management and multi-channel communications, all within an award‑winning, in‑house team. You will have the opportunity to build on your existing knowledge, work with and learn from communications and external affairs experts and join an organisation recognised as the leader in its field.
We will develop your knowledge, from delivering a programme of exciting, high‑profile political campaigns to influencing the public to back British farming, and learning what it takes to protect and promote the reputation of British food and farming and the NFU in the media and beyond. Communicate, as well as engage NFU members.
In addition to working with this high‑impact in‑house team, you will gain valuable experience working in one of the most important industries in the country, supplying the raw ingredients for the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, food and drink. You will gain an understanding of the NFU, the agriculture and horticulture industries and the issues facing NFU members, in a comprehensive and purpose‑built programme that includes working across our Communications and External Affairs teams.
What You’ll Bring
You will have or be predicted to have at least a 2:1 degree, or an equivalent industry‑related qualification, as well as the drive and determination to succeed both individually and as part of a team. Problem solving, planning skills and a flair for communication come naturally to you. The desire to represent and campaign on behalf of NFU members is crucial, as is the desire to further your career in a communications or external affairs role.
This role will be based in Warwickshire and Westminster; therefore, a flexible approach to location is essential. There will be placements in each location over the two years, split between a 12‑month placement across the Communications, Media, Digital and Campaigns and Events teams in Warwickshire and a second 12‑month placement in External Affairs in London.
Why Choose Us?
Benefits
* Generous holiday allowance (starting at 25 days a year + Bank Holidays), plus 1 annual Christmas company day.
* Company funded health cashplan benefit to assist with everyday costs; dental, optical, physiotherapy and a private GP service 24/7.
* Option to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave.
* Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave.
* Performance related pay.
* Competitive pension and life assurance.
* Access to interest‑free loans for cars, bikes, season tickets and driving lessons.
* Employee Assistance Program to help you deal with life’s challenges.
* Discounts on a range of new vehicles, holiday rentals, wellbeing and lifestyle and many more.
* Excellent Health and Wellbeing Programme.
* Flexible, friendly and supportive working environment.
* Attractive, modern office, with on‑site restaurant and free parking.
By the start of your employment, you must have permission to work in the UK.
Join Us
We're committed to recruiting a diverse and highly talented workforce and will support you by providing extensive learning and development opportunities. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert before the closing date.
Application Process
Closing Date for Application: 11 January 2026
Virtual Selection Process: January – March 2026
Face‑to‑Face Interviews: April 2026
Start Date: September 2026
REF-225 528
Permission to work in the UK required.
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