Head of Policy and Public Affairs £48 - £50K per annum Home based / hybrid (Oxfordshire office) with regular travel to London Full time (37.5 hrs per week) – some flexibility will be considered Permanent Would you like to make a positive impact for rural communities across England? Would you like to help tackle rural deprivation and ensure rural areas have fairer access to essential services? Would you like to help rural communities reach their full potential? About Us Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) champions thriving, sustainable and inclusive rural communities that have the services they need and the resources to secure equitable outcomes for everyone. We are the only national charity speaking up for everyone in rural areas, and work closely with our 38 member organisations who support local communities across England. Together we campaign for change, enable local action, and improve support for people most in need. We work with government and other national partners to explore the issues affecting rural communities and identify solutions so that no one is disadvantaged by where they live. About the Role We are seeking a Head of Policy and Public Affairs to join our ambitious team. This is a new post that will play a key role in delivering our forthcoming strategy and the next phase of our development. You will lead our engagement with policy makers and stakeholders, and work with our members to campaign on the issues that will have the greatest impact on rural communities. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will also manage the Senior Communications Officer, and advise and support the wider team and our member bodies. You will have the chance to shape ACRE’s future development and priorities and build innovative new partnerships. About You You will have a track record of developing and executing public affairs strategies that deliver tangible results, bringing organisations together to work in partnership, and creating eye catching, integrated campaigns that raise awareness of low profile issues and drive change. A confident networker, you will be used to working with politicians, advisers and officials at senior level. A strategic thinker, you will also enjoy getting the job done, and be used to dealing with multiple projects at one time as well as spotting new opportunities. You will have direct experience of living in a rural community or have a strong empathy with our cause. This role is a great opportunity for an experienced policy and public affairs professional to make a real impact for communities that are often unheard and poorly understood. You will be joining a small, focused and energetic organisation while being part of a unique national network. If you share our vision and ambition please get in touch. Working at ACRE The ACRE team is largely home based. Most of the team meet once a week in our office in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, and we all meet together at least once a month. Benefits include up to 30 days holiday, contributory pension scheme, life cover and flexible working arrangements. We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, traditions and ways of life. Please note you will be asked to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK prior to interview selection. Closing date for applications: 9am on Thursday 13 March. First round interviews: Online on Monday 24 and Thursday 27 March. Second round interviews: In person at ACRE in Woodstock on Friday 4 April. Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. No agencies please.