Head of Corporate Affairs

Make a difference to our reputation, purpose and impact

We’re looking for an experienced Corporate Affairs & Communications leader to shape, protect and advance the Society’s reputation. In this exciting new role for the Society, you’ll be a strategic adviser to our CEO, Executive team and Board, ensuring our internal and external communications tell a consistent story about our purpose, strategy and longterm goals.

• Own and deliver a comprehensive corporate communications strategy aligned to the Society’s strategy and business model developing our strategic narrative, thought leadership, and positioning.

• Lead Society level messaging across channels (press releases, speeches, publications and digital content) and ensure consistency everywhere our brand shows up.

• Build and manage strong media relationships; act as a senior spokesperson; lead our public affairs agenda with Westminster/Whitehall and regional stakeholders.

• Monitor policy and regulatory developments, advising leaders on implications; lead our advocacy with internal partners.

• Design and run crisis and issues management scenario planning, protocols and media training for senior leaders; coordinate cross functional responses.

• Lead stakeholder and community engagement (trade bodies, Government, NGOs, community groups) and communicate our purpose and sustainability proof points.

• Set the internal communications strategy leadership comms, town halls, announcements and employee campaigns that strengthen alignment, culture and engagement.

• Build and develop a high performing Corporate Affairs & Communications team; manage agencies; own budgets, KPIs and performance metrics; provide counsel to senior leadership and the Board on reputation matters.

• Thorough experience in corporate communications / public affairs (with strong experience at senior leadership level), with a track record managing corporate reputation in complex or high profile contexts.

• Proven media relations experience (including acting as organisational spokesperson) and depth in crisis communications and issues management.

• Experience in regulated or politically sensitive environments is advantageous, alongside leadership of internal and change communications.

• Exceptional written and verbal skills; strategic thinker with strong business and political acumen; advanced stakeholder engagement and relation shipbuilding.

• High EQ, sound judgement, calm under pressure; a collaborative leader who builds teams and partners cross functionally.

• Confident with digital communications, social media strategy and analytics.

• Integrity, discretion and trustworthiness when handling sensitive information.

• Credible adviser to senior leaders; proactive, adaptable and solutions oriented.

• A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and ethical communication.

At YBS we don’t have shareholders, we have members. We care about people and that includes you. So here, you’ll be respected for who you are, you’ll be able to bring your whole self to work, and you’ll have everything you need to build a long and rewarding career.

We offer a range of flexible working options without unsocial hours, which can help you find a healthy work-life balance. Whether it’s finishing early for an appointment or fitting your studies and hobbies in around your working hours, we can help make it work for you. We’re happy to talk flexible working and you can reach out to us anytime during the recruitment process to discuss this.

We want you to feel challenged here. Whatever your ambitions, we’re committed to helping you develop your skills and move ahead in your career journey. From day one, we’ll set you up for success with a brilliant induction and full training plan, all designed to get you up to speed quickly.

We’re passionate about creating an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. If you’ll go the extra mile to help our members, you’ll fit right in and feel you belong here.

We offer lots of fantastic rewards that you can make the most of in and out of work, including:

• Holiday. You’ll get 25 days plus…