About us

The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute is working for a world in which the vicious cycle of money and mental health problems is broken, so that we all have an equal chance of financial security, regardless of our mental health; and everyone’s mental health can flourish, regardless of their financial circumstances. We aim to be a world-class centre of expertise, but we don’t produce research to just sit on shelves. We develop practical policy and solutions, working in partnership with those providing services, those who shape them, and those using them, to find out what really works. We campaign, build, test and innovate until our research leads to real change. 

In 2021, we are entering the second (and final) year of an exciting programme of work funded by the Gambling Commission, aimed at engaging financial services firms in efforts to reduce gambling harms. Next year, this will include organising an event programme ranging from a major conference to roundtables and seminars, launching a new online best practice hub and best practice guides for financial services professionals, and a programme of engagement with individual firms to drive change.

Job Description: Senior External Affairs Officer

We are looking for an experienced and talented external affairs professional to lead our new programme of work with the Gambling Commission, and to play an important role in our wider communications, public affairs and campaigning activities.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who can take the lead in delivering successful events and projects, and a versatile communicator capable of producing a wide range of content for different platforms and audiences. They will also be a passionate campaigner who can play a leading role in developing and delivering successful campaigns, and in ensuring that our ideas have cut-through with decision-makers in Westminster and beyond.

Objectives of post:

• Lead our programme of work with the Gambling Commission to engage financial services professionals in efforts to reduce gambling-related harm. 

• Organise and deliver successful events ranging from major conferences to policy round-tables and workshops.

• Develop a range of communications resources to engage financial services professionals, including a best practice hub, films, blogs and publications.

• Lead the organisation’s wider public affairs engagement with elected officials and other policy-makers, including developing a programme of events for party conferences. 

• Support the Head of External Affairs to plan and deliver impactful campaigns that deliver real change using the Institute’s research.

• Work with the Head of External Affairs to develop press releases, draft quotes and liaise with journalists as necessary.

• Assist with the organisation’s other communications activities as required.

• Lead efforts to recruit members of financial services to our professional network.

• Recruit and support media case studies to share their personal stories in a sensitive and professional manner.

Person specification

• A self-starter, capable of taking the initiative. 

• Experience of leading high-profile projects or events.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tell a clear story and to develop content for a variety of different audiences.

• Experience of developing and delivering campaigns.

• Knowledge of political and parliamentary processes, and experience of engaging with elected officials and other policy-makers.

• Experience of managing relationships and leading stakeholder engagement.

• A strong understanding of the UK media, and experience of engaging with it.

• Experience of working with people in difficult circumstances, showing empathy and sensitivity

• A willingness to step out of your comfort zone and to try new things

• Hard working and committed, taking direct ownership of work and seeing things through

• Organised and able to manage a busy to do list

• Demonstrable interest in mental health, problem gambling and other key issues on which the Institute works

Reporting to: Head of External Affairs

Staff supervised: None

We operate a flexible working culture. Within reason, and upon agreement from management, employees are free to change their working hours. We are also an equal opportunities and Mindful employer, and welcome applications from all - including those with lived experience of a mental health condition. We are also committed to improving employment opportunities in the charity sector for minority ethnic groups, and are particularly keen to receive applications from members of diverse ethnic communities. 

Terms and Conditions

• Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (full time)

• Contract type: one-year fixed term with a three-month probation period (Starting date: 04 January 2021)

• Location: The post is based at our central London office, but regular homeworking is also possible and will be in line with current government guidance.

• Holidays: 28 days p.a. (including 3 days of annual leave between Christmas and New Year) plus bank holidays 

• Pension: Opportunity to be enrolled in the work pension scheme (subject to meeting standard auto-enrollment qualifying criteria). After auto-enrollment the charity will make a monthly contribution to the scheme equivalent to 5.5% of the monthly gross salary you receive, subject to you making a minimum contribution of 2.5% of the monthly gross salary you receive

• DBS Checks: Any offer of employment to this position is subject to a satisfactory basic DBS check, which will be paid for by the charity. We recognise the contribution that ex-offenders can make as employees and welcome applications from them. A person’s criminal record will not, in itself, debar that person from being appointed to this post. Suitable applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. Any information given will be treated in the strictest confidence.