Public Affairs Officer

Job Requirements

**Public Affairs Officer**

Are you our next Public Affairs Officer? We are looking for someone who can help us redefine what's possible for our External Engagement and Policy Team.

This role will influence corporate strategy as well as deal with governmental, parliamentary, and influential third-party audiences. If you have a keen interest in politics and current affairs, can be tenacious in exploring issues and are an excellent relationship builder, this role has lots to offer.

As part of our ‘Grow with Gatwick' initiative you'll be provided with plenty of training and support to ensure you're developing and growing your career.

**What is the role?**

Supporting Gatwick Airport's public affairs strategy and engagement. Working alongside the Public Affairs Lead and Head of External Engagement and Policy to influence Government ministers and civil servants, MPs, local authorities and Councillors, as well as third-party organisations to support Gatwick's corporate objectives. You will be expected to lead on engagement and policy development within topics areas such as sustainability, surface access, and skills, telling the Gatwick story and bringing the views of external stakeholders in, to influence our corporate strategy.

**What will you do? **_(Accountabilities)_
- Meeting with stakeholders and attending events to influence and advocate on Gatwick's public policy priorities
- Profiling of Gatwick's key parliamentary and corporate stakeholders, maintaining relationship management and correspondence databases
- Drafting of local and national stakeholder correspondence; as well as briefing notes and profiles for meetings with senior political stakeholders and internal stakeholders
- Tracking political developments and opinion at a national level; and working with internal teams to provide Public Affairs support for campaigns and announcements.
- Coordination of written input into Government consultations and other public policy bodies and providing insights to relevant colleagues on key policy issues.
- Playing a key crisis communications role in managing the reputation of the airport during disruption or incidents.

**Do you have what we're looking for? **_(Skills & experience)_
- Experience within an in-house public affairs or political environment, consultancy, or advocacy
- Experience of dealing with governmental, Parliamentary, and influential third-party audiences within the UK
- Awareness of key developments in transport, infrastructure & environment policy
- An ability to identify issues that could impact business reputation
- Strong research skills, taking technical information and translating it into a compelling narrative for external stakeholders
- Strong verbal communication skills, to effectively brief stakeholders
- Strong writing skills, including drafting reports and letters to senior stakeholders

**What's it like to work here?**

Our employees tell us that working here is something special. Everyone is looking to deliver what matters to our passengers. There is so much that makes air travel possible. No day is like another. Our employees enjoy a range of personal, health and financial benefits, including annual leave and high street discounts. We offer a performance-based bonus scheme and our people can request professional training to support them to Grow with Gatwick

We want our people to reflect our local community and the passengers we serve. We know we are all at our best when we feel comfortable and included. We want our people to feel like they can be who they want to be at work, and we work hard to provide them with the respect and flexibility to do so.

We aim to be an equitable, diverse, and inclusive employer. We encourage and support our people to be their best. We seek different perspectives that redefine what's possible. Together we are a team.

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