Head of Government Relations

**Job Purpose**
The Head of Government Relations will lead and manage the University’s public affairs activity, including identifying key public policy priorities, advising the Principal on and managing relationships, taking forward high-level meetings with political stakeholders and implementing appropriate actions with key external stakeholders and target audiences. There will be a particular focus on supporting the Principal’s strategic objectives in government relations, including leading on efforts to secure public funding for the University’s strategic projects as directed by the Principal and members of the Senior Management Group. The post holder will work in partnership with members of the Principal’s Office team and will be line managed by the Chief of Staff to the Principal.

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**
1.Manage the delivery of public affairs, political stakeholder engagement and government relations strategies for the University at all levels.
2. Provide strategic advice to the Principal, the Chief of Staff to the Principal and other members of Senior Management Group on all aspects of the University’s business.
3. Act as a key member of the Principal’s Office, working closely with the Chief of Staff to ensure that the office functions effectively to support the Principal’s strategic priorities.
4. Chair and drive the agenda of sub-groups of the Senior Management Group relating to government relations, as directed by the Principal.
5. Identify and secure opportunities for the University to build on its relationships with elected members at local, Holyrood and Westminster levels and to lead for the University in meetings with political stakeholders.
6. Contribute to drafting the Principal’s public speeches and media output and ensuring he is appropriately briefed for public events.
7. Develop the University’s relationships with key civil servants and lead on the University’s co-ordinated approach to key public bodies such as Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Funding Council, etc.
8. Take forward and lead on a proactive and co-ordinated effort to engage government at all levels in projects of major strategic importance to the University, leading on efforts to secure public funding as appropriate.
10. Provide briefing materials to the Principal and other members of Senior Management Group as appropriate on public policy developments relevant to the University and to work closely with the Principal in providing materials for public events, such as public lectures, Committee appearances, etc.
11. Line manage the Government Relations Officer, ensuring that all activities are undertaken in accordance with the strategic direction agreed by the Principal and Senior Management Group.
12. Maintain oversight and responsibility for all political visits to the University.
13. Provide support to researchers in making links with policy-makers, practitioners and other stakeholders relevant to their field of work, in promoting the importance of their work and in maximising impact from the research.
14. Monitor and benchmark output, providing regular reports on KPIs including output and outcome measures, targets and objectives.
15. Support the Principal and other members of Senior Management Group in promoting the University abroad as required.
16. Any other duties as assigned by the Principal.

**Knowledge/Qualifications**

**Essential**:

A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and management skills in a similar or number of different specialist roles. OR SCQF Level 9, 10, or 11 (Ordinary/Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification), or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional experience in a management role.
A2 In-depth knowledge and understanding of the public policy and media landscapes in Scotland and the UK
A3 Relevant contacts book and demonstrable relationships with key parliamentarians, government ministers, Special Advisors and civil servants at both devolved and UK government level
A4 A thorough knowledge of public affairs strategies and current public policy, as well as the future policy priorities of City, Scottish and UK governments

**Desirable**:

B1 Working knowledge of the University of Glasgow or the higher education sector, including HE policy and sector priorities

**Skills**

**Essential**:

C1 Proven ability to manage a heavy workload, ability/willingness to work across teams and capacity to co-ordinate the work of colleagues
C2 Proven ability to secure public funding for key strategic projects
C3 Excellent writing skills, with the ability to write well for different audiences and to input to speeches by the Principal which involve a government policy dimension.
C4 Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
C5 Ability to communicate complex issues succinctly and