Stakeholder and Public Affairs Manager
At a glance
- Band
- Band 7
- Contract
- Fixed-term
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Posted
- 14/08/2026
- Closes
- 07/09/2026
Sponsorship verdict
Candidates needing sponsorship are encouraged to apply.
HiveMind found a sponsorship-friendly statement in the source advert welcoming applicants who require a visa. Always confirm on the source before applying.
“Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.”Quoted verbatim from the source advert
Role summary
This is an exciting new opportunity to lead stakeholder and public affairs activity for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The role involves shaping engagement for major projects, including the redevelopment of North Manchester General Hospital. You will build trusted relationships with key stakeholders, translate complex information into tailored engagement programs, and support the Trust's commitment to openness and accountability. This position is part of the Communications and Engagement Team, aiming to enhance patient, colleague, and community outcomes.
Essential criteria
- Educated to Masters' level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, public policy, PR, journalism, marketing, public sector management or a related field.
- Ability to demonstrate specialist knowledge equivalent to manager level through substantial relevant experience in a complex organisation.
- Specialist knowledge of stakeholder engagement, public affairs and relationship management in a large, complex or public-facing organisation.
- Understanding of inclusive, accessible and proportionate engagement, including the need to reflect diverse communities and reduce barriers to involvement.
- Significant experience in stakeholder engagement, public affairs, communications, policy, external relations, partnership working or a closely related role
- Experience of line management, objective setting and supporting positive performance from colleagues or teams.
- Experience of producing high-quality written materials including briefings, correspondence, reports, meeting notes, speaking points, stakeholder updates and senior handling advice.
Desirable criteria
- Facilitation, presentation or training skills for workshops, briefings, engagement sessions or communities of practice.
- Project management skills and ability to use structured approaches such as risk logs, milestone plans, RACIs or benefits/evaluation frameworks.
- Qualifications, Skills, Experience
- Educated to Masters' level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, public policy, PR, journalism, marketing, public sector management or a related field.
- Ability to demonstrate specialist knowledge equivalent to manager level through substantial relevant experience in a complex organisation.
- Specialist knowledge of stakeholder engagement, public affairs and relationship management in a large, complex or public-facing organisation.
- Understanding of inclusive, accessible and proportionate engagement, including the need to reflect diverse communities and reduce barriers to involvement.
- Significant experience in stakeholder engagement, public affairs, communications, policy, external relations, partnership working or a closely related role
- Experience of line management, objective setting and supporting positive performance from colleagues or teams.
- Experience of producing high-quality written materials including briefings, correspondence, reports, meeting notes, speaking points, stakeholder updates and senior handling advice.
- Facilitation, presentation or training skills for workshops, briefings, engagement sessions or communities of practice.
- Project management skills and ability to use structured approaches such as risk logs, milestone plans, RACIs or benefits/evaluation frameworks.
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 7 at £46,148 – £52,809 a year, across England.
This advert: £49,387 – £56,515 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 16d ago · Closes in 9d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Stakeholder and Public Affairs Manager
The closing date is 07 September 2026
Job summary
This is an exciting new opportunity to shape stakeholder and partner engagement in one of England's largest NHS Trusts.
Taking the lead on stakeholder relations for major projects including the redevelopment of North Manchester General Hospital as part of the government's New Hospital Programme, the Stakeholder and Public Affairs Manager will design and continuously improve MFT's stakeholder engagement and public affairs activity.
Politically astute, highly professional and skilled in coordination, you will support the Trust to build trusted, transparent and effective relationships with the people and organisations that influence, scrutinise and support our work.
The post holder will be responsible for stakeholder mapping and intelligence, translating a range of complex information into tailored engagement programmes. This will include regular engagement alongside programme-specific activity linked to major capital builds, transformation, service change, visits, events and high-profile Trust priorities.
As part of the Communications and Engagement Team, you will help MFT to go further and faster for patients, colleagues and communities by ensuring stakeholder activity is planned early, delivered professionally and used to support p
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