Universities UK (UUK) is the collective voice of 142 universities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our mission is simple but ambitious: thriving universities, serving society. We influence the policy and political decisions that shape higher education — working with government, parliamentarians and partners to make the case for universities' considerable role in economic growth, opportunity and discovery.

The opportunity

This is one of the most influential public affairs roles in the higher education sector. As Deputy Director, Public Affairs, you'll be part of UUK's senior leadership, shaping where and how we spend our political capital — and leading the team that turns that strategy into real influence in Westminster.

You'll advise the Chief Executive and Board on political strategy, build and mobilise a wide network of political and stakeholder relationships, and lead a talented four-person Public Affairs team. It's a role for someone who already has the Westminster contacts and instincts to hit the ground running, but who also wants the scope to build something — new systems, new coalitions, a stronger political voice for universities — at a pivotal moment. Universities are going through once-in-a-generation change which the person in this post will play a material role in shaping.

An interest in higher education policy is welcome, but not essential — we're looking for public affairs leadership, influence and judgement first and foremost.

What you'll do

• Advise UUK's Chief Executive and Board on political priorities and where to focus the organisation's political capital.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Public Affairs team, setting the strategy that delivers UUK's political priorities.
• Build and own senior relationships — in government, Parliament and beyond — and open doors for UUK’s CEO and elected board so that UUK has the influence a sector of 142 universities warrants.
• Mobilise UUK's wider membership behind shared political priorities, and build coalitions with external partners to extend our reach.
• Spot emerging political risks for the sector early, and shape UUK's response to them.
• Oversee UUK's work with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Universities.
• Play an active role in UUK's senior management team, including championing our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion priorities, and deputise for the Director of Communications as needed.

What we're looking for

You'll need:

• The gravitas to advise senior leaders, boards or executive teams on political strategy and priorities.
• Experience influencing at Cabinet Minister / senior official level, with real public affairs impact to show for it – you’ll be able to demonstrate how you’ve driven real political change.
• Excellent, current Westminster contacts and a strong grasp of how to work Parliament and the legislative process.
• Experience designing and delivering political influencing campaigns, including stakeholder or coalition-building and working with media and digital teams to influence policy.
• Experience leading and developing a team, with the judgement to prioritise resource against competing demands.
• Experience of advancing organisational commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion.

It would also be great if you have:

• Knowledge of the higher education sector and its policy landscape.
• A degree or equivalent professional experience.

What we offer

• Salary: £76,283 - £84,759 dependent on experience 
• A generous USS pension scheme 
• 27 days' leave annual entitlement plus bank holidays 
• Hybrid working — 40% of time in UUK’s central London office over the course of a month, including regular Westminster-facing time and occasional evening/early-morning events.
• Interest free season ticket loans after 6 months, Virtual Medical Care (24 hour access to GP consultations and physio), access to 24-hour 7-day a week Employee Assistant Programme which extends access to close family, with additional benefits visible in the recruitment pack

UUK is committed to being an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those currently under-represented in senior public affairs roles.

How to apply

• Please submit your CV (a maximum of three pages) and covering letter (no more than two pages) addressing the criteria above 
• Closing date: Sunday 18 October
• For an informal, confidential discussion about the role, contact: Seb.Gordon@universitiesuk.ac.uk (no agencies please)

We think this is one of the most exciting roles in public affairs right now. Our universities make a huge contribution to national life and they are committed to evolving to do even more. Help us to secure the political support they need.

Closing Date: 18 Oct 2026
Category: Jobs