Careers

Policy & Public Affairs Adviser

Reporting to: CEO

Contract Type 12-month FTC initially (Full Time and Part Time flexible working hours considered)

To apply:

If you are interested in the opportunity, please send your CV and a covering letter to recruitment@heartresearch.org.uk outlining how you meet the person specification by Friday 22nd May 2026.  

Interviews to take place in our central Leeds Office on 2nd or 3rd June 2026.

If you would like an informal conversation with our CEO, Kate Bratt-Farrar please contact nicole@heartresearch.org.uk to arrange a time.

  • Full-time
  • £50,000 FTE per annum
  • Leeds/Hybrid or remote with regular travel

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced and connected Policy and Public Affairs Adviser to lead the development of this function within the organisation. Reporting Directly to the CEO you will engage with teams and partners to design both an on-going influencing strategy and the future shape of this work in coming years.

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Undertake internal opportunities review to identify key work strands.
  • Undertake external opportunities review to identify both short term and long-term areas for influence.
  • Develop long term policy and influencing strategy in conjunction with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
  • Review and recommend future staffing structure and reporting lines as part of the above.
  • Act as lead for existing activity in this area including attending meetings with MPs, Peers and civil servant, working with internal teams to provide accurate briefing information and supporting other appropriate spokespeople across the organisation.
  • Identify and Lead on the formulation of appropriate evidence-based policy positions and responses.
  • Work with staff and our growing Public and Patient Network (PPN) to ensure those with lived experience have a meaningful voice in the above activity.

Key requirements:

Required:

  • Experience of developing and delivering campaigns that include influencing and engaging with policy makers, MPs, Peers and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Strong understanding of the legislative process in England (Scotland and Wales desirable).
  • Ability to quickly develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrable ability of analysis of information that can be communicated to a variety of audiences.
  • Experience of developing policy positions and briefings, along with responding to consultations.
  • Ability to effectively manage competing interests and views to achieve the aims of the organisation.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Depending on location, this role will require regular travel to the Leeds Office and Westminster.

For the full job description pack, please click here: Policy & Public Affairs Adviser

Interested in this role?

To apply: If you are interested in the opportunity, please send your CV and a covering letter to recruitment@heartresearch.org.uk outlining how you meet the person specification by Friday 22nd May 2026.

Download Job Pack

Policy & Public Affairs Adviser JD and Person Specification

Download

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