Job Description: Head of Policy and Advocacy
Position: Head of Policy and Advocacy
Location: Hybrid working, with up to two days a week in the office in Rugby, Warwickshire.
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Salary: 38,000-£42,000
Reports to: Director of Communications
About Us
The Oral Health Foundation is a leading UK-based charity dedicated to improving oral health and wellbeing worldwide. With over 50 years of experience, we deliver impactful campaigns, provide education, and drive changes that promote better oral health.
Our strategy focuses on empowering individuals and communities, enhancing access to resources through partnerships, and advocating for evidence-based policies to reduce oral health inequalities.
We seek a dynamic and experienced Head of Policy and Advocacy to join our team. This exciting role offers the opportunity to shape our policy messaging, develop evidence-based policy positions, enhance our advocacy efforts, and ensure that our communications reflect our commitment to improving oral health for all.
Role Overview
As a key strategic voice within the organisation, the Head of Policy and Advocacy will shape and deliver the Oral Health Foundation’s approach to influencing public policy and driving advocacy. This includes developing clear, evidence-based policy positions and translating complex issues into compelling narratives that inspire action. The post-holder will work closely with senior leadership, external stakeholders, and the communications team to influence public health agendas and champion meaningful change in oral health.
They will be a strong team player that thrives in a collaborative environment. They should also be self-motivated and capable of taking initiative when working independently.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Development and Advocacy
- Develop and implement policy positions and advocacy strategies that align with the Oral Health Foundation’s mission and objectives.
- Monitor and analyse policy developments in oral health, public health, and related fields, providing timely updates and insights.
- Respond to policy consultations, calls for evidence, and regulatory proposals, ensuring the Oral Health Foundation’s voice is heard in key debates.
- Attend events and meetings to discuss and drive forward policy matters, representing the Foundation’s views and priorities.
- Build relationships with policymakers, government departments, health professionals, and other stakeholders to influence oral health policies.
- Represent the Oral Health Foundation in policy discussions, consultations, and events.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a key point of contact for external stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and industry partners.
- Build coalitions and partnerships to support shared policy goals and amplify the Oral Health Foundation’s voice.
- Develop and strengthen relationships with MPs and policymakers to improve parliamentary knowledge of oral health issues and advocate for effective solutions.
- Formulate strategies to mobilise external audiences to champion the Oral Health Foundation’s policy messages and actively engage in advocacy efforts.
Campaigns and Advocacy Projects
- Lead policy-focused campaigns to raise awareness of critical oral health issues, such as nutrition, inequalities, and access to dental care.
- Help the team create and deliver new campaigns and projects with timely political significance, ensuring they align with the broader advocacy agenda.
- Communicate key campaign messages to potential funders and partners to secure support and drive impact.
- Ensure the Oral Health Foundation’s advocacy work is evidence-based, impactful, and measurable.
Strategic Communications
- Translate policy positions into clear, impactful, and persuasive communications for diverse audiences, including policymakers, media, and the public.
- Develop comprehensive topic briefs to equip media spokespeople and ambassadors with clear and consistent messaging on key issues.
- Assist in high-quality copywriting and editing for policy briefs, reports, press releases, web content, social media, and marketing materials for policy messages.
Event Support
- Oversee communications and branding for key events, including parliamentary engagements, roundtables, and other high-profile activities as needed.
Internal Collaboration
- Collaborate with the communications team to align policy messaging with wider organisational campaigns, such as National Smile Month and Mouth Cancer Action Month.
- Work closely with teams to ensure a joined-up approach to policy and communications.
- Support teams internally in speaking confidently and consistently about strategic policy and campaigning issues to their audiences.
Person Specification
Essential
- Qualified to degree level with several years of post-graduate experience in policy development, advocacy, or public affairs, ideally within the healthcare or charity sectors.
- Experience working with policymakers, government bodies, and other stakeholders to influence policy.
- Knowledge of public health issues, with a particular interest in oral health or related areas.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible content.
- Proven ability to develop and deliver impactful campaigns that achieve measurable outcomes.
- Highly organised with excellent project management skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and manage multiple priorities.
- Self-motivated with a proactive approach and the confidence to work independently.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented mindset, with a willingness to support colleagues and share expertise.
Desirable
- Knowledge of key oral health issues, such as inequalities in care access or systemic links to oral health.
- Experience in media relations or public relations, particularly in relation to policy and advocacy.
- Experience working in or with the charity sector.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
- A supportive and inclusive working environment with a focus on professional development.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and collaborate with leading experts.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role via Blue Town’s website by the 19th of May, with interviews between the 21st of May and the 7th of June.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Julie Bradbury at 01788 546 365.
The Oral Health Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all individuals, regardless of their background.