Policy & Public Affairs Manager

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end-of-life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

We’re now seeking an exceptional Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead our efforts in Northern Ireland. This is a unique opportunity to work on the front line of policy change, collaborating with the NI Assembly, Government officials, healthcare stakeholders and partners to ensure end of life care is equitable, compassionate, and prioritised in public discourse. This is a strategic, hands-on role suited to someone with deep knowledge of Northern Ireland’s political landscape and a commitment to social justice.

You will lead external engagement and political influencing activity across Northern Ireland, delivering campaigns and initiatives to challenge inequalities in end of life experience. From producing high-impact briefings and consultation responses to building trusted relationships with MLAs and Government departments, your work will shape how decision-makers respond to the needs of dying people and their families. You’ll support research-informed policy development, represent Marie Curie at external events, and help grow our presence across political and public platforms. 

Main responsibilities:

• Influence health, social care and end of life policy by engaging directly with the NI Assembly, political parties, and Government officials.
• Manage stakeholder engagement strategies and maintain strong relationships with MLAs, advisors and sector partners.
• Deliver evidence-based campaigns, including the production of speeches, blogs, reports, and social media content.
• Organise external events and represent Marie Curie at conferences, coalitions, and media opportunities.
• Write clear, compelling consultation responses and policy materials rooted in research and lived experience.
• Monitor political developments and identify opportunities to influence emerging debates.
• Work closely with our Policy & Research and Media teams, ensuring policy positions are aligned across all UK nations.
• Deputise for the Associate Director and Senior Policy Manager when required.

Key Criteria:

• Strong experience in policy and public affairs, preferably in health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Proven ability to build influence with politicians, advisors, and senior stakeholders.
• Understanding of methods to interact with political entities. Proficient in utilizing social media for engagement purposes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft briefings and present at public events.
• Deep understanding of Northern Ireland’s political institutions, policy processes, and health and social care systems.
• Organisational and strategic thinking skills to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to emerging issues.
• A commitment to involving people with lived experience in policy-making.
• Passion for equality, inclusion, and improving outcomes for people at the end of life.

Please see the full job description HERE.

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and Cover Letter. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Close date for applications: June 12th, 2025
• Please apply HERE.

Salary:  £39,474 per annum

Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)

Based: Working from home and our hospice in Belfast. Occasional travel may be required.

Benefits you’ll LOVE:

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.