Job Overview

As our Policy Manager at SFHA, you will lead our policy team as they help our members navigate our three strategic priorities: Delivering and Managing Affordable Homes, Poverty and Inequality, The Climate Emergency.

In this role, you will work with colleagues to represent the housing association and co-operative sector in Scotland and be expected to lobby and influence government and key decision makers in the public, private and third sectors to create a positive operating environment for our members.

You will work across the organisation to support the delivery of our External Affairs Strategy, ensuring we develop policy in partnership with our members, and helping us to tell the sector’s story to key partners. You will represent our members and the organisation in key forums, presenting on policy issues and working with senior civil servants and ministers to promote the interests of our members. You will also hold your own policy brief, building up knowledge and expertise in an area of housing policy.

You will need to be adaptable and flexible, with an ability to respond to a fast-paced policy environment, prioritising as appropriate to ensure that SFHA can react swiftly to events which in turn enables members’ interests to be championed. The post holder will be required to be responsive, with the possibility of moving between strategic areas of work as priorities shift.

Role Outline

To co-ordinate the campaigning for the implementation of the SFHAs policies and goals and to foster an engaging team culture which matches the organisation’s values.

Policy

• Lead our work to ensure that SFHA has a robust and transparent policy development process, with our members at the heart of everything we do.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues from all functions across the organisation to support the delivery of our External Affairs Strategy
• Lead and manage our work on at least one of our key policy priorities, as agreed with the Director of External Affairs, moving between policy areas if required
• Oversee the development of strategic policy positions in relation to your own areas of work, and work with colleagues across the organisation to positively influence change in this area
• Develop and produce high quality briefings and reports to influence key audiences and raise awareness of key issues with members
• Brief colleagues at Executive and Board level in the organisation on strategic policy priorities, key risks, and opportunities for engagement and influencing
• Oversee the development and writing of impactful and responses to key Parliamentary inquiries and Government consultation, built on robust evidence and consultation with members
• Provide presentations and interviews to relevant audiences on behalf of SFHA, including at conference, seminars and for broadcast and print media, where required

Research

• Develop and deliver a research strategy for the organisation, supporting the team to develop research skills and capacity
• Commission and manage significant pieces of qualitative and quantitative research which support our overall policy and influencing objectives
• Undertake pieces of qualitative and quantitative research through a variety of channels and methods to support our overall policy and influencing objectives

External Relationships

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key audiences required to influence change in policy. This will include civil servants, special advisers and partner organisations in the third, private and public sectors.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with SFHA’s member organisations, ensuring that you consult closely with them on all areas of work
• Oversee the successful delivery of one or more of SFHA’s member forums, as agreed with the Director of External Affairs
• Facilitate ad hoc opportunities for members of SFHA to engage in the development of guidance and policy positions as required
• Develop a clear understanding of the wider policy landscape by maintaining senior relationships with partner organisations and understanding how their priorities interact with our own

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead the Policy Team, fostering a supportive and inclusive team culture which meets our values of Professionalism, Agility, Collaboration & Empathy and ensure effective relationships with colleagues, members, and external partners
• Provide line management to our Policy Leads
• Work with the Public Affairs Manager to effectively and appropriately delegate work to the Policy and Public Affairs Co-Ordinator and Policy Assistant
• Work with the Director of External Affairs to effectively manage the budget for our policy and research work
• Work with the Director of External Affairs to develop and deliver key deliverables in the organisation’s annual plan
• Support your team by ensuring they have a clear work programme and agreed priorities, and identifying development opportunities and support
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to set the overall direction of the policy team, taking shared responsibility for priority setting and the delivery of operational work plans
• Work across the organisation’s management team to influence the development and delivery of key organisational policies
• Where appropriate, deputise for the Director of External Affairs on issues related to policy and influencing and other matters where required

Other Duties

• Work with colleagues across the organisation to identify opportunities and provide content for events programmes and external communications
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current affairs, policy and research, and the work of housing associations to stay in touch with relevant policy areas
• Work collaboratively with senior management to identify opportunities for your own training and development needs and those of your team
• Oversee the development and updating of transparent and effective work plans for key projects and areas of work within your remit
• Pro-actively contribute to the achievement and development of SFHA’s wider business objectives, providing support and guidance as required across the wider SFHA team
• Ensure compliance with and implementation of the SFHA’s policies including those relating to health and safety, emergency procedures, equal opportunities, code of conduct and disciplinary procedures
• Undertake any other duties considered reasonable within the scope and purpose of the post as may be instructed by the Executive Team
• A willingness to travel within Scotland is a key pre-requisite as our members span from the Highlands and Islands to the Borders and flexibility is required to accommodate overnight events and meetings.

Person Specification

Experience & Qualifications

Essential Key Skills

• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team, creating a positive and engaged team culture, and supporting the team to be resilient
• Solid understanding of the political environment and the workings of the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament
• A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience in policy development, research or external affairs
• A demonstrable ability to provide excellent line management and develop the strengths and talents of team members
• A demonstrable ability to engage in issues at a strategic level, seeing issues from other perspectives, and being able to respond accordingly
• An understanding of the strategic context in which housing associations operate, and the challenges they face, OR, an ability and willingness to grasp complex issues quickly and learn about housing issues
• An excellent standard of written communication and an ability to reach a variety of audiences
• A high standard of verbal communication, and an ability to reach to both in person and virtual audiences in an engaging way
• Ability to work methodically and accurately, with excellent attention to detail and robust time-management skills
• Strong inter-personal skills and an ability develop and maintain relationships with colleagues and partner organisations
• Strong negotiation skills, and an ability to navigate complex, ambiguous and sometimes conflicting issues
• Excellent project management skills and a proven ability to prioritise
• Ability to gather, understand and analyse data and information from a variety of sources
• Highly professional and presentable, at all times
• Exceptional skilled at the art of influencing and negotiating with a proven track record in these areas
• Strong at influencing and persuading in a professional manner upholding the reputation of the SFHA at all times
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and a methodical approach
• Outstanding communication – especially in written format and the ability to present to groups of varying sizes and backgrounds your aim is to make the important highly accessible.
• An ability to inspire others and to demonstrably enthuse about the value of the SFHA, the key issues within the sector and the concerns of members
• IT literate and a comprehensive understanding of Windows including Powerpoint, Word, Excel and Outlook
• Demonstrate a willingness to work flexibly to respond to the evolving needs of the SFHA

Desirable

• Experience of working for and with housing associations
• Competent in the use of MS Office packages

Responsible to: Director of External Affairs

To find out more about the role please visit our website.

Closing date: 12 noon on Friday 13 January 2023.

CV’s to be sent to Alison Grady, Office Manager agrady@sfha.co.uk.