Senior Program Manager - Public Affairs

Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum. 

At Edelman, we understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our company, our clients, and our communities. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging.

Edelman's Public & Govt Affairs team combines business strategy, government affairs, corporate social responsibility and sustainability, and political risk analysis to help clients navigate changing political dynamics. Our mission is to build trust in today’s evolving geopolitical environment. We view ourselves as a start-up built on top of one of the world’s most recognizable brands. We are looking for someone with experience in delivering against public policy and stakeholder management programs, with strong research skills, an account management background, excellent communication and writing skills and an eye for detail. The clients are demanding, and our work is fast-paced – you will need to be a quick thinker, a strong multi-tasker and thrive in a dynamic environment.  

A Senior Program Manager will support client strategy, monitor issues, manage projects, coordinate research carried out by analysts and interns and produce client-ready deliverables as assigned. Senior Program Managers will also support and monitor issues and produce relevant materials for new business development. In addition, they will support with content for thought leadership from the region. Senior Program Managers will report to AVPs/VPs and can oversee project managers and analysts. 

The precise nature of activities will depend on the priorities and client work during the time of the placement, to be agreed upon. However, the responsibilities and tasks are likely to include the following: 

·       Directly supporting and managing public affairs and research, strategy, engagement, and communication programmes for clients, including but not limited to economic policy and trade, market entries, climate change and sustainability, technology, energy, as well as related specific issues 

·       Serving as the day-to-day contact with clients, identifying and flagging policy challenges and opportunities and providing related strategic advice. 

·       Monitoring issues related to the client’s organization or sector 

·       Coordination of research conducted by the team 

·       Producing first-round client deliverables 

·       Preparation of materials for meetings, events, or other clients/stakeholders/media engagement activities 

·       Identifying policy and market trends to pitch relevant new business opportunities 

·       Conducting and overseeing research to inform pitches, and producing pitch materials 

·       Liaising with regional and global Edelman teams and managing the rollouts of relevant plans and assets 

·       Support in drafting thought leadership positioning notes 

Basic Qualifications: 

·       At least 6-8 years of experience in public affairs, either as a consultant, in-house corporate resource, or in relevant NGO, associations, or private firms leading work related to F&B sector & policy areas outlined. 

·       University degree in political science, communications, international relations, economic policy and trade, law or other relevant field 

·       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - a positive approach with a self-learning attitude 

·       Excellent analytical and written skills 

·       Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple assignments 

·       Proactive approach, and ability to network 

·       A good understanding of the media landscape will be an asset 

·       Ability to work effectively in a varied environment and with other teams  

·       Strong command over Microsoft office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), additional skills are a plus. 

·       Interest in digital forms of communication and a good understanding of the social media landscape. 

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.