External Affairs Officer

Posting date:	30 January 2026
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	01 March 2026
Location:	Liverpool, London liverpool
Company:	Riverside
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	5541

Summary

Job Title: External Affairs Officer
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £35,641.63 (£39,226.75 is achieved after 12months successful performance in the role)
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday
Location: London/ Liverpool / Hybrid

If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.

The difference you will make as a External Affairs Officer

You’ll be joining a high-performing and politically engaged external affairs team that sits at the centre of the organisation in the Corporate Services department. This role plays a crucial part in the organisation’s influencing and public affairs strategy, by tackling some of the biggest issues facing housing associations at a vital and exciting time for the sector with a new Government in place. You will be instrumental in driving forward our public affairs and media work by building strong relationships with key stakeholders, creating compelling content and enhancing our reputation, placing Riverside as one of the strongest and most respected voices in the sector.

You’ll have the freedom and backing of your team to make this role your own, from influencing activities to media relations and everything in between, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the social housing and homelessness sectors and help shape Government policy to transform lives.

About you

We are looking for someone with:

• An interest in the housing and care and support sectors.

• A positive, energetic, can-do attitude that demonstrates Riverside’s values.

• Experience in any or a combination of the following fields: public affairs, public policy, external affairs, parliamentary researcher, media relations, or journalism.

• Strong political awareness and a good understanding of government.

• Experience working with social media platforms.

• Comfortable and confident working with senior leaders.

• Experience of drafting briefings, press releases, and corporate responses in relation to policy announcements.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, suitable for a range of external audiences.

• A self-motivated individual capable of overseeing projects from inception to completion.

• Experience of working within a team environment, focusing on partnership and support to achieve project aims and objectives.

Why Riverside?

At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.

We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.

Working with us, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay & generous pension

• 28 days holidays plus bank holidays

• Flexible working options available

• Investment in your learning, personal development and technology

• A wide range of benefits

Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside:

We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered.