Head of Strategic Engagement

Description

Where leadership meets lasting national impact.

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) exists to deliver a clear and compelling vision: better financial futures for everyone in need. As an arm’s-length body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions and working closely with HM Treasury, MaPS plays a central role in the UK’s financial wellbeing agenda, ensuring individuals can access trusted services and guidance to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives.

Through its unique position at the heart of policy, delivery and public trust, MaPS is driving systemic change across the financial wellbeing sector, shaping national policy, and setting the standard for how people engage with money, debt and pensions in the UK.

The Role

Against this backdrop, MaPS is seeking an exceptional Head of Strategic Engagement.

Reporting to the Corporate Director of Strategy & Impact, this is a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation’s role and reputation. You will lead the central Strategic Engagement function, shaping how MaPS works with government, regulators, partners and colleagues, ensuring a clear, consistent and compelling voice aligned to MaPS’ Strategic Plan.

Acting as a trusted adviser to the Chair, Chief Executive and senior leadership, you will guide the organisation through complex and high‑profile environments, providing strategic counsel in sensitive and fast‑moving situations. You will orchestrate a joined‑up approach to stakeholder engagement, public affairs and internal communications ensuring MaPS is trusted by all across the financial wellbeing ecosystem.

This role combines strategic oversight with delivery excellence: from shaping thought leadership and building high‑impact stories, to embedding disciplined stakeholder frameworks and insight‑led planning.

The Opportunity

What you will be responsible for:

• Building and delivering a single, coherent strategic engagement plan aligned to MaPS’ long‑term strategy
• Positioning MaPS and its leaders as trusted voices across government, policy and the sector
• Leading strategic engagement with stakeholders and thought leadership that shape understanding and drive impact
• Developing robust approaches to reputation management, issues handling and crisis response
• Strengthening public affairs capability, supporting MaPS to fulfil its responsibilities through engagement with ministers, MPs, officials and key institutions
• Leading internal communications that inspire, align and connect colleagues to purpose and priorities
• Establishing structured stakeholder frameworks, insight, and CRM‑driven engagement disciplines

You will operate in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment, leading a multidisciplinary team. Collaborating and partnering across the organisation to ensure engagement is purposeful, coordinated and impactful is vital.

Experience Required

We are looking for a strategic and delivery‑focused leader with a strong track record in high‑profile environments.

You will bring:

• Significant leadership experience in strategic communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement
• Deep understanding of government, public service and sponsorship dynamics
• Proven ability to manage reputation, navigate ambiguity and lead through sensitive issues
• Experience building engagement frameworks, governance models and performance measures at scale
• A track record of influencing senior stakeholders and shaping strategic narratives
• Strong leadership capability, with experience building high‑performing, collaborative teams

You will be an exceptional communicator and collaborator, able to distil complexity into clarity, build trust across diverse audiences, and lead with confidence in fast‑paced, high‑scrutiny environments.

This is a rare opportunity to shape influence at the heart of a national mission.

You will play a critical role in strengthening how MaPS engages with government, partners and colleagues, building trust, shaping policy conversations, and enhancing the organisation’s work across the financial wellbeing ecosystem. In doing so, you will help ensure MaPS delivers on its promise to improve financial futures for millions of people, driving greater understanding, confidence and action on money and pensions.

If you want to lead at the intersection of strategy, communications and public affairs, and to play a central role in shaping a system that affects millions across the UK, please contact GatenbySanderson for an informal discussion:

Olivia Robinson, Associate Consultant: Olivia.robinson@gatenbysanderson.com
Martyn Brereton, Senior Researcher: Martyn.brereton@gatenbysanderson.com

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