External Affairs Specialist

Job Title: External Affairs Specialist

About the Association of International Retail (AIR)

AIR is an independent, national sector support body dedicated to fostering the growth of international retail in the UK. Our mission is to cultivate a positive profile for the international retail sector. Currently, AIR is running three key campaigns:

1. Restoring Tax-Free Shopping and Extending to EU Residents
2. Visitor Visa Improvements
3. Sunday Trading Bill Exemption for London International Centres

Job Summary:

AIR is seeking an External Affairs Specialist to provide support to our campaign and other corporate affairs including admin, accountant and IT support. Given the predominant importance of Chinese and GCC markets to the international visitor sector, the preferable applicant should have in-depth knowledge of the markets and their languages. Additional knowledge of other tax-free shopping destinations in the world would be a plus.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Corporate and Media Communications Management:
   • Oversee corporate newsletter and social media accounts, contributing to content creation.
   • Maintain and update the website, overseeing corporate IT maintenance.
   • Manage communications between Directors and internal/external stakeholders.
   • Organise political and stakeholder events.
   • Provide administrative support as required.
2. Membership Management and Communications:
   • Engage directly with members and funders.
   • Promote membership and assist in fundraising activities.
   • Help manage corporate accountants where needed.
3. Supporting Campaign Activities:
   • Conduct research and analysis on key international markets and destinations’ policies, particularly focusing on China, the Far East, the Middle East and the EU.
   • Assist in developing advocacy materials.

Requirements:

• Multilingual proficiency, fluency in English is essential, with preference given to candidates proficient in Mandarin, Cantonese, or Arabic.
• Previous experience working in integrated communications, either within agency or in-house.
• Knowledge and awareness of developments in the public and national media debate in both UK and the major markets on issues concerned with tourism, international visitors, high streets and city centres.
• Experience in managing conflicting priorities and delivering projects within tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated capabilities of project management and administration support.

Additional Information:

The nature of our work means priorities may shift, and emergencies may arise unexpectedly. Therefore, we require someone who can adapt and reprioritise their workload accordingly.

If you are passionate about international retail, adept at strategic engagement, and committed to driving positive change in the sector, we encourage you to apply.

Please note: This position may involve travel and irregular hours.

Unfortunately, due to volume, we are not able to get back to everyone individually so if you have not heard back from us, unfortunately, you have not been successful on this occasion and wish you all the best in your search.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.

Location: London

Preferable skills: Public Affairs, Public Policy, Copywriting, Public Relations, Research Skills, Stakeholder Engagement, Political Campaigns, Networking, Media Relations