Senior Director of External Affairs & Advocacy; Scotland

Position: Senior Director of External Affairs & Advocacy (Scotland)
#### Role The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) is seeking an outstanding senior leader to shape our external voice, strengthen our influence, and ensure our members’ priorities are heard at the highest levels. As Scotland’s national voice for housing associations and co-operatives, we represent a sector providing safe, warmand affordable homes for over half a million people across the country.

Celebrating 50 years of impact, SFHA is a well-respected membership organisation with a strong financial position, anambitious strategic vision, and close to 100% sector membership. Our role is to represent, support and connect our members, ensuring that their voices are heard and that they have the resources and influence needed tothrive.

The
** Director of External Affairs
** plays a pivotal role in delivering that mission. Leading our Public Affairs, Communications, Policy, Events, and Design teams, you will drive the strategic direction andhigh-quality delivery of all external engagement and reputational activity. You will raise SFHA’s national profile, build powerful relationships across government, parliament, the media, business and the third sector,and champion the interests of our members across Scotland.

Acting as a senior organisational spokesperson, you will confidently represent SFHA at consultations, events andhigh-level meetings, often at pace, advising key decision-makers and ensuring our policy positions are credible,evidence-based and aligned with the needs of members. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and Executive Team, you will help shape organisational strategy, strengthen our influence, and ensure SFHA remains aleading voice in Scotland’s political and policy landscape.

You will lead a talented multi-disciplinary team, driving innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement acrossall external-facing work. From policy development and thought leadership to campaigns, media engagement and research, you will ensure SFHA delivers high-impact work that enhances our reputation and reinforces our relevance to members.

This role offers the opportunity to influence national policy, shape public debate, and help steer the future of affordable housing in Scotland. SFHA provides a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including 29 days annual leave, five agile days, a 5% employer pension contribution, flexible hybrid working, Perkbox, a travel loan, flu jab, online yoga and eyecare vouchers.#### Application notes

Full details on the role and how to apply can be found on our dedicated recruitment microsite atFor more information, please contact Nigel Fortnum or David Currie at Aspen People on  or  date: 12th January 2026### Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Director of External Affairs  Postcode: G1 2ER
Help us tackle the housing emergency.

It’s an exciting time to join SFHA’s external affairs team as we look ahead to a seismic election and work toward sending the housing emergency. If you’re passionate about social housing and politics, we want to hear fromyou.

SFHA is looking for a External Affairs Co-ordinator to support our engagement with politicians and Parliaments, witha key focus on the run-up to the 2026 Holyrood election and building relationships with new MSPsafterwards.

This role involves engaging with the political landscape to support SFHA’s election campaigns and promote the valueof social housing across Scotland.

You will work to influence the political parties in the run-up to the election, monitor parliamentary and political developments, draft briefings to inform debates, and help newly elected MSPs understand the importance of social housing.

Enthusiasm and initiative are more important than extensive experience for this role, where you’ll have the chance todevelop your policy, communications and lobbying skills in an organisation that’s driving real change.

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