NFU Graduate - Communications & External Affairs

NFU Graduate - Communications & External Affairs

Join to apply for the NFU Graduate - Communications & External Affairs role at NFU (National Farmers' Union).

You'll gain experience in a high‑profile national organisation that is frequently in the news. If you are a graduate and answered yes to the above, the NFU Communications and External Affairs Graduate Programme is the right place for you.

This range is provided by NFU (National Farmers' Union). Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Job Title: NFU Graduate (Communications and External Affairs)

Salary: £28,000 per annum | £2,000 Relocation support to assist with relocation costs between placements.

Location: HQ Stoneleigh, Warwickshire and Westminster, London, with agile working (mix of office and home working).

Working Hours: 35 hours per week.

Contract: 2-year fixed term commencing September 2026

Do you have a passion to work in the fast‑paced world of Communications and External affairs?

Do you have what it takes to join one of the leading organisations representing British farming and food production? Do you want to get experience of working in a high‑profile national organisation which is rarely out of the news?

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is the largest organisation representing farming in the UK. We're proud to make a difference for all our members, by shaping attitudes towards British farming and leading the charge on a range of major issues, from ensuring government support for British food and farming, and our work for the environment, to rural crime and rural mental health.

Join us and you’ll enjoy a wide variety of work in a collaborative atmosphere, with opportunities to connect with people across the organisation and beyond. All in an open, inclusive environment, where we all pull together to support our members.

The NFU’s Communications and External Affairs Graduate Programme offers a rare opportunity to get experience of political lobbying and public campaigning, national media management, event management and multi‑channel communications, all with an award‑winning, in‑house team. You will have the opportunity to build on your existing knowledge, work with and learn from communications and external affairs experts and join an organisation which is recognised as the leader in its field.

We’ll develop your knowledge, from delivering a programme of exciting, high‑profile political campaigns, to influencing the public to back British farming, as well as learning what it takes to protect and promote the reputation of British food and farming and the NFU, in the media and beyond. Communicate, as well as engage NFU members.

In addition to working with this high‑impact in‑house team, you will gain valuable experience working in one of the most important industries in the country – farming, which supplies the raw ingredients for the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, UK food and drink. You will gain an understanding of the NFU, the agriculture and horticulture industries and the issues facing NFU members, in a comprehensive and purpose‑built programme which includes working across our Communications and External Affairs teams.

You will have or be predicted to have at least a 2:1 degree, or equivalent industry‑related qualification, as well as the drive and determination to succeed both individually and as part of a team. Problem solving, planning skills and a flair for communication come naturally to you. The desire to represent and campaign on behalf of NFU members is crucial as is the desire to further your career in a communications or external affairs role.

This role will be based in Warwickshire and Westminster; therefore, a flexible approach to location is essential. There will be placements in each location over the 2 years split between a 12‑month placement across the Communications, Media, Digital and Campaigns and Events’ teams in Warwickshire and a second 12‑month placement in External Affairs in London.

Join us and you’ll find an…