Director of Public Affairs

Role Overview

The Director of Public Affairs will play a pivotal role in shaping and safeguarding the organisation’s public image, influencing policy environments, and cultivating trusted relationships with key stakeholders across media, government, and the public. This strategic and operational position within a purpose-driven organisation demands a politically astute and well-connected leader with deep familiarity with Westminster, party structures, and devolved administrations.

The ideal candidate will bring sound judgement, a robust political network, and the capability to plan and execute high-impact engagements. Regular responsibilities include strategic media outreach, political relationship management, and weekly reporting to internal stakeholders, alongside ongoing strategy reviews with senior leadership to ensure alignment with the organisation’s business and philanthropic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Media Relations

· Develop and lead integrated communication strategies aligned with organisational goals.

· Act as chief spokesperson; manage press briefings, interviews, and crisis communications.

· Ensure consistent messaging across senior leadership, marketing, and corporate communications.

Government, Parliamentary & Public Policy Affairs

· Build and maintain relationships with ministers, MPs, policy advisers, and regulators.

· Monitor legislation and advocate for the organisation’s interests.

· Represent the organisation in consultations, think tanks, and policy forums.

· Provide strategic counsel on political developments, party dynamics, and opportunities for influence.

Political Relationship Management

· Cultivate high-trust relationships with senior figures across political parties, including MPs, peers, councillors, and party officials.

· Oversee engagement with major UK political parties: Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens, Reform UK, and SNP.

· Liaise with Chiefs of Staff, political advisers, and party organisers to ensure seamless coordination.

Strategic Engagement & Positioning

· Design and implement a comprehensive political engagement strategy aligned with organisational objectives.

· Advise on political tone, messaging, and positioning to enhance credibility and resonance.

· Represent the organisation at political events, party conferences, and private meetings.

· Support the CEO in maintaining high-level political engagement and strategic alignment.

Reputation & Crisis Management

· Lead response strategies to protect the organisation’s reputation during crises or controversies.

· Track and manage follow-up actions to ensure continuity and effectiveness in stakeholder relationships.

Stakeholder & Network Engagement

· Cultivate networks across civil society, business, and academia to strengthen influence and partnerships.

· Coordinate and represent the organisation at political dinners, roundtables, and conference engagements.

· Accompany and advise the CEO and senior staff at relevant political and stakeholder events.

Briefings & Political Intelligence

· Prepare concise, insightful briefings for political meetings, events, and speaking engagements.

· Monitor parliamentary and party developments to identify risks, opportunities, and emerging trends.

Reporting & Strategy

· Produce weekly reports for internal stakeholders summarising political engagement activities and insights.

· Contribute to quarterly performance updates and strategic reviews.

· Align political engagements with business and philanthropic interests.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

· Quality and impact of political engagements — measured by strategic relevance, seniority of contacts, and outcomes achieved.

· Frequency and effectiveness of stakeholder reporting — including weekly political intelligence updates and quarterly strategic reviews.

· Expansion and diversification of political and stakeholder networks — across parties, regions, and sectors (e.g., civil society, business, academia).

· Timeliness, clarity, and strategic value of political briefings — for internal leadership and external engagements.

· Alignment of political activities with organisational priorities — including business, philanthropic, and reputational goals.

· Stakeholder feedback and relationship strength — gauged through satisfaction, trust indicators, and repeat engagement.

· Execution and follow-through of high-impact events — such as party conferences, private meetings, and strategic dinners.

· Visibility and influence within political circles — evidenced by invitations, media mentions, and policy consultation involvement.

· Support to CEO and senior leadership — in political positioning, messaging, and strategic engagements.

· Crisis response effectiveness — including speed, coordination, and reputational outcomes during sensitive political developments.

Qualifications & Experience

Typical Background & Core Competencies:

· Extensive experience in communications, media, government relations, or public policy.

· Commonly comes from journalism, political communications, or civil service backgrounds.

· Strong and active network across government, think tanks, and media.

Essential Requirements:

· Minimum of 5 years of substantive political experience — within Parliament, a political party, or senior-level public affairs (or similar).

· Direct experience working with senior political stakeholders.

· Active network across at least two major UK political parties.

· Deep understanding of parliamentary procedures, party operations, and political sensitivities.

· Proven ability to manage discreet, high-trust relationships and exert influence with tact.

· Strong drafting skills for political briefings and correspondence; politically literate communicator.

· Highly organised, dependable, and capable of managing competing priorities under pressure.

· Experience supporting senior executives or principals in political or stakeholder-facing roles.

· Familiarity with political fundraising environments and donor engagement strategies.

· Degree in Politics, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field.

· Experience working across devolved administrations and regional political structures.