At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the organisation's public image and influence policy through strategic communications.
- Company: Purpose-driven organisation focused on impactful public affairs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to engage with key political figures.
- Other info: Dynamic role with high-level engagement and career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public policy and build influential relationships.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in political communications or public policy with strong networks.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 € per year.
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.
Director of Public Affairs in Exeter employer: Adam Management Holdings
As a purpose-driven organisation, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to make a meaningful impact in public affairs. Our commitment to professional development is evident through tailored growth opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and strategic thinking. Located in the heart of political activity, our team enjoys unique access to key stakeholders and events, enhancing both personal and professional networks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Public Affairs in Exeter
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and start building connections! Attend political events, engage with stakeholders, and don’t shy away from introducing yourself to key figures. Remember, it’s all about who you know, so make those relationships count!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet potential employers or stakeholders, be ready to share your insights on current political trends and how they relate to the organisation's goals. This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also position you as a valuable asset.
✨Be Prepared for Conversations
Always have a few talking points ready about the organisation and its mission. This way, when you’re in a conversation, you can seamlessly weave in how your skills and experience align with their needs. Preparation is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by the hiring team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Public Affairs in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Network:Highlight your connections within political circles and any experience you have with key stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know about your existing relationships and how they could benefit our organisation.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your political insights and strategies. Make sure your key messages shine through without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adam Management Holdings
✨Know Your Political Landscape
Before the interview, brush up on the current political climate and key players in Westminster and devolved administrations. Being able to discuss recent legislation or political developments will show your deep familiarity with the environment and impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Network
Be prepared to talk about your existing relationships with ministers, MPs, and other political figures. Highlight specific examples of how these connections have helped you achieve strategic goals in the past. This demonstrates not only your network but also your ability to leverage it effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would develop and implement a comprehensive political engagement strategy for the organisation. Be ready to share your ideas on messaging, positioning, and how to enhance credibility. This will showcase your strategic mindset and alignment with the organisation's objectives.
✨Prepare for Crisis Management Scenarios
Anticipate questions about how you would handle potential crises or controversies. Prepare examples from your past experience where you successfully managed a reputation issue. This will highlight your judgement and ability to protect the organisation’s image under pressure.
