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, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a team that values strategic thinking and impactful engagement.
- 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 43200 - 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 Ipswich 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 ensures that team members have ample opportunities for growth, while our strategic location allows for direct engagement with key political stakeholders, enhancing both personal and organisational influence. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to shaping policy and public perception in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Public Affairs in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, political gatherings, and conferences to meet key players in public affairs. Don’t be shy—introduce yourself and make those connections that could lead to your next big opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent activities. Show off your knowledge about their public image and how you can enhance it. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with media relations and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings or interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you on their radar and shows your professionalism. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Director of Public Affairs role. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Make sure your application stands out by showcasing your political savvy and strategic thinking!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Public Affairs in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Public Affairs role. Highlight your political network and any relevant experience in communications or public policy.
Showcase Your Network:We want to see your connections! Mention any relationships you have with key political figures or organisations. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate the political landscape effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while showcasing your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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 events will show your deep familiarity with the environment and demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Network
Be prepared to talk about your existing relationships with political stakeholders. Highlight specific examples of how you've cultivated these connections and how they could benefit the organisation. This will illustrate your ability to leverage your network effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would approach developing integrated communication strategies for the organisation. Be ready to share your ideas on aligning messaging across various platforms and stakeholders, showcasing your strategic mindset and operational capabilities.
✨Prepare for Crisis Scenarios
Anticipate questions about crisis management and reputation protection. Have a few examples ready that demonstrate your experience in handling sensitive situations and how you successfully navigated them, as this is crucial for the role.
