Head of UK & Ireland Public Policy in London
Head of UK & Ireland Public Policy

Head of UK & Ireland Public Policy in London

London Full-Time 70000 - 90000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Etsy, Inc.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead public policy and advocacy for Etsy in the UK & Ireland, amplifying seller voices.
  • Company: Join Etsy, a vibrant platform empowering creative entrepreneurs worldwide.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, equity package, performance bonus, and family-friendly benefits.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for travel and collaboration across Europe.
  • Why this job: Shape impactful policies that support micro-businesses and drive change in e-commerce.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in public policy with strong storytelling and advocacy skills.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 ÂŁ per year.

We are seeking an experienced public policy leader to head Etsy’s UK & Ireland public policy and advocacy work. This role will shape and advance policy priorities in one of Etsy’s most important and dynamic regions, while also supporting our broader European efforts.

This role will require occasional travel within the UK and Ireland, as well as periodic travel to Brussels, New York, and other European hubs.

As the Head of UK & Ireland Public Policy, you will advance policies that increase economic security and reduce administrative burdens for the creative entrepreneurs who power our marketplace. A core part of this role is elevating the voices of Etsy sellers — ensuring their experiences and perspectives directly inform policymaking and public debate.

You will position Etsy as a credible and human‑centered voice on issues impacting micro‑businesses, e‑commerce, trade, and technology policy. This includes translating complex policy issues into compelling narratives and bringing seller stories to life in ways that resonate with policymakers across the UK and Ireland, while supporting alignment with EU developments and contributing to our broader policy engagement in Brussels.

This is a full‑time position reporting to the Senior Director of Public Policy. In addition to salary, you will also be eligible for an equity package, an annual performance bonus, and a competitive benefits package that supports you and your family as part of your total rewards package at Etsy.

Etsy offers different work modes to meet the variety of needs and preferences of our team.

Etsy’s Public Policy & Advocacy team leads global efforts to advance policies that empower creative entrepreneurs, reduce barriers for micro‑businesses, and ensure our community’s voice is heard by policymakers. We connect policymakers directly with Etsy sellers — amplifying their voices through storytelling, campaigns, and direct engagement — and advocate for policies that support our community and marketplaces. We partner closely across Legal, Comms, Product, Impact, Marketing, and Trust & Safety to deliver coordinated, high‑impact work.

What does the day‑to‑day look like?

  • Lead Etsy’s public policy and advocacy strategy in the UK & Ireland, with a strong focus on seller‑centered advocacy
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with policymakers, regulators, and key external stakeholders
  • Design and execute advocacy campaigns that elevate Etsy sellers’ voices, including connecting policymakers directly with our community
  • Identify and develop compelling seller stories that illustrate the real‑world impact of policy decisions
  • Represent Etsy — and our seller community — in meetings, events, and public forums
  • Track and analyze policy developments (UK, Ireland, and relevant EU initiatives), advising internal teams on risks and opportunities
  • Develop and advocate for Etsy’s policy positions across issues including platform regulation, product safety, intellectual property, privacy, competition, tax, sustainability, and trade
  • Partner closely with Comms and Impact teams to translate policy priorities into clear, human, and persuasive narratives
  • Drive consultation responses, coalition engagement, and external partnerships to advance Etsy’s priorities
  • Manage external consultants, trade associations, and advocacy partners where appropriate
  • Contribute to broader European policy efforts, including coordination with EU‑based colleagues and supporting engagement in Brussels
  • Support senior leadership engagement with policymakers by acting as the principal in‑market lead, guiding engagement strategy, managing key relationships, and preparing materials grounded in seller impact

Of course, this is just a sample of the kinds of work this role will require! You should assume that your role will encompass other tasks, too, and that your job duties and responsibilities may change from time to time at Etsy’s discretion, or otherwise applicable with local law.

Qualities that will help you thrive in this role:

  • 8+ years of experience in public policy, government, or advocacy
  • Strong understanding of the UK (and ideally Irish) policy landscape; EU/Brussels experience is a strong plus
  • Experience developing and executing advocacy campaigns that incorporate storytelling and grassroots or community engagement
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling narratives
  • Experience engaging directly with policymakers and influencing policy outcomes
  • Familiarity with key policy issues including platform regulation, intellectual property, product safety, privacy, competition, tax, sustainability, and trade (including cross‑border e‑commerce)
  • Strong judgment and ability to navigate complex, fast‑moving policy environments
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Highly organized, self‑directed, and comfortable leading initiatives from conception to execution
  • Collaborative mindset and experience working across global, cross‑functional teams
  • Passion for Etsy’s mission and empowering creative entrepreneurs to advocate for themselves

Head of UK & Ireland Public Policy in London employer: Etsy, Inc.

Etsy is an exceptional employer that champions the voices of creative entrepreneurs through its dynamic Public Policy & Advocacy team. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a competitive benefits package including equity options and performance bonuses, and a flexible work environment tailored to individual needs, Etsy fosters a collaborative culture where your contributions directly impact policy shaping in the UK and Ireland. Join us in making a meaningful difference while enjoying the unique opportunity to connect with policymakers and elevate the stories of our vibrant seller community.
Etsy, Inc.

Contact Detail:

Etsy, Inc. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of UK & Ireland Public Policy in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public policy space. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your storytelling skills! When you’re chatting with potential employers or at networking events, share compelling stories about your past experiences in public policy. This will not only highlight your expertise but also demonstrate your ability to translate complex issues into relatable narratives.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on policy trends! Keep an eye on the latest developments in UK and Irish public policy, especially those affecting micro-businesses and e-commerce. Being well-informed will help you engage in meaningful conversations and position yourself as a knowledgeable candidate.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who resonate with Etsy’s mission. Make sure to submit your application directly on our site, and don’t forget to tailor your approach to reflect how you can elevate the voices of our sellers in the public policy arena.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of UK & Ireland Public Policy in London

Public Policy Expertise
Advocacy Campaign Development
Storytelling
Stakeholder Engagement
Policy Analysis
Relationship Management
Communication Skills
Understanding of UK and Irish Policy Landscape
Experience with EU Policy
Project Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Strategic Thinking
Self-Direction
Organisational Skills
Passion for Creative Entrepreneurship

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of UK & Ireland Public Policy role. Highlight your experience in public policy and advocacy, especially any work that connects with Etsy's mission of empowering creative entrepreneurs.

Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: Since this role involves translating complex policy issues into compelling narratives, include examples in your application where you've successfully communicated intricate ideas. We want to see how you can bring seller stories to life!

Demonstrate Your Network: Mention any relationships you've built with policymakers or stakeholders in your application. This will show us that you have the ability to navigate the policy landscape effectively and advocate for our community.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Etsy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Etsy, Inc.

✨Know Your Policy Landscape

Before the interview, dive deep into the UK and Ireland's public policy landscape. Familiarise yourself with current issues affecting micro-businesses and e-commerce. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding Etsy's mission.

✨Craft Compelling Seller Stories

Think about how you can translate complex policy issues into relatable narratives. Prepare examples of seller stories that highlight the impact of policy decisions. This will showcase your ability to connect with policymakers and advocate effectively for Etsy's community.

✨Build Relationships in Mind

During the interview, emphasise your experience in building trusted relationships with policymakers and stakeholders. Share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with external partners in the past, as this role heavily relies on collaboration and trust.

✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills

Be ready to discuss your experience in designing and executing advocacy campaigns. Highlight any grassroots or community engagement initiatives you've led, as well as how you measured their success. This will illustrate your hands-on approach and strategic thinking in public policy.

Head of UK & Ireland Public Policy in London
Etsy, Inc.
Location: London

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