Public Affairs Consultant

Public Affairs Consultant

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
Milltown Partners

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape public affairs strategies and drive impactful communication for tech clients.
  • Company: Join Milltown Partners, a global advisory firm with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in tech policy while collaborating with industry leaders.
  • Qualifications: 4+ years in public affairs, strong strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Overview

Milltown Partners is a global advisory firm working with influential organisations and individuals on the public policy and communications challenges that define their reputations.

We are looking for our next public affairs advisor who brings at least 4 years of advisory experience, knowledge of the UK policy and political landscape that governs technology companies’ decision-making and is looking for their next exciting opportunity.

The Consultant Role

Consultants are the driving force behind our work. They are trusted advisors who are able to shift the reputation of our clients, in line with developed and agreed strategy and priorities. They apply their knowledge and insights to commercial challenges, and will help Milltown Partners continue to innovate in the space of tech policy. They drive work across the whole team in a way that makes the most of everyone’s skills and experience, supporting more junior colleagues to develop and collaborating with Directors and Partners.

A successful candidate in this role will have the ambition, expertise and network that enables them to provide specialist UK public affairs advice to our technology-centric client base across the UK and European landscape and contribute to the continued growth of our policy and public affairs offer.

Responsibilities

Public affairs strategy: drawing on deep knowledge of channels and audiences to identify how best to position clients and tell their story to policymakers

  • Working with client team leads to develop and set the strategy and priorities for client work
  • Creating integrated public affairs plans to guide the execution of the agreed strategy
  • Applying an understanding of how to deliver client objectives using strategies and tactics to reach policymakers and stakeholders
  • Designing and interrogating client asks and designing briefs that ensure all advice is underpinned by insights
  • Tailoring the style and content of advice to meet the needs and expectations of individual clients
  • Confidently and transparently discussing AI-enhanced work with clients and explaining value-add
  • Going above and beyond the brief to suggest the most effective solutions

Advising: earning the trust of a variety of clients and providing recommendations that are understood and accepted

  • Advising in a variety of formats (written or verbal) and choosing the most effective format for the client, at the right time
  • Producing compelling written content and driving the execution of significant public affairs moments for clients (e.g. major announcements, executive visits, select committee hearings, ministerial visits and more)
  • Reading a wide breadth of materials, from government consultations to research papers and broader news to understand the issues clients are facing in order to inform our advice
  • Contributing to development of advocacy; advising clients on the policy and politics behind key issues for our tech clients including artificial intelligence, competition, data protection, online safety, and more
  • Using research and AI tools (including Factiva, Meltwater, Claude and Gemini) to conduct insight generation, support complex deliverables and enable innovation

People Management: supporting the wellbeing of the team and encouraging everyone to perform, learn and develop

  • Developing project plans for client teams and ensuring work is delivered in a timely and high quality manner
  • Managing the work of junior colleagues, and supporting their professional development through coaching and mentoring
  • Encouraging continuous learning and development, including the delegation of tasks and the provision of constructive feedback

Contributing to the business: applying knowledge of how the firm and clients generate revenue to improve the quality of our advice and analysis

  • Applying knowledge of the commercial context in which clients operate to ensure our advice furthers their business objectives
  • Understanding how Milltown operates as a business (e.g. team profitability) and beginning to contribute to internal projects
  • Demonstrating restlessness about spotting growth and development opportunities for the business (e.g. finding new ways to help clients, ways to run teams efficiently or share knowledge internally)
  • Using personal interests and/or former experience to contribute to the continued growth of the business, both potential new business opportunities and development opportunities for the team
  • Experimenting with, and implementing AI-powered workflows that improve team efficiency and can be shared more widely

Contributing to a collaborative and inclusive work environment

  • Giving and receiving regular feedback to individuals at all levels in the firm
  • Actively seeking input or assistance from others and reflecting their contributions in the work
  • Demonstrating allyship to all colleagues
  • Supporting the wellbeing of everyone on the team

MUST HAVE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Excellent command of written and verbal English language
  • At least 4 years of advisory experience with a focus on public affairs – ideally in consultancy, Parliament, Government, a regulator, a think tank or a policy team at a technology company
  • Demonstrable ability to take a strategic approach to assessing public affairs challenges and opportunities
  • Understanding of different audiences and channels that make up the political and policy landscape
  • Experience building advisory relationships with different stakeholders in order to deliver strategic counsel and insight
  • Experience developing public affairs strategies and interacting with stakeholders, from officials to parliamentary researchers, and MPs to regulators
  • Experience of project management, including planning and delivering work against agreed goals, timetable and budget.
  • Experience managing a team and pushing work to the appropriate level
  • Intellectual curiosity to develop subject matter expertise in new topics, and share that with colleagues
  • A highly motivated team member who values collaboration and has a desire to seek out feedback in order to learn and develop
  • Commitment to contributing to a supportive and inclusive culture

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

  • Experience with the health industry eg. health tech, pharmaceuticals, healthcare policy
  • Experience advising technology companies, or creating the rules that affect them

WHAT WE OFFER IN RETURN

  • Competitive and fair base salary determined through annual industry benchmarking
  • Discretionary twice-yearly bonuses
  • Professional development opportunities, with access to both expert professional coach and internal training
  • iPhone and Apple MacBook
  • 26 days annual leave, plus English Bank Holidays
  • Private healthcare insurance with Bupa for yourself and children
  • An Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 access to online, phone or face-to-face counselling
  • Annual eye test and annual flu jab
  • ClassPass membership
  • Income Protection insurance
  • Death in Service insurance
  • 3-day week in the office hybrid policy (Monday, Tuesday & Thursdays mandatory)
  • Variety of team events, such as charity socials, external speakers and firm celebrations

ABOUT US

Milltown Partners is a global advisory firm working with influential organisations and individuals on the communications and public policy challenges that define their reputations. We are an Employee Ownership Trust which means that we’re fully independent and will remain so; the people who work here own the company and share in its success. We will continue to do what we\\\’ve always done: take the long view, build a business aligned to our values, invest in our people and their development, and innovate to improve the quality of our advice by combining our deep sector-specific knowledge and research-driven approach.

Our clients are leaders in their field: groundbreaking technology companies and their founders; global businesses and their CEOs; prominent individuals and renowned institutions. We work with them to understand and manage their political, regulatory and policy challenges and opportunities. Technology and innovation are at the heart of our business and problem-solving approach, and we root our strategies in data insights and research on the audiences that matter, messages that work, and communications channels that deliver.

DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION AT MILLTOWN

Creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment is core to our values, culture and success as an employee owned business. We want to empower everyone in the team to share their best thinking and ideas, feel valued and know they are having an impact and belong in the business, regardless of their background, age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability. We have an ambitious DEI programme managed by a global leadership team of volunteers with three global company commitments to: improve representation of minority groups, enhance everyone\’s sense of inclusion and support underrepresented communities through pro bono work. Underpinning these commitments is a focus on what it means to have a DEI culture and how to measure that in our approach to growth, attracting talent and the impact of our work for clients.

Seniority level

  • Not Applicable

Employment type

  • Full-time

Job function

  • Public Relations and Consulting

Industries

  • Public Relations and Communications Services and Government Relations Services

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Public Affairs Consultant employer: Milltown Partners

Milltown Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including private healthcare and generous leave, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, we empower our team to excel in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the public affairs landscape. Our unique Employee Ownership Trust structure ensures that every team member shares in the success of the firm, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging.
Milltown Partners

Contact Detail:

Milltown Partners Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Consultant

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the public affairs scene! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about who you know, and building those relationships can open doors to opportunities.

✨Show Off Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your knowledge of the UK policy landscape and tech industry. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past – this will show them you’re the real deal!

✨Tailor Your Approach

Every company is different, so do your homework! Understand Milltown Partners’ values and how they operate. When you apply, make sure your conversations reflect their mission and how you can contribute to their goals. This personal touch can really set you apart.

✨Follow Up and Stay Engaged

After any interaction, whether it’s an interview or a networking event, don’t forget to follow up! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Plus, staying engaged shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar.

We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Consultant

Advisory Experience
Knowledge of UK Policy and Political Landscape
Public Affairs Strategy Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Project Management
Team Management
Written and Verbal Communication
Strategic Thinking
Research and Insight Generation
Collaboration
Adaptability
Intellectual Curiosity
Experience with AI Tools
Understanding of Technology Sector

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public affairs, especially in the tech sector. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Writing Skills: As a Public Affairs Consultant, strong written communication is key. Include examples of compelling written content you've produced in the past, whether it's reports, briefs, or strategic plans. This will help us see your ability to craft messages that resonate with different audiences.

Demonstrate Your Knowledge: We’re looking for someone who understands the UK policy landscape, especially around technology. Use your application to demonstrate your insights into current issues and how they impact our clients. This shows us you’re not just applying for a job, but you’re genuinely interested in the field.

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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Milltown Partners and what we stand for!

How to prepare for a job interview at Milltown Partners

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the UK policy and political landscape, especially as it relates to technology companies. Familiarise yourself with recent developments and key players in the field. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Showcase Your Advisory Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past advisory roles that highlight your strategic thinking and ability to manage client relationships. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated public affairs challenges and what impact your advice had on clients' reputations.

✨Tailor Your Communication Style

Since the role involves advising a variety of clients, practice adapting your communication style to different audiences. Think about how you can present complex information clearly and concisely, whether in writing or verbally. This will demonstrate your versatility and understanding of client needs.

✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

Milltown Partners values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you've supported junior colleagues and contributed to a collaborative environment in previous roles. Share examples of how you've mentored others or worked effectively within a team to achieve common goals.

Public Affairs Consultant
Milltown Partners
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>