At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy and public affairs for a key charity in the UK screen industries.
- Company: Join ScreenSkills, a dynamic charity focused on skills development in the creative sector.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, inclusive culture, and the chance to shape industry policy.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of the UK's screen workforce.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK policy making and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
We are delighted to have partnered with ScreenSkills, the industry‑led charity supporting skills development across the UK screen industries. Working at the intersection of policy, industry and education, ScreenSkills plays a critical role in ensuring the workforce needed to sustain and grow the UK's screen sector both now and in the future.
We are seeking an experienced Head of Policy & Public Affairs to join the organisation on a 12‑month fixed‑term basis, providing maternity cover during a dynamic and developmental period for the organisation.
The role involves:
- Leading ScreenSkills' policy and public affairs programme, shaping and representing its policy positions across government, Parliament and industry stakeholders.
- Leading the delivery of ScreenSkills' policy work programme, aligned to organisational priorities and sector needs.
- Drafting and overseeing high‑quality report development, consultation responses, briefings and submissions.
- Building and maintaining relationships across Whitehall and Westminster, particularly with DCMS and DWP.
- Expanding ScreenSkills' public affairs activity, using research outputs to drive engagement and influence.
- Representing the organisation at meetings, committees, external events and conferences.
- Integrating policy, research and public affairs activity to ensure clear, consistent messaging.
- Line managing the Senior Researcher and a Strategic Skills Partnership Lead.
This role combines strategic policy leadership with hands‑on delivery and external engagement.
About you:
You will bring a strong grounding in UK policy making, with experience influencing outcomes in a unique stakeholder environment. You will be required to demonstrate:
- Proven experience delivering policy projects end‑to‑end, often at pace.
- Strong written capability, including consultation responses and policy briefings.
- Confidence engaging senior stakeholders across government, Parliament and industry.
- An interest in skills policy and workforce development (experience or knowledge of the Growth and Skills Levy is advantageous).
- A collaborative, proactive and confident approach to public affairs engagement.
Direct experience of the screen or creative industries is not essential but highly beneficial.
You will join a supportive, inclusive and collaborative team, working on a hybrid basis from their beautiful London office. Application deadline is 23:59, Thursday 30th April. No cover letter required, but please ensure all relevant experience is highlighted on your CV. Full UK right to work required. Sponsorship not available.
Murray McIntosh is proud to be an equal opportunities employer on behalf of their clients. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.
Head of Policy and Public Affairs (12 month FTC) employer: Murray McIntosh
ScreenSkills is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of the UK's screen industries through impactful policy and public affairs work. With a supportive and inclusive culture, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities and the chance to engage with key stakeholders in government and industry, all while working in a beautiful London office that promotes collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy and Public Affairs (12 month FTC)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Show Up Prepared
When you land an interview, do your homework! Know the ins and outs of ScreenSkills and its role in the screen sector. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Be Ready to Share Your Ideas
During interviews or networking chats, don’t just talk about your experience—share your thoughts on policy and public affairs in the creative industries. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and bring fresh ideas to the table!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that role! Highlight your relevant experience clearly on your CV, and remember, no cover letter is needed, so keep it simple and focused.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy and Public Affairs (12 month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to showcase your relevant experience clearly on your CV. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, especially in policy and public affairs.
Be Concise and Clear:When detailing your achievements, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about what you've accomplished.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV for this specific role. We’re looking for skills and experiences that match the job description, so make sure to align your application with our needs.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Murray McIntosh
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in current UK policy, especially around skills development and the screen industries. Brush up on recent legislation and initiatives that impact ScreenSkills, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders in the past. Think about specific instances where you influenced outcomes or built relationships, particularly in a policy context. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate the unique stakeholder environment.
✨Demonstrate Strong Written Communication
Since the role involves drafting reports and consultation responses, be ready to discuss your writing experience. Bring along samples of your work if possible, and be prepared to explain your approach to creating clear, impactful policy documents.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific policy challenges or public affairs scenarios. Think through potential issues in the screen sector and how you would address them, showcasing your strategic thinking and proactive approach.
