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, supportive team culture, and opportunity to influence industry policy.
- Other info: Inclusive 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 required.
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
- Reporting to the CEO, you will lead 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.
Additional Information & How to Apply
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.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Policy, public affairs, education, skills, training, employment, creative industries, screen industries.
Head of Policy and Public Affairs (12 month FTC) in London employer: Murray McIntosh
ScreenSkills is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to influence the future of the UK's screen industries through policy and public affairs. With a supportive and inclusive work culture, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities while working in a beautiful London office on a hybrid basis. Join a dynamic team dedicated to skills development and make a meaningful impact in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy and Public Affairs (12 month FTC) in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at ScreenSkills or similar organisations. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in policy-making and public affairs. Share specific examples of how you've influenced outcomes in previous roles. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Understand ScreenSkills' mission and current projects, and think about how your skills align with their needs. Prepare some thoughtful questions to show you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really keen on the opportunity. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy and Public Affairs (12 month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to showcase your relevant experience in policy and public affairs clearly on your CV. We want to see how you've influenced outcomes and delivered projects, so don't hold back!
Be Concise and Clear:When detailing your skills and experiences, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so use bullet points where possible to make your CV easy to read and impactful.
Tailor Your Application:Customise your CV to align with the job description. We’re looking for specific skills and experiences, so make sure you highlight those that match what we’re after!
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 this exciting opportunity.
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 government or industry context. This will demonstrate your capability to navigate the unique stakeholder environment.
✨Demonstrate Strong Written Communication
Since the role involves drafting reports and briefings, be ready to discuss your writing experience. Bring along samples if possible, and be prepared to talk about your approach to creating clear, impactful documents that resonate with various audiences.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific policy challenges or public affairs scenarios. Think through potential issues ScreenSkills might face and how you would address them. This will showcase your strategic thinking and proactive approach to problem-solving.
