Head of Public Affairs

This is an industry-facing role, helping to lead PRCA’s work with Government stakeholders, manage campaigns and promote ethics across the public affairs sector. The Head of Public Affairs leads on all public policy, government relations and research initiatives, developing and managing all public affairs and policy communications. This person works with the Public Affairs Board to promote standards and progress workstreams. They are also responsible for ensuring the Public Affairs Register is updated quarterly to provide complete transparency.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement the PRCA’s public affairs strategy, delivered through campaigns, engagement and issues raising.
• Manage budgets and commission services to support activity and achieve strategic objectives.
• Leverage understanding of government and networks to position the organisation as a thought leader; identifying opportunities for influence through high-level roundtables, seminars and party conference fringe events.
• Targeted engagement of UK and international government stakeholders (e.g. Government Departments).
• Act as Secretariat to the Public Affairs Board (PAB) – developing workstreams and collaborating with PAB members to promote a wider understanding of public affairs and the contribution it makes to public life.
• Implement the PRCA’s strategic priorities.
• Oversee the monitoring of Parliament, stakeholders, and other policy developments, updating key members of staff and the PAB.
• Work with the membership team to ensure public affairs and policy work is promoted to members, including writing content for journals and other membership publications.
• Prepare the CEO and Board members and other senior staff for external events, this could include preparing briefings, speeches and presentations.
• Represent the PRCA externally at trade bodies and regulatory forums to influence direction and scope of future change for the sector in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Any other reasonable duties and responsibilities considered appropriate by the management of the Company.

QUALIFICATIONS AND / OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Extensive experience in public affairs and public policy at a national level and good understanding of the workings of Parliament/Government.
• Strong background in public affairs and government relations and an interest in current affairs.
• Experience in media relations and the production of draft reports and consultation responses.
• Knowledge and demonstrable experience of developing, delivering and evaluating evidence-based campaigns.
• Proven experience with a successful track record of dealing with key influencers from other organisations.
• Ability to build relationships and rapport.
• Works collaboratively with senior colleagues and internal/external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Political awareness and a demonstrable ability to recognise, influence and manage the communications and public relations consequences of sensitive issues.
• Ability to understand and analyse basic statistical information.
• Able to prioritise work and work to tight deadlines.

The PRCA is an equal opportunities employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, gender, age, disability, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. We are passionate about equality for applicants, employees and contractors, and work hard to ensure none are disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.