Job description
Job Title: Director of Policy & Public Affairs (Maternity Cover)
Salary: Competitive
Start date: Mid to late October 2024
Term: 12-month contract terminable on 1 months’ notice
Location: Central London (with some home working)
To apply, please email a cover letter and CV to mail@publishers.org.uk by Wednesday 24th July.
Background
The Publishers Association is looking to appoint a Director of Policy & Public Affairs to cover a period of maternity leave from late October 2024.
The role of Director of Policy & Public Affairs at the Publishers Association is one of the largest and most influential of its kind in the publishing and wider creative industries.
It will be an exciting and critical time to lead policy and public affairs at the Publishers Association, as the organisation continues its engagement with, and advocacy to, the new government on behalf of its members. Being proactive and energetic about promoting and protecting publishing through political stakeholder engagement and policy development is vital.
The Director of Policy & Public Affairs reports directly to the Chief Executive, Dan Conway, and regularly engages with the Publishers Association’s President, officers, and other members of the Publishers Association’s Council.
The role has direct line management responsibility for senior members of staff and significant resource at their disposal. Its remit is wide and important, and covers all the industry’s component markets, policy issues, and emerging legislative and regulatory threats and opportunities.
The role works very closely with the communications and legal teams in a highly collaborative way.
Other information
This role is based at the Publishers Association’s office in London Bridge. There is a minimum of two days a week in the office on the core days of Monday and Wednesday but, given the member and political engagement inherent to this role, the successful candidate is likely to spend more time in the office and at external meetings and events. Travel in the UK and to Europe may be required.
Purpose of the role
The Director of Policy & Public Affairs is responsible for leading the policy and public affairs strategy for the Publishers Association, and for managing relevant budgets and related staff. The role reports into the Chief Executive and is a member of the senior management team setting strategic direction for the association.
Key responsibilities
- Work as the organisation’s public affairs spokesperson, engaging with political and regulatory audiences, including engagement with the new government
- Lead the industry’s policy and political positioning, responding to government consultations and inquiries
- Play a leading role as part of the senior management team setting strategic direction for the organisation
- Build on our network of other trade associations, industry partners, non-profit groups and others to support policies that will help create/maintain a favourable publishing business climate
- Manage the public affairs and policy team with a number of direct reports
- Direct and oversee the development and implementation of campaigns of strategic importance to our members
- Provide strategic advice and intelligence to members on political and policy issues and oversee communication of these to members
Person Specification
Essential
- Has an excellent intellect which can be used to bear on the complex policy issues associated with publishing
- Exceptional communication skills (written and oral), adept at working with the media, members and political audiences to further the organisation’s interests
- Sound judgement and political acumen;
- Experience of operating at a senior level in a policy, public affairs, or political role
- Line management experience
- Energy, enthusiasm and commitment
Desirable
- Demonstrable track-record in project management
- Empathy for the UK publishing sector and a belief in value of the creative industries
About us
The Publishers Association is the member organisation for UK publishing, representing companies of all sizes and specialisms. Our members produce digital and print books, research journals and educational resources across genres and subjects. We exist to champion publishing to the wider world and provide our members with everything they need to thrive.