Head of Policy, Media and External Affairs

Overview

Base pay range is provided by DiverseJobsMatter. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Salary: £79,937 – £84,144 per annum (dependent on experience)

Location: Hybrid (London, with 1–2 days per week office attendance)

Contract: Permanent, full-time

Role: Head of Policy, Media and External Affairs

Our client is seeking a Head of Policy, Media and External Affairs to lead its external engagement strategy. This high-impact leadership role involves shaping public policy, managing media relations, and building influential partnerships with government, regulators, industry leaders, and wider stakeholders. The successful candidate will ensure the organisation’s voice is represented in public debates, recognised across media platforms, and embedded in strategic conversations that directly impact members and learners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the organisation’s policy strategy in alignment with corporate goals.
• Monitor and analyse public policy, legislation, and regulatory developments.
• Represent the organisation in government consultations, industry forums, and stakeholder engagements.
• Lead media strategy to enhance public profile and reputation.
• Build and manage relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers.
• Act as a spokesperson on matters relating to policy and external affairs.
• Oversee stakeholder engagement strategy and thought leadership initiatives.
• Lead and develop the Public Affairs, Media, and External Affairs team.
• Manage budgets and resources to maximise efficiency and impact.

Candidate Profile / Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience with a track record of managing high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of parliamentary processes and media engagement frameworks.
• Demonstrable success in public affairs and media roles, raising organisational profile.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills across varied audiences.
• Strategic stakeholder management and partnership development expertise.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Knowledge of awarding and membership bodies and the education sector is desirable.
• Degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent professional experience.
• Hybrid working (1–2 days per week in London office) with further flexible options available.
• 25 days’ annual leave (increasing by one day per year up to 30 days) plus bank holidays.
• Pension scheme, life assurance, and critical illness cover.
• Health cash plan.
• Enhanced maternity and shared parental leave (up to six months’ full pay, dependent on service).
• Wellbeing initiatives and Cycle-to-Work scheme.

Closing Date: 22 September 2025 at 17:00 (role may close earlier if sufficient applications are received).

Additional Information

Our client is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Recruitment decisions will be based on skills and experience.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Management, Marketing, and Public Relations
• Industries: Financial Services, Advertising Services, and Business Consulting and Services

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