Head of Public Affairs
Department: Policy
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: London
Compensation: £45,000 - £65,000 / year
Description
techUK Overview
techUK is the trade association which brings together people, companies and organisations to realise the positive outcomes of what digital technology can achieve. With over 1100 members (the majority of which are SMEs) across the UK, techUK creates a network for innovation and collaboration across business, government and stakeholders to provide a better future for people, society, the economy and the planet. By providing expertise and insight, we support our members, partners and stakeholders as they prepare the UK for what comes next in a constantly changing world.
Background
The relationship between technology and politics has never mattered more. As government shapes the rules that will determine how AI develops, how data flows and how digital infrastructure gets built, the tech sector needs a voice that is heard - clearly, consistently and at the right moment.
Role Purpose
To lead techUK's political and parliamentary engagement, building the relationships and influence needed to ensure the tech sector's priorities shape policy at every stage of the legislative process.
Key Responsibilities
Relationship building
- Build and maintain strong relationships with political and parliamentary figures, including the key political parties, Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff.
- Support colleagues with engaging government figures, particularly where established relationships already exist.
- Act as an established point of contact for the organisation when working with politicians and political stakeholders.
Monitoring and analysis
- Oversee the tracking of legislative and parliamentary developments by the Public Affairs team to understand their impact.
- Work with programme teams to establish and deliver engagement programmes that represent members and their asks.
Strategic advice and advocacy
- Support colleagues across the wider organisation with how best to engage with political and parliamentary figures.
- Advising on how best to address policy challenges in Parliament, working closely with Policy team colleagues to identify, establish and execute engagement plans around particular issues.
- Represent techUK with political and parliamentary stakeholders, acting as a spokesperson for techUK’s messages and wider policymaking engagement.
- Leverage Parliamentary relationships to ensure techUK is relevant and influential with political stakeholders.
Events and engagement programmes
- Oversee the delivery of key political and parliamentary engagement plans, including but not limited to the Party Conference programme and Westminster Drinks Receptions.
- Ensure the wider Public Affairs team is able to deliver on the logistics of these events programmes.
Collaboration and leadership
- Work across the wider organisation and programme teams to ensure outreach to Parliament and the key political parties is reflective of techUK’s wider strategic aims.
- Provide line management and development support to the Public Affairs team.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Core Competencies
- Communicating and influencing
- Developing and managing collaborative relationships
- Problem solving
- Planning and organising
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Performance management
- Business development
Essential Knowledge and Experience
- Significant experience in public affairs, political engagement or parliamentary relations.
- Demonstrable track record of building and managing relationships with politicians, parliamentary staff and political parties.
- Strong understanding of UK Parliamentary processes, the legislative landscape and political dynamics.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex policy issues into clear messages for a political audience.
- Ability to work collaboratively across a matrix organisation and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Strong judgement and the ability to act as a trusted adviser to senior colleagues.
Desired Knowledge and Experience
- Knowledge of the technology sector and the policy issues affecting it.
- Experience of managing party conference programmes or major parliamentary events.
- Existing network across the main political parties and Parliament.
Additional Information
This is a full time role based out of techUK’s London offices, however techUK operates a flexible working policy.
This role profile is a guide to the work that is required but does not form part of any contract of employment and may change from time to time to reflect changing circumstances.
The successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK prior to the commencement of employment.
The salary range for this role is £45,000-£65,000 per annum based upon experience plus discretionary bonus and comprehensive benefits.
To apply for this role, please click below on the 'Apply Now' button.
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