Director of Public Affairs at the ABTA

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Director of Public Affairs to enhance its reputation with key stakeholders. This role involves developing public affairs objectives, leading campaigns on policy issues, and acting as a spokesperson for the organization. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in corporate affairs, media relations, and political outreach, coupled with strong management skills. Join a collaborative team dedicated to supporting the UK travel industry and making a meaningful impact on policy initiatives.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in corporate or public affairs roles.
• Experience with Westminster, Whitehall, and EU politics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead ABTA’s public affairs objectives in the UK and Europe.
• Manage the public affairs team for effective issue responses.

Skills

Corporate Affairs Experience

Media Relations

Political Outreach

Public Speaking

General Management

Job description

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Director of Public Affairs at the ABTA, Central London

Client: Ellwood Atfield

Location: Central London, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 1ed9b8d54234

Job Views: 12

Posted: 29.04.2025

Expiry Date: 13.06.2025

Job Description:

ABTA is the UK’s leading travel association, representing travel agents and tour operators that sell £32 billion of holidays and other travel arrangements each year.

ABTA’s mission is to enable consumers to travel with confidence by supporting the growth of a strong UK travel industry and acting as an emblem of trust and quality. A trusted travel brand for more than 65 years, their support of high standards is an excellent basis to engage and inform the political and policy environment.

ABTA has three values: be trusted; be there; be ambitious. These are integral to how the senior management team work with their colleagues in implementing the annual business plan, from initial planning through to delivery. Their approach is very collaborative. ABTA’s success and expertise depend on the expertise and ambition of its people.

“Public affairs at ABTA takes place in the context of a very operationally engaged organisation, one that is in the flow of world events in an industry whose customers are affected every day.” - Mark Tanzer, CEO, ABTA

The position

Reporting directly to the CEO and as a member of the senior management team, you will have the authority and the team to drive ABTA’s agenda and to further enhance the industry’s reputation with policy makers, civil servants, politicians, and other key stakeholders.

Main responsibilities include:

• Develop and lead ABTA’s public affairs objectives in the UK and Europe.
• Lead the response to key policy initiatives from government and elsewhere on behalf of the travel trade generally and ABTA in particular.
• Horizon scan the political environment and identify strategic issues confronting the industry and ABTA members.
• Build and lead campaigns on policy issues affecting ABTA Members.
• Review all major developments within the sector likely to affect ABTA members, in conjunction with the Senior Management Team.
• Act as a spokesperson for ABTA and the industry when required.
• Manage the public affairs team to ensure effective responses to issues.

Required skills and experience include:

• Significant experience in a corporate or public affairs role, including media relations, political outreach, and public speaking.
• Experience with Westminster, Whitehall, devolved administrations, and EU politics and processes.
• General management experience including planning, budget management, and personnel management.