Head of Public Affairs, Media and Digital Communications

IRIS Recruitment; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 71,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in Cardiff is seeking a Head of Public Affairs, Media, and Digital Communications to influence decision makers and strengthen the voice of working people across Wales. Candidates should have experience with trade unions or public affairs, exceptional communication skills, and political judgement. This role involves leading a team and developing strategic outputs across various media. A commitment to equality and diversity is essential, and applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.

Benefits

Final salary pension scheme

Good benefits package

Qualifications

• Experience in public affairs or political institutions.
• Strong understanding of trade union values and structures.
• Ability to work in a bilingual (Welsh/English) environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a communications team.
• Shape work to influence decision makers.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of political and communications activities.

Skills

Organisational skills

Excellent written communication

Digital communication skills

Verbal communication skills

Political judgement

Analytical skills

Job description

Head of Public Affairs, Media and Digital Communications

Head of Public Affairs, Media and Digital Communications

Cardiff

GBP71,816 pa rising incrementally to GBP73,207 pa

Fixed term contract until March 2028

Full time 35 hours per week (happy to discuss flexible working)

Our client is looking for an experienced and politically astute Head of Public Affairs, Media and Digital Communications to help shape their work, influence decision makers and strengthen the voice of working people across Wales.

Do you have experience in working in or with trade unions, political institutions, political parties or public affairs organisations, with a strong understanding of how political decisions are made?

Can you lead and develop a communications team, delivering high quality, timely and strategic outputs across press, digital and social media?

Do you have strong analytical skills and political judgement, with the confidence and ability to respond quickly to fast moving events and changing contexts?

Do you have knowledge and understanding of current key issues in Wales and the UK more broadly around employment, the economy, society, trade unionism and politics– and can you apply this insight into communications and public affairs work?

In this role you ll be working with unions and other organisations to deliver their priorities and will take the lead on building and maintaining effective relationships with elected representatives, advisors and civil servants across pollical parties. As well as having excellent interpersonal skills, the successful candidate will also need to demonstrate they can operate confidently in a political environment, influence decision makers and represent our client with authority. You ll also work closely with the General Secretary and senior leadership team to align political engagement with communications strategy, ensuring the organisation's voice is clear, consistent and influential.

You will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the impact of political and communications activity, using insight and data to refine and strengthen their work.

They re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

A strong personal commitment to equality and diversity and the aims and values of our client

• Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills
• The ability to act as a confident spokesperson, with outstanding written, digital and verbal communication skills.
• An understanding of trade union values, campaigns and structures
• The ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, unions and partner organisations
• Experience working in a bilingual (Welsh/English) communications environment

Our client is particularly keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BME) applicants who are underrepresented in this part of the organisation but also welcome applications from any candidate.

The closing date for completed applications for this post is 12 noon on Wednesday 11 February 2026. First round interviews will be held on Thursday 19 February 2026 with second round interviews scheduled for Wednesday 4 March 2026.

First round interviews will be conducted in person at their Cardiff office. Second round interviews will be conducted in person at their London office.

Staff enjoy a good benefits package including final salary pension scheme and other benefits.