Head of Public Affairs

Spencer Recruitment; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Spencer Recruitment is partnering with a leading representative body to appoint a Head of Policy and Public Affairs in Dublin. This senior leadership role requires strategic thinking, political judgement and commercial awareness to shape the organisation’s policy agenda and strengthen influence with government and regulators.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will engage with CEOs, regulators and senior stakeholders, lead research and drafting, and deliver persuasive policy positions

Qualifications

• At least 6 years' experience in public affairs, policy, or corporate affairs.
• Strong understanding of the Irish political and legislative environment.
• Proven track record influencing policy and engaging senior decision-makers.
• Experience working with senior executives, government departments, regulators or equivalents.
• Excellent writing, analytical and presentation skills.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of how regulation impacts business.
• Credibility to engage confidently with CEOs and senior industry leaders.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the organisation’s policy and public affairs strategy.
• Monitor political, legislative, regulatory and commercial developments affecting the advertising and communications sector.
• Develop policy positions, submissions, consultation responses and briefing materials.
• Build and maintain senior relationships across government, the Oireachtas, regulators, business and European networks.
• Engage directly with member CEOs and senior leaders to understand business priorities and build consensus around industry positions.
• Represent the organisation in meetings, consultations, committees and industry forums.
• Lead advocacy campaigns and identify opportunities to influence policy and regulation.
• Translate complex policy developments into clear and commercially relevant guidance for members.
• Develop briefings, speeches, articles, commentary and thought-leadership content.
• Support the Chief Executive Officer on sensitive industry, policy and reputation matters.
• Lead member consultations, working groups and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to the organisation’s broader strategy, reputation and member value.

Skills

Public affairs

Policy

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Political judgment

Communication/writing

Research & drafting

Senior leadership engagement

Job description

Location: Dublin, hybrid (4 days in officer per week)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Spencer Recruitment is partnering with a leading representative body to appoint a Head of Policy and Public Affairs.

This is a senior leadership role for an experienced policy, public affairs or corporate affairs professional who can combine strategic thinking, strong political judgement and commercial awareness.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will shape the organisation’s policy agenda, strengthen its influence with government and regulators, and represent the interests of member organisations at senior level.

The role will suit someone who is comfortable engaging with CEOs, government, regulators and other senior stakeholders, but who is equally willing to take ownership of the research, drafting and delivery required in a small, high-impact organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the organisation’s policy and public affairs strategy.
• Monitor political, legislative, regulatory and commercial developments affecting the advertising and communications sector.
• Develop policy positions, submissions, consultation responses and briefing materials.
• Build and maintain senior relationships across government, the Oireachtas, regulators, business and relevant European networks.
• Engage directly with member CEOs and senior leaders to understand business priorities and build consensus around industry positions.
• Represent the organisation in meetings, consultations, committees and industry forums.
• Lead advocacy campaigns and identify opportunities to influence policy and regulation.
• Translate complex policy developments into clear and commercially relevant guidance for members.
• Develop briefings, speeches, articles, commentary and thought-leadership content.
• Support the Chief Executive Officer on sensitive industry, policy and reputation matters.
• Lead member consultations, working groups and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to the organisation’s broader strategy, reputation and member value.

The Ideal Candidate

You will have:

• At least 6 years’ relevant experience in public affairs, policy, corporate affairs or a related field.
• A strong understanding of the Irish political and legislative environment.
• A demonstrable track record of influencing policy and engaging senior decision-makers.
• Experience working with senior executives, elected representatives, government departments, regulators or equivalent stakeholders.
• Excellent writing, analytical and presentation skills.
• Strong political judgement and the ability to navigate sensitive or competing stakeholder interests.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how regulation and policy affect businesses.
• The credibility to engage confidently with CEOs and senior industry leaders.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.
• The ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in research, drafting and delivery.