Head of Public Affairs

Role Overview

The Opportunity

An established communications and advisory consultancy is seeking an experienced Head of Public Affairs to lead its Public Affairs and Regulatory Affairs practice.

This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for the commercial performance, strategic direction and continued growth of the practice. The successful candidate will combine strong public affairs expertise with excellent client advisory, leadership and business development capabilities.

As a member of the senior management team, you will contribute to wider business strategy and planning while taking ownership of the performance and development of your division.

The role would suit an experienced public affairs professional who has operated at senior level within an agency, consultancy, corporate affairs environment or other relevant advisory setting.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the Public Affairs and Regulatory Affairs practice, setting its strategic direction and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Take overall responsibility for the performance and development of the division.
• Contribute to company-wide strategy, planning and senior management decision-making.
• Develop annual and longer-term plans for the practice, including revenue, resourcing and growth objectives.
• Work collaboratively with other senior leaders to identify opportunities across different areas of the business.

Client Advisory

• Manage and advise a portfolio of senior clients.
• Provide strategic counsel on public affairs, regulatory, reputation and stakeholder-related matters.
• Ensure consistently high standards of client service and quality across the practice.
• Oversee the development and execution of integrated communications and public affairs programmes.
• Maintain strong senior-level relationships with clients and act as a trusted adviser on complex or sensitive issues.
• Ensure work is delivered effectively, commercially and within agreed timelines.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Take responsibility for the financial performance of the practice.
• Manage revenue, profitability, costs, utilisation and resourcing in conjunction with the finance function.
• Review account profitability and ensure appropriate commercial arrangements are in place.
• Oversee budgets, fee structures, billing and financial forecasting.
• Monitor performance against agreed financial and operational targets.
• Make informed decisions regarding additional investment and resources within the team.

Business Development

• Identify, develop and secure new business opportunities.
• Lead or contribute to pitches, proposals and senior-level prospect meetings.
• Develop opportunities to expand relationships and services with existing clients.
• Build and maintain a strong external network across relevant sectors.
• Represent the consultancy at appropriate industry, business and stakeholder events.
• Support the development of new advisory services and propositions.

People Leadership

• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team of public affairs professionals.
• Manage senior team members and provide appropriate delegation, coaching and oversight.
• Establish clear objectives and ensure individual goals align with wider business priorities.
• Conduct regular performance and development conversations.
• Work closely with the HR function on recruitment, retention, succession planning and performance management.
• Assess future staffing requirements and ensure the practice is appropriately resourced.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the wider organisation.
• Support the professional development and progression of team members.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be an accomplished public affairs or corporate communications professional with strong commercial judgement and demonstrated leadership experience.

You are likely to bring:

• Significant relevant experience in public affairs, regulatory affairs, corporate communications, government relations or a closely related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of the Irish political, policy and regulatory environment.
• Experience advising senior executives and organisations on complex communications or public affairs issues.
• A track record of managing a substantial portfolio of clients or stakeholders.
• Proven experience leading, managing and developing teams.
• Strong commercial awareness, including experience managing revenue, budgets, profitability or similar financial measures.
• Demonstrable success in winning new business and developing existing client relationships.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Strong project management and organisational capabilities.
• The judgement and confidence to operate effectively with senior clients and stakeholders.
• An ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven advisory environment.
• Strong digital capability and a practical understanding of how AI and emerging technologies are influencing communications and public affairs.
• A collaborative leadership style and willingness to work across teams and disciplines.

Qualifications

A relevant third-level qualification is desirable, with disciplines such as communications, politics, public relations, journalism, business or related fields particularly relevant.

Additional professional qualifications in communications, public relations or public affairs would be advantageous but are not essential.