The Public Affairs Lead reports directly to, and works closely, with the Head of Public Affairs. A pivotal role, it plays a lead role in the UK Public Affairs team and commands support across wider business, key external stakeholders such as our charity partners, parliamentarians and civil servants to build understanding, collaboration and meaningful action in support of our policy and advocacy aims.

A key focus of this role is on leading our policy work and ongoing engagement with Westminster Parliamentarians, driving forward and contributing to developing our goals and agenda. You will nurture positive and strategically aligned cross-party relationships to further People’s Postcode Lottery’s mission to raise more funds for good causes through operating lotteries. Our players raise £19m every month for charities and we want to deliver more funds to benefit communities across Britain and beyond.

As a seasoned public affairs professional, you will be looking for a role where you can really make a difference through working for an organisation that has real purpose. We make winners and charities happy through our successful business operations – it’s a win-win situation - and the Power of Postcodes in action!

You’ll need to hit the ground running so we are looking for someone with impressive experience working in Parliament (ideally Westminster), as a UK Government Special Advisor or similar position. Alternatively, you will have held an upper-mid or senior Public Affairs position in a charity or consultancy public affairs role.

The successful candidate will be ready and able to take initiative, provide advice, inspire and make informed decisions, fast. They will have a readily available political network to reach out to.

Our UK headquarters is in Edinburgh, but we have an office in London so are open to a candidate located in either city, but frequent travel between the two should be expected.

We pride ourselves on having a culture built on flexibility, but also on innovation and collaboration at the core through face-to-face interaction. That’s why we create amazing working spaces and benefits for our teams to come together.

This role can be based in our Edinburgh HQ or London Office and requires regular travel within the UK, and occasional overseas travel.

Candidates primarily based in London will need to travel to our Edinburgh office on a frequent basis or vice-versa. Office hours are 9am – 5pm, 37.5 hours per week; however some weekend work may occasionally be required.

Key activities and responsibilities you will expect:

• Play a leading role in driving forward People’s Postcode Lottery’s Public Affairs work, closely supporting the Head of Public Affairs to deliver the organisation’s strategic Public Affairs objectives
• Develop policy expertise on charity lotteries, including on charity lottery reform and issues relating to responsible gambling.
• Proactively engage with and understand the implications of developments relating to public policy as it affects People’s Postcode Lottery, and the wider charity lottery and charity sectors.
• Establish and lead an ongoing programme of meetings to widen knowledge amongst Parliamentarians and related stakeholders.
• Possess an exceptional understanding of policy and the ability to formulate detailed consultation responses and briefings. An eye for detail is essential.
• Support the Head of Public Affairs by taking on specific responsibilities for development of briefing and research on People’s Postcode Lottery and wider charity lottery issues.
• Specific line management responsibilities.
• Proactively contribute to further building the People’s Postcode Lottery Public Affairs Network with our charity family.
• Contribute to our strategic policy agenda and strategy, ensuring this is refreshed and relevant to the current political environment.
• Represent the Public Affairs team across wider business meetings.
• Support in preparing Managing Directors and Head of Public Affairs for Select Committee appearances.
• Take part in People’s Postcode Lottery’s programme of MP-hosted local charity workshops.
• Represent People’s Postcode Lottery on the Lotteries Council Public Affairs Committee.
• Draft high-level correspondence to Parliamentarians and civil servants.
• Deputise for the Head of Public Affairs as required.

Required Skills

• Significant experience in Public Affairs in either an upper-mid level or senior Parliamentary, charity sector or consultancy role.
• Ability and experience of thinking strategically, identifying what needs to happen, who needs to be involved and then delivering.
• Knowledge of and interest in politics, especially policy, parliamentary procedure, and government structures.
• Knowledge of and interest in the charity and charity lottery sectors.
• A track record of stakeholder management and establishing a contact network across the UK parliament and voluntary sectors.
• Ability to represent the organisation in meetings with key stakeholders including Parliamentarians, civil servants and charity representatives.
• Strong networking ability.
• Degree or appropriate qualifications
• Strong understanding of public policy environment and extensive knowledge of the UK political and media environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of policy development and legislation within UK government, good political understanding and contacts.
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail

Desirable Skills

• An understanding of the legal and regulatory framework within which charity lotteries operate.
• Experience of the charity sector would be advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Membership of the CIPR or equivalent.