Public Policy Director

Requirements of the role

About the team you’ll be a part of

The Strategy and Research group brings the outside in to Ofcom. With teams that lead on our research, market intelligence, international, public policy and strategy work, the group brings together colleagues across the organisation to establish Ofcom’s overarching strategy, drawing on our deep understanding of the external context domestically and internationally alongside insights from our research and analysis of the sectors we regulate. It supports the wider organisation – helping to make sure we have a strong evidence base in order to prioritise our work and make decisions which will help make communications work for everyone.

The Public Policy and Nations teams within SRG engage with external policy-makers and parliamentarians across the UK to explain Ofcom’s work and approach, and how we are helping to tackle some of the biggest public policy challenges facing the UK. The work is fast-paced and varied with high-performing teams operating in a highly agile environment.

The purpose and scope of the role

The Public Policy Director is an ambassador for Ofcom with key public policy stakeholders, building relationships and acting as a spokesperson for the organisation. You will work closely with SRG management and the Senior Management Team (SMT) and advise the Board to ensure Ofcom is positioned effectively in relevant debates across the UK. You will lead forty colleagues working in the Public Policy and Nations Teams, attracting and retaining the best talent, and ensuring that they have the support they need, empowering your direct reports to lead on public policy across all areas of Ofcom’s remit for the whole of the UK.

Your Key Responsibilities

Act as an ambassador for Ofcom, building productive relationships with external stakeholders, including Government and Parliament. Represent Ofcom in high-profile settings, including Select Committee evidence sessions.

Support colleagues across the UK in stakeholder engagement to help deliver Ofcom’s strategic objectives.

As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), contribute to strategic decision-making and work closely with the Chief Executive and Chair.

Lead, motivate and develop around 40 colleagues across 4 teams, providing direction, leadership and support, while working closely with Nations Directors and Public Policy Principals, role modelling empowerment.

Work in partnership with the Communications Director to support the Chief Executive, members of SMT, the Board and Ofcom’s Chair in all aspects of public policy.

Maintain and develop excellent internal relationships across the organisation, ensuring that our response to the complex challenges we face draws on specialist expertise and a diversity of perspectives, and promoting the work of the public policy and nations teams to enhance its impact.

Use sound judgment and knowledge of the political and sector environment to identify and manage risks to Ofcom’s work in close collaboration with SMT colleagues.

As a member of the Strategy and Research Leadership Team actively contribute to the leadership of the Group by fostering a culture of learning, and consistently role modelling Ofcom’s values of Excellence, Agility, Collaboration, Empowerment and Respect.

Work across the Group and wider Ofcom to build and attract talent to the organisation, supporting Ofcom’s diversity and inclusion strategy.

The skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need for success

Strong leadership and management skills, with a proven ability to deliver high-profile and potentially contentious projects, resolve complex policy issues, coach teams, and work collaboratively across internal and external stakeholders

Ability to demonstrate competence across the Success Profile for Directors at Ofcom

Excellent interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build trusted relationships, influence and persuade stakeholders at all levels internally and externally

Experience of working in Government with a broad understanding of developments across Ofcom’s sectors and relevant Government policy.

Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to act as a spokesperson, and explain complex arguments clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences.

Ability to build a strong evidence base to support recommendations and evaluate outcomes.

Evidence of the ability to act with sensitivity and discretion.

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