Public affairs managers are responsible for advancing their organization’s interests with decision-making bodies, such as governments, regulatory agencies, and non-governmental organizations. They work to ensure a positive perception of their organization among stakeholders, including the media and the general public.
Key Facts
- Responsibilities:
- Establish regular contact with politicians, government officials, and regulators to keep them informed about the organization’s work and policy concerns.
- Organize or attend meetings with stakeholders, representing the organization and building relationships with key decision-makers.
- Monitor and analyze public policy changes and their potential impact on the organization.
- Provide internal forecasts of the likely effect of public policy changes on the organization.
- Write or edit submissions to government or regulatory consultations.
- Provide written or oral briefings for senior staff members and advise them on contact with decision-makers.
- Draft press releases and build relationships with media contacts.
- Stay updated on important media stories on a daily basis.
- Manage a team of public relations officers if necessary.
- Proofread and rewrite media statements if necessary.
- Key Skills:
- Excellent writing and speaking skills.
- Great networking skills.
- People management skills.
- Information gathering and interpreting.
- Political knowledge.
- Qualifications:
- A first degree, preferably in politics or law.
- A career qualification, such as a diploma in public affairs, offered by professional organizations like the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
- Relevant Experience:
- A civil service background is common for public affairs managers.
- Some professionals work their way up from the role of public affairs officer.
- A track record of project management is helpful for those switching into public affairs.
Responsibilities of Public Affairs Managers
The responsibilities of public affairs managers include:
- Establishing and maintaining regular contact with politicians, government officials, and regulators to keep them informed about the organization’s work and policy concerns.
- Organizing and attending meetings with stakeholders, representing the organization and building relationships with key decision-makers.
- Monitoring and analyzing public policy changes and their potential impact on the organization.
- Providing internal forecasts of the likely effect of public policy changes on the organization.
- Writing or editing submissions to government or regulatory consultations.
- Providing written or oral briefings for senior staff members and advising them on contact with decision-makers.
- Drafting press releases and building relationships with media contacts.
- Staying updated on important media stories on a daily basis.
- Managing a team of public relations officers if necessary.
- Proofreading and rewriting media statements if necessary.
Key Skills for Public Affairs Managers
Public affairs managers require a combination of hard and soft skills to be successful in their roles. These skills include:
- Excellent writing and speaking skills.
- Great networking skills.
- People management skills.
- Information gathering and interpreting.
- Political knowledge.
Qualifications for Public Affairs Managers
Public affairs managers typically hold a first degree, preferably in politics or law. Additionally, they may possess a career qualification, such as a diploma in public affairs, offered by professional organizations like the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
Relevant Experience for Public Affairs Managers
A civil service background is common for public affairs managers. Some professionals work their way up from the role of public affairs officer. A track record of project management is helpful for those switching into public affairs.
Sources
- Job description: Public affairs manager | PR Week
- Public Affairs Manager | People Strategy, Equity, and Culture at PCC
- What is Public Affairs? – A definition of “public affairs” – PubAffairs – The Leading Public Affairs Network
FAQs
What is a public affairs manager?
A public affairs manager is responsible for advancing their organization’s interests with decision-making bodies, such as governments, regulatory agencies, and non-governmental organizations. They work to ensure a positive perception of their organization among stakeholders, including the media and the general public.
What are the key responsibilities of a public affairs manager?
Public affairs managers are responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, monitoring and analyzing public policy changes, providing internal forecasts and advice to senior staff, drafting press releases and building relationships with media contacts, and managing a team of public relations officers if necessary.
What skills are required to be a successful public affairs manager?
Public affairs managers require a combination of hard and soft skills, including excellent writing and speaking skills, great networking skills, people management skills, information gathering and interpreting skills, and political knowledge.
What qualifications are required to become a public affairs manager?
Public affairs managers typically hold a first degree, preferably in politics or law. Additionally, they may possess a career qualification, such as a diploma in public affairs, offered by professional organizations like the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
What kind of experience is relevant for public affairs managers?
A civil service background is common for public affairs managers. Some professionals work their way up from the role of public affairs officer. A track record of project management is helpful for those switching into public affairs.
What are the career prospects for public affairs managers?
Public affairs managers can advance to senior positions within their organization, such as senior public affairs manager, public affairs consultant, communications manager, or director of policy.
What are the challenges faced by public affairs managers?
Public affairs managers face challenges such as the need to stay informed about complex and ever-changing public policy issues, the need to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, and the need to manage crises and negative publicity.
What are the rewards of being a public affairs manager?
Public affairs managers are rewarded with a challenging and rewarding career that allows them to make a real difference in the world. They have the opportunity to work with a variety of people, learn about a wide range of issues, and use their skills to help their organization achieve its goals.