Salary/Vehicle: Competitive, plus employee benefits
Location: Flexible
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Closing Date: Sunday, 15 November 2026
Reference: DOPA/Sept/2026
Role information
We are looking for a Director of Political Affairs with the skills and expertise to take a senior and strategic role in leading our political strategy, advocacy initiatives, and stakeholder engagement with elected officials, political parties, and policy influencers.
This role shapes our political positioning, manages campaign-related activities, oversees legislative strategy, and ensures alignment between organisational objectives and the broader political landscape.
As a key member of our senior team, you will be expert at managing internal and external relationships at a high level. You will be skilled in operating at a senior leadership level with a proven track record of pragmatic decision-making in a challenging environment.
You will act as a senior ambassador for BASC; which will include a significant role in representing the organisation to government and other decision-makers and influencers.
It is a key period of change for rural Britain, with significant legislative and PR challenges on the horizon. You should have an awareness of the politics around rural issues and will be central to ensuring that BASC remains a trusted and respected authority in the countryside. While the role’s primary focus is Westminster and UK Government engagement, it has strategic oversight of BASC’s wider political engagement activities across all four nations of the United Kingdom.
Our vision
All BASC employees are expected to contribute to our vision:
Fight for sustainable shooting and conservation of the countryside.
Key accountabilities and responsibilities
1. Political Strategy & Planning
- Develop and execute comprehensive political engagement strategies.
- Assess political risks and opportunities affecting the organisation.
- Advise executive leadership on political developments and electoral dynamics.
- Create annual political action plans aligned with organisational priorities.
2. Government & Legislative Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, party leaders, and policymakers.
- Track legislative activity and political trends at local, state, national, or international levels.
- Coordinate advocacy efforts, including meetings, briefings, and political events.
- Represent the organisation at political functions, forums, and hearings.
3. Campaign & Electoral Activities
- Oversee political action activities where relevant.
- Manage candidate engagement strategies and endorsement processes.
- Ensure compliance with campaign finance and lobbying regulations.
- Coordinate mobilisation efforts.
4. Policy & Messaging Alignment
- Collaborate with the communications team to craft politically aligned messaging.
- Develop talking points, briefing materials, and policy position documents.
- Ensure consistent messaging across political stakeholders and coalitions.
5. Coalition & Stakeholder Management
- Build alliances with advocacy groups, political organisations, and community leaders.
- Lead coalition-building initiatives to advance legislative or political objectives.
- Organise political briefings, strategy sessions, and stakeholder events.
6. Leadership & Administration
- Lead and mentor political affairs staff.
- Manage budgets related to political engagement activities.
- Oversee external consultants, lobbyists, and advisors.
- Provide regular reports to executive leadership and governing boards.
Qualifications/Experience | Core Competencies |
Bachelor’s degree in political science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Law, or related field (master’s preferred) or equivalent relevant professional experience. 8–12+ years of experience in political affairs, government relations, campaigns, legislative roles or demonstrable equivalent experience. Deep understanding of political processes, election cycles, and legislative systems. Established network of political and policy contacts. Strong strategic thinking and negotiation skills. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Experience leading teams and complex political initiatives. | Political Acumen Strategic Planning Relationship Building Legislative Analysis Coalition Development Crisis & Issues Management Ethical Leadership |
General requirements
BASC head office is based in Marford Mill, Rossett, north Wales, with country and regional offices across the UK.
We have an agile working approach, with our core hours being between 8.30 – 5.30 Monday – Friday. We do expect some weekend and out-of-hours working to support our membership engagement. Your working hours are stated in your contract of employment.
You are expected to be flexible and agile and be willing to undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.
All our employees must always act as positive ambassadors for the association when dealing with members or representing the association in other ways.
| Essential requirements for role | Delete as necessary |
| Driving licence | YES |
| DBS check | NO |
| Firearms certificate | NO |
| Shotgun certificate | NO |