Public Affairs and Policy Strategic Director

Advert Close Date: 12th June 2026

Purpose of Role:

The Public Affairs and Policy Strategic Director will play a pivotal role in shaping how The Crown Estate engages with government, Parliament and the wider policy landscape. The role leads our enterprise‑wide public affairs strategy, ensuring we anticipate political developments, influence effectively, and protect and enhance our reputation. Working at the heart of the organisation, the postholder will advise senior leaders, including the CEO and Chair, on the most significant policy risks and opportunities facing the business.

Context of Opportunity / Main Accountabilities:

• Lead the design and delivery of an enterprise‑wide Public Affairs and Policy Strategy aligned to The Crown Estate’s purpose and long‑term priorities

• Act as a senior advisor to the CEO, Chair, ExCo and Board on political risk, reputational issues and emerging policy developments

• Provide systems‑level insight on how political and policy changes impact our work across the UK

• Drive innovation in public affairs, using data and technology (including AI) to enhance insight and influence

• Lead and develop the Public Affairs and Policy team, fostering a high‑performing, politically astute culture

• Shape organisational policy positions, ensuring they are evidence‑based, coherent and influential

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with Ministers, senior officials, parliamentarians, advisers and regulators

• Oversee government and parliamentary engagement, ensuring timely, high‑quality responses to inquiries and scrutiny

• Act as a strategic connector across Corporate Affairs, ensuring alignment of messaging and engagement

• Lead cross‑cutting work on sustainability policy, working closely with the Chief Sustainability Officer

• Manage agency partners and budgets, ensuring value and measurable impact

Most Important Skills‑Based Requirements:

• Significant experience in government or public affairs, with a deep understanding of UK political systems and parliamentary processes

• Proven ability to advise senior leaders on complex, high‑profile issues

• Strong track record of building trusted relationships with senior political and policy stakeholders

• Experience leading teams through change, ambiguity or organisational transformation

• Ability to translate complex policy and political information into clear, actionable insight

• Skilled communicator, able to influence at the highest levels internally and externally

• Confident working at pace, prioritising effectively and delivering high‑quality outputs under pressure

• Commitment to innovation, including the use of technology and data to enhance public affairs work

We encourage applications from candidates who may feel they do not meet every essential requirement. The Crown Estate is committed to skills‑based hiring and recognises transferable experience.

Our Offering / Benefits:

As well as a competitive salary, pension and performance‑related bonus offering, we have a wealth of benefits available ranging from flexible working; market‑leading family policies and shopping discounts in the West End, to private healthcare; life and critical illness cover and 28 days’ holiday with the option to buy more. We value work–life balance and your wellbeing highly, enabling you to be your best self at work.

Disability Disclaimer:

We are a proud Disability Confident Employer and operate the Offer of Interview Scheme. We are happy to offer alternative application methods or formats and can be flexible in our process to ensure you have the best opportunity.

If you have any questions about our recruitment process or would like to discuss adjustments, please contact us directly or at careers@thecrownestate.co.uk.

Please note that if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close this advert early. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.