Director of Public Affairs

The Ivors Academy is seeking a Director of Public Affairs to serve as the champion for songwriters and composers, shaping the legislative, regulatory and public-policy landscape to protect and elevate music creators.

By bridging high-level political advocacy, robust evidence-based policy positions and creative campaign management, this role ensures the economic and cultural value of human composition remains at the heart of the creative industries’ growth strategy.

• Reports to:
  
  Chief Executive Officer
• Member of:
  Senior Leadership Team
• Contract:
  
  Permanent, full time or reduced hours
• Location:
  
  Hybrid (office in central London with regular travel to Westminster, Whitehall and member/industry events)
• Compensation:
  Competitive, commensurate with experience

The Ivors Academy is seeking a Director of Public Affairs to serve as the champion for songwriters and composers, shaping the legislative, regulatory and public-policy landscape to protect and elevate music creators.

By bridging high-level political advocacy, robust evidence-based policy positions and creative campaign management, this role ensures the economic and cultural value of human composition remains at the heart of the creative industries’ growth strategy.

• Reports to:
  
  Chief Executive Officer
• Member of:
  Senior Leadership Team
• Contract:
  
  Permanent, full time or reduced hours
• Location:
  
  Hybrid (office in central London with regular travel to Westminster, Whitehall and member/industry events)
• Compensation:
  Competitive, commensurate with experience

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, the post-holder will set and deliver the Academy’s public affairs strategy: influencing policymakers, leading rapid-response and reputation building communications on behalf of creators, and strengthening the standing of the Academy and its members with Government, regulators, the wider creative sector and the public.

Operating across the UK, Europe and international markets, you will lead engagement with government ministers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, other UK parliamentarians, global regulators and industry coalitions, turning complex regulatory and political developments into decisive advocacy strategies that champion the craft and value of songwriting and composition. This is a high-profile role for a public affairs leader who combines sharp political judgement with authentic relation sh

ip-building, and who can unite diverse stakeholders, policymakers and allies around a shared goal.

• Champion the value of the song and composition by overseeing and executing a proactive, global public affairs strategy that elevates the economic status, legal protection and cultural appreciation of songwriters and composers.
• Oversee the design and delivery of advocacy campaigns in response to significant policy developments in the UK and elsewhere, ensuring these reflect the voices and concerns of the diversity of Academy members and land with real impact.
• Lead the Academy’s policy positioning on critical creator issues, with particular focus on copyright, fair remuneration and responsible AI integration.
• Monitor political, legal and regulatory developments to anticipate risks, deliver rapid-response briefings and recommend clear strategic paths forward.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Chair, Board and Senate, briefing on emerging issues with clarity and pace.

• Build and maintain high-level relationships with ministers, MPs, peers, select committees, special advisers principally across Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
• Build and maintain high-level relationships with ministers and parliamentarians in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and international policymakers.
• Lead the drafting of policy responses, consultation and parliamentary inquiry submissions, and drive international policy engagement that improves outcomes for songwriters and composers.
• Oversee a high-impact…