Public Affairs Lead

We are seeking an experienced and politically astute Public Affairs Lead (Head of level or equivalent) to manage and deliver OnSide’s public affairs activity during a six-month period. While the position does not have any direct line management responsibilities, it will play an important leadership role within the organisation’s public affairs function.

OnSide is in the final year of its strategic period, this role will focus on delivering to the existing strategy, taking the leading on Public Affairs initiatives within OnSide; working with CEOs and Coms Managers in the Youth Zone charities in the Network; and driving forward planned activity with key political and policy audiences.

The postholder will report to the Director of Communications and Public Affairs and will provide additional senior capacity within the team. The primary purpose of the role is to take ownership of day-to-day public affairs activity and operational delivery, enabling the Director to dedicate time to strategic priorities, organisational leadership, and longer-term development work.

You will be expected to develop relationships with parliamentarians, government officials, sector partners and other stakeholders to advance understanding of OnSide’s work and advocate for greater recognition and investment in youth provision.

The successful candidate will bring strong experience of stakeholder engagement, political and policy influencing, public affairs strategy, and the delivery of effective external affairs programmes within a complex environment.

Read the role profile.

Key dates

Closing dates: 9am on Monday 19th October 2026 (We may close this role early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.) 

Interview: (in-person in London) w/c 26th October 2026 (likely dates to be 27th or 29th October however TBC until the role is closed)