Director of Political Affairs

Director of Political Affairs | Salary: Competitive + employee benefits | Location: Flexible| Reporting to: Chief Executive

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) is seeking a Director of Political Affairs with the skills and expertise to take a senior and strategic role in leading BASC’s political strategy, advocacy initiatives and stakeholder engagement with elected officials, political parties and policy influencers.

This role will shape BASC’s political positioning, manage campaign-related activities, oversee legislative strategy and ensure alignment between organisational objectives and the broader political landscape.

As a key member of BASC’s senior team, you will be responsible for managing high-level internal and external relationships and representing BASC to government, decision-makers and influencers.

The role’s primary focus will be Westminster and UK Government engagement, while providing strategic oversight of BASC’s wider political engagement activities across all four nations of the United Kingdom.

Key responsibilities will include:

- Developing and executing comprehensive political engagement strategies.

- Assessing political risks and opportunities affecting the organisation.

- Advising executive leadership on political developments and electoral dynamics.

- Creating annual political action plans aligned with organisational priorities.

- Building and maintaining relationships with elected officials, party leaders and policymakers.

- Tracking legislative activity and political trends.

- Coordinating advocacy efforts, including meetings, briefings and political events.

- Representing BASC at political functions, forums and hearings.

- Overseeing political action activities where relevant.

- Managing candidate engagement strategies and endorsement processes.

- Ensuring compliance with campaign finance and lobbying regulations.

- Coordinating mobilisation efforts.

- Working with the communications team to craft politically aligned messaging.

- Developing talking points, briefing materials and policy position documents.

- Ensuring consistent messaging across political stakeholders and coalitions.

- Building alliances with advocacy groups, political organisations and community leaders.

- Leading coalition-building initiatives to advance legislative or political objectives.

- Organising political briefings, strategy sessions and stakeholder events.

- Leading and mentoring political affairs staff.

- Managing budgets related to political engagement activities.

- Overseeing external consultants, lobbyists and advisors.

- Providing regular reports to executive leadership and governing boards.

About you

You will have significant experience in political affairs, government relations, campaigns, legislative roles or equivalent relevant experience, together with a deep understanding of political processes, election cycles and legislative systems.

You will have:

- An 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.

- The ability to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and operate effectively in a challenging and changing environment.

- Full UK driving licence

You will be a senior ambassador for BASC, representing the organisation to government, decision-makers and influencers, and helping to ensure BASC remains a trusted and respected authority in the countryside.

Working arrangements

BASC has an agile working approach, with core hours between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Some weekend and out-of-hours working will be required to support membership engagement, legislative sessions and election cycles.

The role will involve frequent travel to political meetings, legislative sessions and campaign events.

Closing date: Sunday 15 November 2026