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