Director of Policy & Public Affairs
The Opportunity

The organisation
The Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) is the professional body for treasurers and related roles in the UK and internationally. Established in the 1970s, the ACT is the only treasury association to hold a Royal Charter. The ACT’s purpose is to set standards and qualifications in treasury, support and develop treasurers throughout their careers, and ensure the voice of the real economy is heard by regulators, policy makers and employers.
The opportunity
The Director of Policy & Public Affairs will lead the ACT’s policy, technical and public affairs agenda, strengthening the organisation’s influence with policy makers, regulators and opinion formers. Working closely with senior stakeholders and the ACT membership, the role will shape clear policy positions, raise the ACT’s profile, and build policy and public affairs as a core member benefit. As a member of the Executive Committee, the Director of Policy & Public Affairs will also contribute to wider organisational leadership.
Main responsibilities
- Lead the creation and delivery of the ACT’s public affairs and policy strategy to influence government, regulators, relevant supranational bodies and priority media channels
- Develop clear, effective ACT policy positions on themes and challenges affecting treasurers and the treasury function
- Lead PR and media activity, including establishing effective processes for reactive enquiries and acting as spokesperson as required
- Build recognition and credibility for the ACT through stakeholder engagement across networks, conferences and industry events, including relevant party conferences
- Lead and develop the Policy & Technical team and volunteer network, including oversight of key groups such as the Policy & Technical Advisory Panel and FTSE20 non-financial group.
Key skills and experience
- Director-level experience with the credibility to operate at Executive Committee level and represent the ACT with senior political, regulatory and sector stakeholders
- Proven track record in policy and public affairs, from developing effective influence to delivering tangible outcomes
- Strong understanding of UK government and parliamentary procedures, and how to engage and influence effectively while operating apolitically
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing and speechwriting, with strong attention to detail
- Strong leadership capability with a hands-on approach, comfortable managing budgets, priorities and performance.
Please find a full candidate pack here.
Application
To apply, please submit a covering letter along with your CV in one document below.
For more information, please contact Barry Hartness, Associate Director (Membership Practice) on 07849 214697 or barry@ellwoodatfield.com


