The Public Affairs Manager is responsible for developing and implementing public affairs strategies that promote and protect the organisation's reputation, influence policy development and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders including government bodies, industry organisations, community groups, media representatives, and external partners. The role ensures the organisation's interests are effectively represented in public policy discussions and supports corporate objectives through strategic stakeholder engagement.
The role of Public Affairs Manager for Horse Racing Ireland reports into the Director of Communications and the responsibilities & competencies required for are as follows:
Key Responsibilities
Public Affairs & Government Relations
-
Develop and execute public affairs strategies aligned with organisational objectives.
-
Build and maintain effective relationships with government officials, regulators, policymakers, and industry representatives.
-
Monitor legislative, regulatory and public policy developments that may impact the organisation.
-
Prepare policy briefings, position papers, consultation responses, and advocacy materials.
-
Represent the organisation at external meetings, conferences and stakeholder forums.
Stakeholder Engagement
-
Develop and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, community organisations and industry bodies.
-
Coordinate stakeholder engagement programmes to support business priorities.
-
Identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership that enhance the organisation's profile and influence.
-
Manage community outreach initiatives and corporate social responsibility activities where appropriate.
Communications & Media Relations
-
Support the development of strategic communications campaigns relating to public affairs and policy matters.
-
Draft and review press releases, briefings, speeches, statements and other communication materials.
-
Work closely with communications and marketing teams to ensure consistent messaging.
-
Respond to public affairs issues and support crisis communications activities when required.
Research & Policy Analysis
-
Conduct research and analysis on political, legislative, regulatory and industry developments.
-
Assess potential risks and opportunities arising from policy changes.
-
Provide advice and recommendations to senior leadership on emerging issues.
-
Produce reports and updates on public affairs activities and stakeholder engagement outcomes.
Strategic Leadership
-
Contribute to the development of organisational strategy through public affairs insight and expertise.
-
Manage external consultants, agencies, and lobbying partners where required.
-
Develop and manage budgets associated with public affairs activities.
-
Ensure all public affairs activities comply with relevant legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies.
Essential Qualifications
-
Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Law, Business, or a related field.
-
Relevant professional qualification in communications, public affairs, or government relations is desirable.
Experience
-
Minimum 5 years' experience in public affairs, government relations, communications, public policy, or corporate affairs.
-
Experience working with government bodies, regulators, industry groups, or advocacy organisations.
-
Proven track record of managing stakeholder relationships and influencing policy outcomes.
-
Experience developing and implementing strategic communications campaigns.
Knowledge & Skills
-
Strong understanding of public policy, legislative processes, and regulatory environments.
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
-
Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
-
Ability to analyse complex issues and develop strategic responses.
-
Experience in media relations and reputation management.
-
Strong project management and organisational skills.
-
Ability to work under pressure and manage sensitive issues with discretion.
Key Competencies
-
Strategic Thinking
-
Influencing & Negotiation
-
Relationship Building
-
Political Awareness
-
Communication Excellence
-
Decision Making
-
Problem Solving
-
Leadership & Collaboration
-
Resilience & Adaptability
Performance Measures
-
Successful delivery of public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategies.
-
Quality and effectiveness of stakeholder relationships.
-
Influence on policy and regulatory developments relevant to the organisation.
-
Positive media coverage and enhanced organisational reputation.
-
Timely identification and management of reputational and policy risks.
-
Achievement of agreed departmental and organisational objectives.
Key Capabilities
Customer Focus
-
Creates an environment where the team is empowered to put the customer first.
-
Supports the team in managing their workload to ensure customer needs are met.
-
Role models customer focus and drives and develops customer focused initiatives.
-
Ensures customer satisfaction is a priority.
Developing Self
-
Is self-aware and proactively seeks feedback, using it for personal and professional development.
-
Role models development by developing themselves and others.
-
Reflects on behaviour, adapting approach to different situations.
-
Is open to new ideas, drives continuous improvement with team and across the business.
Energy & Pace
-
Sets and delivers against SMART objectives for their area/team.
-
Is accountable and delivers sustainable results, using resources effectively.
-
Understands the wider business and its goals, onward communicates this to team.
-
Empowers others to deliver their goals and projects with energy and pace.
-
Is a flexible and adaptable to the needs of the business and delivers accordingly.
Innovation & Change
-
Reviews processes and ways of working always striving for best practice and improving industry standards.
-
Is creative and innovative and supports others to develop opportunities for creative thinking and innovation.
-
Looks for innovative ways to provide a better service to our stakeholders.
-
Implements change in a supportive, reassuring way, bringing ours on the journey with them.
Leadership
-
Motivates and empowers others through a 'can do' approach.
-
Understands strategic intent and aligns objectives and messages accordingly.
-
Role models leadership and our core values.
-
Develops, motivates and inspires others.
Team
-
Creates team environments where everyone contributes to the team objectives and is stretched accordingly.
-
Ensures productive and positive communication is taking place across all teams.
-
Harnesses team capability to ensure teams are performing to a high standard.
HRI is an equal opportunities employer. Interview candidates will be provided with any necessary reasonable accommodations when called for interview.
