Senior Public Affairs Officer

Job Title: Senior Public Affairs Officer - RKC
Contract type: Temporary, 12 months - Maternity cover
Location: London & Hybrid (2 days a week in our London office)
Department: Revenue & Brand
Reports to: Head of Public Affairs
Salary: Competitive
Closing date: 1 December 2026
*Please not we are unable to provide work visa sponsorships

As Senior Public Affairs Officer, you will be responsible for delivering and supporting impactful public affairs campaigns across Westminster, the Scottish Parliament, and the Welsh Senedd, while ensuring The Royal Kennel Club’s voice is heard and respected across all levels of government. You’ll lead on local lobbying initiatives, coordinate stakeholder engagement, and contribute to the planning and delivery of political events and briefings. With strong research and communication skills, you’ll produce high-quality written content, manage a dynamic 12-month engagement plan, and collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure all advocacy efforts align with our wider brand and communications strategy. Your work will play a vital role in shaping policy, strengthening relationships, and safeguarding the interests of dogs and their owners across the UK.

This is a key role within our Policy and Public Affairs team, responsible for supporting and advancing the Royal Kennel Club’s voice in the political and legislative arena. The Senior Public Affairs Officer will monitor developments in parliament and local government, support engagement with policymakers and stakeholders, and contribute to influencing campaigns on key issues affecting dogs, dog owners, and breeders across the UK.
 
You’ll help position the Royal Kennel Club as a credible, constructive, and evidence-led voice in debates on animal welfare, canine health, licensing, and related legislation, from Westminster to devolved nations and local authorities.

What you'll be doing:

• To deliver public affairs campaigns to the Westminster Parliament, the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly. 
• Promote The Royal Kennel Club generally in parliament and the devolved administrations. 
• To lead all local lobbying campaigns, including ownership of dog walking restrictions. 
• Lead in in organising parliamentary or related events. 
• To attend parliamentary and external meetings as necessary. 
• To write regular content for internal publications. 
• Lead on TRKC’s firework programme and manage external stakeholders
• Lead TRKC lobbying efforts in to change the status from asset to sentient being
• Work in collaboration with the wider department to ensure that our lobbying efforts align with the wider brand positioning ambitions and are incorporated into our communications plans, including public affairs social channels.
• Create and manage a 12-month plan which is adaptable and flexible but facilitates greater collaboration across teams
• To undertake research, correspondence and telephone enquiries, particular focus on the KC dog inbox. 
• Policy Monitoring and Analysis – Stay informed on legislative and regulatory developments impacting dog welfare.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Build and maintain effective relationships with policymakers, government agencies, and relevant stakeholders to support The Kennel Club’s objectives.
• Campaign Development and Management – Lead the design and execution of public affairs campaigns that align with our strategic goals and influence public policy.
• Event Coordination – Organise public affairs events which promote The Kennel Club’s initiatives and positions.
• Internal Collaboration – Work closely with departments across the organisation, including press and marketing, to ensure consistent and strategic messaging.
• Research and Reporting – Conduct thorough research to support policy positions and prepare briefings and reports for both internal and external audiences.
• To assist in the administration of press facilities and the manning of stands for events.

What you'll bring:

• Solid understanding of UK political systems and parliamentary procedure.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Experience working in a public affairs, policy, or political environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Passion for animal welfare and the mission of the Royal Kennel Club.
• Experience drafting responses to consultations, briefings, or campaign materials.
• Familiarity with devolved administrations and local government processes.
• Knowledge of key legislative issues in animal welfare, dog breeding, or responsible ownership.
• Experience using stakeholder CRM tools or databases. (Preferred)

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, increasing up to 30 days, in addition to statutory holidays. Staff may also receive additional days for any approved business closure days over the festive period in December, Option to buy up to five days of annual leave per year.
• Employer pension contributions double the percentage of your plan earnings, up to 8%
• Life assurance equivalent to four times your basic salary (two times your basic salary for non-pension scheme members)
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Lifestyle discounts via our EAP and healthcare cashback programme
• Discounts on Royal Kennel Club products and services
• 4X Complimentary staff tickets to Crufts including Discover Dogs
• Healthcare cashback programme with a fixed contribution paid for by the Royal Kennel Club
• Free eye tests with a voucher towards the cost of your spectacles
• Financial support for professional and vocational qualifications, with five days' study leave provided
• Free access to The Royal Kennel Club Library and Art Gallery