12 Nov 2025 BBBH61284 Director of Policy (Charity) £55610 - £57867 per annum + annual leave, pe[...]

Northern Ireland Water Limited; Belfast; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-respected charity in Northern Ireland is seeking a Director of Policy to influence change and strengthen sector impact. This key leadership role focuses on driving evidence-based policies, managing a high-performing team, and engaging with stakeholders. The position offers an annual salary between £55,610 - £57,867, alongside comprehensive holiday and pension benefits. This is a dynamic opportunity to shape policy and amplify the voice of communities.

Benefits

Annual leave - 36 days

Annual leave purchase scheme

Employee supported pension

Learning and development opportunities

Childcare vouchers

Qualifications

• Managing and developing a high-performing team to meet tight deadlines.
• Collaborating with government and sector stakeholders.
• Planning, coordinating and evaluating campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a diverse Policy & Insight team.
• Oversee development of evidence-based policy positions.
• Direct media, communications and public affairs activity.

Skills

Policy development

Team management

Media engagement

Education

Degree in relevant field

Job description

Are you passionate about driving strategic change and shaping policy that makes a real difference across the public and voluntary sectors? MCS Group are proud to partner with a well‑respected charity to recruit a Director of Policy, a key leadership role influencing change, strengthening sector impact, and amplifying the collective voice of communities.

The role:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead and motivate a diverse Policy & Insight team, working with senior management to deliver organisational strategy and objectives.
• Policy & Research: Oversee development of evidence‑based policy positions, research outputs and analysis to inform and influence public policy.
• Sector Knowledge: Build and maintain a strong evidence base, positioning the organisation as a central hub for sector insight and intelligence.
• Communications & Public Affairs: Direct media, communications and public affairs activity to raise profile, influence stakeholders and ensure clear, consistent messaging.
• Member Engagement: Enhance member participation and satisfaction through effective communication and strategic engagement initiatives.
• Impact & Innovation: Demonstrate the sector's value through data and evidence, drive continuous improvement and contribute to income generation opportunities.
• Representation & Leadership: Represent the organisation at senior external forums, nurture key partnerships, and foster a high‑performing, collaborative team culture.

The Person

As the successful candidate you will have the following background and experience:

Essential:

Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field with strong policy, public relations or research focus and experience in:

• Policy development and leading consultations on social and economic issues.
• Managing and developing a high‑performing team to meet tight deadlines.
• Collaborating with government, political and sector stakeholders.

OR extensive experience in all the above areas.

• Proven experience in media engagement and use of digital and press channels to communicate policy messages.
• Skilled in planning, coordinating and evaluating campaigns and work programmes.

What's in it for you?

• An annual salary £55,610 - £57,867
• Annual Leave - 36 days (rising with service)
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme (ability to purchase up to 5 additional leave days)
• Employee Supported Pension
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Childcare Vouchers
• A dynamic leadership opportunity to shape policy, influence change, and amplify the voice of the voluntary and community sector across Northern Ireland.

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Meghan Hamilton, Senior Recruitment Consultant on 02896935508 or on email at [e-mail].

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation, if you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate the request.

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs www.mcsgroup.jobs