Few careers end as abruptly as politics. One day you’re in the thick of policy battles and
media briefings; the next, your diary is clear and the phone rings less often.
I’ve spoken to plenty of people at that crossroads, TD’s, special advisers, parliamentary
assistants, communications leads, all wondering the same thing: where does all that experience
go? For many, the answer is public affairs. And from my seat as a recruiter specialising in this
space, I’ve seen how the nature of that move is changing. Once upon a time, it was all about the
“little black book” so essentially who you knew, and how quickly you could get them on the
phone. Those relationships still matter, but they’re no longer the whole story.
More than names and numbers
Today’s public affairs roles demand a far broader set of skills. Employers want people who can
navigate complex regulatory landscapes, work across multi-disciplinary teams, interpret data to
shape arguments, and communicate persuasively across multiple platforms.
A good public affairs professional also needs a communications mindset. It’s not enough to
understand the policy details, you have to know how to tell the story, frame the message for
different audiences, and work with the media to ensure your organisation’s position is heard
clearly and credibly. This is particularly important in smaller organisations that might not have
the comfort of a Public Affairs and Communications hire. They need 2 for the price of 1. The
best in the field are as comfortable briefing a journalist as they are discussing legislative detail
with a policymaker.
Why demand is rising
In the past 12 months alone, I’ve seen a sharp rise in organisations creating or expanding public
affairs roles. Some of this is driven by domestic politics, but much of it comes from the speed
and scale of global change. The unsettled trajectory of U.S. policy, from trade agreements to
climate commitments has ripple effects in Brussels and Dublin. The EU’s regulatory responses,
from tech to energy to sustainability, are moving at a pace that catches some industries off
guard.
Companies, membership bodies, and NGOs now realise they can’t afford to be caught
flat-footed. They need someone who can spot change coming, explain its implications, and build
the right relationships to influence the outcome. Having a public affairs lead is no longer a “nice
to have”, it’s becoming an operational necessity.
A different tempo
Moving from politics to public affairs is not just a change of title, it’s a change of rhythm. Political
life runs on adrenaline: there’s always another vote to win, another crisis to manage. In
corporate or NGO life, timelines stretch, priorities shift, and progress can be measured in years
rather than news cycles.
Some people thrive on that change. They enjoy being able to plan further ahead, build
relationships without the constant backdrop of electoral pressure, and see long-term projects
through to completion. Others find it harder to adjust, missing the pace and immediacy of
political life.
What great transitions look like
Many of the special advisers I’ve placed into public affairs roles have gone on to become
trusted, strategic voices within their organisations. They succeed because they bring more than
political connections, they understand legislative processes, can map the decision-makers who
really matter, and know how to frame their organisation’s position so it resonates with the right
audiences in Brussels, Dublin, or beyond. That mix of political insight, strategic thinking, and
communications skill means they can deliver impact quickly, even in complex or highly regulated
sectors.-
Two worlds, one evolving skill set
When the move from politics to public affairs works well, it’s because the candidate brings both
their political edge and their adaptability. They combine instinct with evidence, relationships with
results, and policy expertise with a clear communications strategy. The organisation, in turn,
gains a deeper understanding of the political environment and a stronger voice in shaping it.
For those stepping out of political life, public affairs isn’t just a place to use old contacts, it’s a
stage to build new influence, drawing on a wider set of skills than ever before. And from where I
sit, the demand for people who can operate fluently in both worlds, with or without the little black
book, is only going in one direction: up.
