Public Policy Manager

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

We are now looking for a Public Policy Manager to join our team for a 12-month fixed term contract or internal secondment. 

This role sits at the heart of the two most vital policy issues facing news organisations: ‘Digital Platforms’, steering our relationship with Big Tech across AI, mobile apps, ad tech, and data privacy and ‘Press Freedom’, ensuring our journalists can report safely and without interference.

Working closely with the Director of Public Policy, you will help manage engagement across a global remit spanning the UK, Europe, the US, and Australia. 

The strength and independence of our journalism gives the Guardian a respected seat at the table where defining discussions with governments and regulators take place. 

If you want to influence the critical forces shaping journalism, there is no better place to accelerate your career than The Guardian.

About the role

• Help develop corporate affairs strategies and build policy positions to influence legislation and regulation.
• Monitor legal and legislative developments and ensure the wider organisation is kept abreast of relevant changes.
• Prepare sharp, high-quality briefings and presentations for senior leadership, up to the CEO and Editor-in-Chief.

• Build relationships with global NGOs, trade organisations, think tanks, and parliamentarians on joint public policy campaigns.

  
  

About you

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a public policy, public affairs, or related regulatory role.
• Familiarity with the media sector and UK policy issues relating to DCMS and/or DSIT is highly desirable. You don’t need in-depth knowledge of all our core areas from day one but we value a sharp analytical mind and the agility to quickly master complex topics like copyright or media law.
• An awareness of the stakeholder landscape is crucial including regulators, policymakers, parliamentarians, NGOs, and trade bodies.
• Strong relationship-building skills to gather operational experience and information from across the business to inform and strengthen our policy positions.

We actively encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media

We operate in a hybrid environment working 3 days a week from our offices in Kings Cross and 2 days a week remotely. 

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Many of our staff work flexibly and we will consider all requests for flexible working arrangements.

How to apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you’d love to take on this role, and why you’re a great match for what we’re looking for. 

We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application we receive. We do not use AI-assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team. Please bear with us during the screening process.

The closing date for applications is 6pm, Tuesday 9th June 2026.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to help your application, this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs.  Please contact Karen on [email protected] to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Benefits at the Guardian

You'll have 30 days of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.

You are entitled to private healthcare, life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.

We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.

Culture and wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace. We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.

We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and Pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.

Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Learning and development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

We value honesty in your application.

AI generated content must not be presented as your own work. 

Please review our guidance on the use of AI in your application  here.