Director (Policy) – Technology, Media and Telecoms Practice

Public First’s Tech, Media & Telecoms Practice

Public First has a rapidly growing tech practice which works on projects around the world. We are hired by some of the biggest companies in the world to combine rigorous economic modelling and polling with compelling narratives, and our impact reports have been published in almost every global market. Our work is read by key policy makers and journalists. They are a critical way in which our clients communicate what they do, why it matters, and the opportunities and policy questions for technology and society.

You can find many of our international impact reports on our website www.publicfirst.co.uk. 

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Director who will work in our Technology, Media & Telecoms (TMT) practice, working closely with the head of the practice and our Head of Economics. They will manage one of our most important clients, and are therefore a lynchpin for the company.

The Director will deliver high‑quality written outputs that intelligently weave in our data, shape the narrative on how technology – especially artificial intelligence – is transforming economies and societies, and help clients articulate evidence‑based policy positions.

Fundamentally we need someone who can think, write, and talk to clients and make sure they are getting the quality delivery they need. This is one of the most important and fastest growing areas of Public First, and you will get a lot of support from the CEO and others in the business to make your role a success.

At Public First, senior people do a lot of the work. The successful candidate will also be a senior person who does client work.

Key Responsibilities

  • Will be responsible for managing relationships with our biggest client account, and ensure seamless service across our teams, with the support of dedicated project managers.
  • Lead and progress international workstreams across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring high‑quality delivery to time.
  • Own the drafting of impact reports and thought‑leadership papers – with a likely focus on AI.
  • Act as an in‑house expert on the economic, societal and technological implications of AI for clients and colleagues
  • Identify novel, data‑rich angles and suggest compelling new data points and methodologies for future impact reports.
  • Conduct and oversee basic data analysis and graphing to reinforce narrative with clear visuals.
  • Support new business development by spotting opportunities and contributing to proposals.

Ideal Candidate

  • Substantial experience working with international clients in technology, media or telecoms.
  • Demonstrable track record leading complex, multi‑country research or policy projects.
  • Subject‑matter expertise in technology, AI and its economic and social impact.
  • Exceptional written communication skills – able to craft crisp, coherent arguments for senior audiences.
  • Confidence with quantitative data; able to brief economists and pollsters, interpret results and present findings graphically.
  • Comfortable operating in fast‑paced consultancy environments and juggling multiple priorities.

Please apply even if you don’t tick every box. But please don’t apply unless you tick a lot of the boxes! 

Location & Flexibility

The role is based in our Westminster office, London, with hybrid working (Mondays and Thursdays in‑office; other days flexible).

Salary & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package with significant flexibility based on experience.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Public First is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates.

How to Apply

Please send your CV, a short cover letter, and links to two examples of relevant written work here. We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage early submissions.