Head of UK & Ireland Public Policy at Etsy

What’s the role?
We are seeking an experienced public policy leader to head Etsy’s UK & Ireland public policy and advocacy work. This role will shape and advance policy priorities in one of Etsy’s most important and dynamic regions, while also supporting our broader European efforts.

This role will require occasional travel within the UK and Ireland, as well as periodic travel to Brussels, New York, and other European hubs.

As the Head of UK & Ireland Public Policy, you will advance policies that increase economic security and reduce administrative burdens for the creative entrepreneurs who power our marketplace. A core part of this role is elevating the voices of Etsy sellers — ensuring their experiences and perspectives directly inform policymaking and public debate.

You will position Etsy as a credible and human-centered voice on issues impacting micro-businesses, e-commerce, trade and technology policy. This includes translating complex policy issues into compelling narratives and bringing seller stories to life in ways that resonate with policymakers across the UK and Ireland, while supporting alignment with EU developments and contributing to our broader policy engagement in Brussels.

This is a full-time position reporting to the Senior Director of Public Policy. In addition to salary, you will also be eligible for an equity package, an annual performance bonus, and our competitive benefits that support you and your family as part of your total rewards package at Etsy.

Etsy offers different work modes to meet the variety of needs and preferences of our team. Learn more about our Flex and Office-based work modes and workplace safety policies here.

What’s this team like at Etsy?

Etsy’s Public Policy & Advocacy team leads global efforts to advance policies that empower creative entrepreneurs, reduce barriers for micro-businesses, and ensure our community’s voice is heard by policymakers. We connect policymakers directly with Etsy sellers — amplifying their voices through storytelling, campaigns, and direct engagement — and advocate for policies that support our community and marketplaces. We partner closely across Legal, Comms, Product, Impact, Marketing, and Trust & Safety to deliver coordinated, high-impact work.

What does the day-to-day look like?

• Lead Etsy’s public policy and advocacy strategy in the UK & Ireland, with a strong focus on seller-centered advocacy

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with policymakers, regulators, and key external stakeholders

• Design and execute advocacy campaigns that elevate Etsy sellers’ voices, including connecting policymakers directly with our community

• Identify and develop compelling seller stories that illustrate the real-world impact of policy decisions

• Represent Etsy — and our seller community — in meetings, events, and public forums

• Track and analyze policy developments (UK, Ireland, and relevant EU initiatives), advising internal teams on risks and opportunities

• Develop and advocate for Etsy’s policy positions across issues including platform regulation, product safety, intellectual property, privacy, competition, tax, sustainability, and trade

• Partner closely with Comms and Impact teams to translate policy priorities into clear, human, and persuasive narratives

• Drive consultation responses, coalition engagement, and external partnerships to advance Etsy’s priorities

• Manage external consultants, trade associations, and advocacy partners where appropriate

• Contribute to broader European policy efforts, including coordination with EU-based colleagues and supporting engagement in Brussels

• Support senior leadership engagement with policymakers by acting as the principal in-market lead, guiding engagement strategy, managing key relationships, and preparing materials grounded in seller impact

• Of course, this is just a sample of the kinds of work this role will require! You should assume that your role will encompass other tasks, too, and that your job duties and responsibilities may change from time to time at Etsy's discretion, or otherwise applicable with local law.

Qualities that will help you thrive in this role:

• 8+ years of experience in public policy, government, or advocacy

• Strong understanding of the UK (and ideally Irish) policy landscape; EU/Brussels experience is a strong plus

• Experience developing and executing advocacy campaigns that incorporate storytelling and grassroots or community engagement

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling narratives

• Experience engaging directly with policymakers and influencing policy outcomes

• Familiarity with key policy issues including platform regulation, intellectual property, product safety, privacy, competition, tax, sustainability, and trade (including cross-border e-commerce)

• Strong judgment and ability to navigate complex, fast-moving policy environments

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Highly organized, self-directed, and comfortable leading initiatives from conception to execution

• Collaborative mindset and experience working across global, cross-functional teams

• Passion for Etsy’s mission and empowering creative entrepreneurs to advocate for themselves