Hey buddy, have you heard about Public affairs industry before?
No! I sure haven't! What the public affairs industry?
Ok, it is the building and development of relations between an organization and politicians, governments and other decision-makers.
That's really interesting! What else can you tell me about public affairs?
It has evolved over the years as it is considered a branch or sub-discipline of public relations (PR).
Oh, I see! That would be a great career to get into! 
Well, it is. However, it is often equated with lobbying
Ohhhh. Lobbyists have gotten a bad reputation recently. Are public affairs professionals usually employed in the private sector?
Yes buddy. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), which is the UK's professional body for public relations 
Does a similar position exist in the United States as well?