Director of External Affairs

Centre for Cities; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An urban policy think tank based in Central London seeks a Director of External Affairs. The successful candidate will lead strategic communications efforts and boost the organization's influence. You will oversee multi-channel communications and represent the organization to key stakeholders in government and civil society. Applicants should have significant experience in leadership and external affairs, with an understanding of the UK political landscape. This is a full-time, permanent role offering a salary between £70,000 and £75,000, alongside benefits like annual leave and flexible working.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in communications and external affairs within a policy-focused environment.
• Demonstrated success in multi-channel communications activities.
• Ability to cultivate partnerships and represent the organization effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction and implementation of external affairs activities.
• Oversee communication channels to maximize influence and impact.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders in government and civil society.
• Provide leadership to the External Affairs team and manage budgets.

Skills

Strategic communications skills

Leadership and people-management experience

Engaging senior stakeholders

Deep understanding of UK political landscape

Excellent written communication

Job description

Title

Director of External Affairs

Location

Central London (London Bridge)

Hybrid Working

3 or 4 days in the office (with flexibility). A full‑time remote position will not be offered.

Reports to

Chief Executive

Position

Full‑time and permanent

Salary

£70,000 - £75,000

Start Date

Flexible (circa March 2026)

Annual leave

28 days plus 8 bank holidays, leave allowance rising to 30 days after four years’ service. Additionally, the office is closed between Christmas and New Year.

To Apply

Please send your CV (max of 2 pages) and a supporting statement (max of 3 pages) setting out:

• Why you want to work for Centre for Cities
• How your experience meets the requirements of the role
• Your ambition for the organisation

About Centre for Cities

Centre for Cities is passionate about helping cities up and down the country achieve their economic potential and improve the life chances of their residents. Whether it is levelling up and Covid, employment and skills, housing or transport, we work closely with city leaders, government and business leaders to make sure our work is relevant, accessible and of practical use to cities and central government.

Exciting Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding candidate to join the leadership team of the country’s leading independent, non‑partisan research and policy institute focused on urban policy. We want our work to make a splash and to have a lasting impact on the way the UK is run – and on people’s prosperity, wherever they live and work. You will lead our efforts to stay at the front of the pack, to grow our network and our reputation and to secure income from like‑minded organisations.

Role

1) External Affairs Leadership and Delivery

• Lead the strategic direction and implementation of the Centre’s multi‑channel communications and external affairs activities to maximise influence and impact.
• Oversee all outward‑facing communications channels (press, public affairs, digital, publications, and events) to ensure our work reaches the right audiences and supports our policy goals.
• Identify and cultivate partners and sponsors that enhance our reputation, broaden reach and generate income.

2) External Representation and Influence

• Lead the Centre’s activities to build and strengthen the networks needed to have impact – including relationships with local and national political figures and officials, and experts.
• Represent Centre for Cities with senior stakeholders across government (officials and politicians), local and regional leaders, business, academia and civil society.
• Horizon‑scan political and policy landscapes to provide insights that inform organisational strategy and priorities.
• Build and maintain a strong presence with national and local media, ensuring the Centre is a go‑to voice on urban policy and economic growth.

3) Organisational Leadership and Management

• Provide high‑quality leadership to the External Affairs team, setting direction and inspiring performance.
• Contribute as a senior management team member to organisational planning, decision‑making and culture‑building.
• Manage budgets and resources for the External Affairs function.
• Foster a collaborative, impact‑driven culture in the organisation, ensuring external affairs is fully integrated into organisational planning and delivery.

Person Specification

• Motivated by the potential of cities to increase the prosperity of their residents and the UK.
• Outstanding strategic communications skills, with a track record of developing and delivering successful multi‑channel activities that build profile and influence.
• Significant leadership and people‑management experience in external affairs, communications, press or a related function within a policy‑focused organisation.
• Track record of engaging senior stakeholders across government, press and business, ideally including securing funding, to achieve impact.
• Deep understanding of the UK political and policy landscape and how to navigate and influence it effectively.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.

The deadline for applications is 23:59, Sunday 25th January 2026.

Interviews will take place from the 2nd February onwards.