Director of External Affairs

Marie Anselot; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading non-partisan research and policy institute in Central London seeks a Director of External Affairs. In this role, you will lead the strategic direction of communications and external relations, ensuring impactful engagement with stakeholders. You will manage external affairs activities, oversee communications channels, and contribute to institutional strategy. The ideal candidate has a strong track record in strategic communications and significant experience in leadership within policy-focused organizations. A salary range of £70,000 - £75,000 is offered with hybrid working options.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays

Flexible start date

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Outstanding strategic communications skills with a track record of successful multi-channel activities.
• Significant experience in external affairs or communications within a policy-focused organisation.
• Ability to engage senior stakeholders across government and business to achieve impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and implementation of multi-channel communications.
• Oversee outward-facing communications channels to ensure effective reach.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and media.

Skills

Strategic communications skills

Leadership and people-management experience

Stakeholder engagement

Understanding of UK political landscape

Excellent written and verbal skills

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-timeremote 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.

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.

The 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.

How to Apply

Please send to [e-mail] 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