Director of External Affairs

Director of External Affairs

Title: Director of External Affairs
Location: Central London (London Bridge)
Hybrid Working: 3 or 4 days in the office with flexibility (no full‑time remote position)
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, rising to 30 days after four years’ service; office closed between Christmas and New Year

• External Affairs leadership and delivery – set strategic direction and implement the Centre’s multi‑channel communications and external affairs activities to maximise influence and impact.
• Oversee all outward‑facing communication 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.
• Build and strengthen the networks needed for impact – relationships with local and national political figures, officials, experts and senior stakeholders across government, local and regional leaders, business, academia and civil society.
• Represent the Centre for Cities for senior stakeholders across all sectors and maintain a strong presence with national and local media, ensuring the Centre is a go‑to voice on urban policy and economic growth.
• Contribute as a senior management team member to organisational planning, decision‑making and culture‑building; manage budgets and resources for the External Affairs function and foster a collaborative, impact‑driven culture fully integrated into organisational planning and delivery.

• 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.

Applications close at 23:59, Sunday 25th January 2026.
Interviews will take place from 2 February onwards.

Please send your CV (max of 2 pages) and a supporting statement (max of 3 pages) to recruitment setting out:
E.g. why you want to work for Centre for Cities
how your experience meets the requirements of the role
your ambition for the organisation