DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS

London, Hybrid | £80,000 | Permanent | Full time

The Opportunity

Civitas Recruitment are delighted to be supporting a well-established UK charity in the search for a Director of External Relations. This is a senior leadership role for a dynamic and influential external affairs professional who can build momentum around the organisation's agenda, strengthen its voice with decision-makers and develop support from Westminster and Whitehall through to communities and grassroots networks.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and sitting on the Leadership Team, you will bring together public affairs, communications, stakeholder engagement, partnerships and wider external relations. You will help shape strategy, build influential relationships and ensure the organisation is well positioned to affect policy, public debate and legislative change.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver an ambitious external relations and public affairs strategy that builds influence, visibility and momentum.
• Develop strong relationships across Whitehall, Westminster and other key political and policy stakeholders, identifying opportunities to shape policy and legislation.
• Lead public affairs activity and provide senior advice on the political and external environment, emerging opportunities and risks.
• Build coalitions and partnerships across civil society, business, professional networks and grassroots organisations.
• Ensure external engagement is joined up across communications, policy, campaigns, partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
• Create compelling narratives and engagement strategies that can mobilise support and strengthen the organisation's influence.
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, setting clear priorities and creating a high-performing, outward-facing culture.
• Represent the organisation externally with credibility and confidence, including with senior stakeholders, policymakers and partners.