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- Tasks: Lead strategic communications and external affairs to maximise influence and impact.
- Company: Centre for Cities, a leading independent research and policy institute.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in urban policy and improve lives across the UK.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in external affairs and strong strategic communication skills.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to enhancing city prosperity and influence.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 75000 ÂŁ per year.
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: ÂŁ70,000 - ÂŁ75,000
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Director of External Affairs in City of London employer: Centre for Cities
Contact Detail:
Centre for Cities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of External Affairs in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Centre for Cities thoroughly and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practice common interview questions and come up with some thoughtful questions of your own to show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for urban policy and economic growth shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their goals and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about wanting to be part of the team at Centre for Cities.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of External Affairs in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Keep it concise (max 2 pages) and highlight your relevant experience that aligns with the role. We want to see how your background makes you the perfect fit for the Director of External Affairs position.
Write a Strong Supporting Statement: This is your chance to shine! In your supporting statement (max 3 pages), clearly articulate why you want to work for Centre for Cities and how your experience meets the role's requirements. Don’t forget to share your ambitions for the organisation – we love big ideas!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor both your CV and supporting statement to reflect the job description. Use keywords from the listing to show us you understand what we’re looking for. This helps us see how you can contribute to our mission and goals.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Centre for Cities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Centre for Cities
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Centre for Cities' mission and recent projects. Understand their role in urban policy and how they influence economic growth. This knowledge will help you articulate why you're passionate about working there and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of External Affairs, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully led teams or initiatives. Highlight how you inspired performance and fostered collaboration, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Current Affairs
Stay updated on the latest political and policy developments in the UK, especially those affecting urban areas. Be ready to discuss how these issues impact Centre for Cities' work and share your insights on potential strategies to navigate them. This shows your proactive approach and understanding of the landscape.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the organisation's future plans and challenges. Ask about their current partnerships or how they measure the impact of their work. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
