At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external relations and public affairs strategy to influence policy and build partnerships.
- Company: Established UK charity making a real difference in communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and make a tangible impact on society.
- Why this job: Shape impactful strategies and engage with key decision-makers to drive change.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in public affairs and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
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.
- The Candidate
We are looking for an energetic, politically astute senior leader who understands how influence is built both inside institutions and from the ground up.
You will combine strategic judgement with pace, relationship-building ability and the confidence to turn ideas into visible external impact
- Significant senior leadership experience in public affairs, external relations, policy, campaigns, communications or a closely related field.
- A strong understanding of Whitehall, Westminster and the political and legislative environment, with experience influencing senior decision-makers.
- Demonstrable experience of building momentum around an issue, campaign or organisational agenda.
- A track record of developing influential relationships and partnerships across multiple sectors.
- Experience of coalition-building, community engagement or developing support at grassroots level.
- Strong people leadership skills and experience leading multidisciplinary teams through change.
- Excellent communication, judgement and influencing skills, with the ability to operate credibly across different audiences and perspectives.
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Director of External Relations (uk charity) in London employer: Civitas Recruitment Ltd
As a historic charity based in Blackheath, London, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values the contributions of every team member. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training opportunities and a collaborative environment where innovative ideas are encouraged. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique advantage of working in a beautiful estate that combines heritage with modern facilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of External Relations (uk charity) in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Civitas Recruitment Ltd.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Civitas Recruitment Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Civitas Recruitment Ltd.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Civitas Recruitment Ltd. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of External Relations (uk charity) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Civitas Recruitment Ltd. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Director of External Relations (uk charity), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Civitas Recruitment Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Civitas Recruitment Ltd. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
