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- Tasks: Lead impactful campaigns and engage stakeholders to promote cycling across the UK.
- Company: Cycling UK, the national cycling charity inspiring all to enjoy cycling.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous pension, and 27 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cycling and make a real difference in communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in advocacy, communications, and leading high-performing teams.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and influence public policy for cycling's future.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 96000 £ per year.
Cycling UK is the UK’s national cycling charity. Since 1878, we’ve been on a mission to inspire people of all backgrounds and abilities to experience the joys and benefits of cycling. We campaign for safer, accessible, and attractive cycling for everyone, while running award-winning behaviour-change programmes reaching over 100,000 people a year.
This pivotal role leads policy, campaigns, communications, brand, marketing, and stakeholder engagement, amplifying our voice and influence across the UK. You will inspire a multidisciplinary team of c.23, oversee integrated high-impact campaigns, and ensure cycling is embedded in public policy, public debate, and everyday life.
What we’re looking for:
- A senior leader with significant experience in advocacy, communications, campaigns, or marketing.
- A proven track record of political influencing and shaping public debate.
- Skilled at leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Strong public speaking and media experience.
- Passionate about Cycling UK’s mission and able to deliver measurable impact through integrated external work.
The role offers:
- Salary: c£83,000 p.a.
- Hybrid working, with weekly SLT meetings in London.
- Generous pension (up to 5% employer contribution) and annual leave (27 days + 8 bank holidays, plus wellbeing days).
- Opportunity to lead bold, visible campaigns shaping cycling for years to come.
How to apply:
Visit this link to find out more and apply. Please provide a CV (max. 3 pages) and supporting statement (max. 2 pages) outlining why you’re the right fit. Complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form.
Closing date: Friday 13th March 2026
Preliminary interviews: w/c 23rd March 2026
Final panel interviews: w/c 13th April 2026
Take the lead in shaping a future where cycling is every day, accessible, and transformative for everyone.
Director of External Affairs in London employer: Cycling UK
Contact Detail:
Cycling UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of External Affairs in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the cycling and advocacy space. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for cycling! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to share your enthusiasm for Cycling UK's mission. Talk about how you’ve engaged with cycling initiatives or campaigns in the past. Your genuine interest can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching current cycling policies and campaigns. Be ready to discuss how you would amplify Cycling UK's voice and influence. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re also clued up on the challenges and opportunities in the cycling world.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure your CV and supporting statement highlight your leadership experience and your ability to drive impactful campaigns. Let’s get you in front of the right people!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of External Affairs in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cycling and Cycling UK's mission shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours, so don’t hold back on sharing why this role excites you!
Tailor Your CV and Statement: Make sure your CV and supporting statement are tailored specifically to the Director of External Affairs role. Highlight your experience in advocacy, communications, and campaigns, and how they relate to the job description. We love seeing relevant examples!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. With a max of 3 pages for your CV and 2 pages for your statement, focus on the most impactful experiences and skills that make you the perfect fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community at Cycling UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cycling UK
✨Know Your Cycling UK Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Cycling UK's mission, values, and recent campaigns. Familiarise yourself with their advocacy work and how they engage with stakeholders. This will not only show your passion for cycling but also demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of External Affairs, you'll be leading a multidisciplinary team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your approach to developing high-performing individuals. Be ready to discuss specific campaigns you've spearheaded and the measurable impacts they've had.
✨Master the Art of Public Speaking
Given the role's emphasis on public speaking and media experience, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider rehearsing answers to potential questions about your political influencing strategies and how you've shaped public debate in previous roles.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about Cycling UK's future campaigns, their approach to stakeholder engagement, and how they measure success. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in making a difference within the organisation.