Executive Director of External Affairs in Manchester

Executive Director of External Affairs in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 110000 - 110000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global external affairs, shaping partnerships and enhancing the organisation's influence.
  • Company: A top humanitarian organisation dedicated to saving lives and rebuilding communities.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for international travel.
  • Other info: Join a respected organisation at a pivotal moment in its evolution.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in global humanitarian efforts while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in external affairs, policy, and strategic communications.

The predicted salary is between 110000 - 110000 £ per year.

Our client is one of the world's leading humanitarian organisations working to save lives and build safer futures for communities affected by conflict. Through work in mine action, disarmament and post-conflict recovery, they help people reclaim land, rebuild livelihoods and move forward with safety and dignity.

At a time of profound geopolitical change, shifting donor priorities and increasing humanitarian need, they are creating a new Executive Director of External Affairs role to strengthen the organisation's global influence, visibility, partnerships and long‑term sustainability. Reporting to the CEO and serving as a member of the Executive Team, this role will bring together policy, advocacy, strategic partnerships, media, communications, philanthropy and income diversification into one coherent external affairs directorate.

It is a significant opportunity to shape how the organisation is understood, supported and positioned globally across governments, multilateral institutions, philanthropy, civil society, security and defence audiences, and emerging funding markets. The Executive Director of External Affairs will lead the organisation's global voice and external positioning, ensuring the organisation speaks with clarity, authority and impact.

They will build high‑level partnerships, open new doors, diversify income, strengthen thought leadership and help articulate the relevance of the organisation's work to humanitarian, security, stabilisation and recovery agendas, while safeguarding the organisation's humanitarian principles and values.

We are seeking an exceptional senior leader with a strong track record in external affairs, policy, advocacy, partnerships, strategic communications or income generation within a complex international environment. You will bring credibility with senior stakeholders, the judgement to navigate sensitive geopolitical and reputational issues, and the ability to lead experienced, multi‑disciplinary teams.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a newly created executive role at the heart of a globally respected organisation, helping ensure the organisation remains influential, sustainable and future‑ready in a rapidly changing world.

Executive Director of External Affairs in Manchester employer: PROSPECTUS-4

As a leading humanitarian organisation, we offer an exceptional work environment that prioritises meaningful impact and employee growth. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, providing opportunities for professional development while addressing critical global challenges. With a competitive salary and the flexibility of a hybrid role, you will be empowered to make a significant difference in the lives of communities affected by conflict, all while working alongside passionate and dedicated professionals.

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Contact Details:

PROSPECTUS-4 Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Director of External Affairs in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend industry events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships that could lead to opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You need to be able to articulate your experience and vision clearly. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with your delivery.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of External Affairs in Manchester

External Affairs
Policy Development
Advocacy
Strategic Partnerships
Media Relations
Communications
Philanthropy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Executive Director of External Affairs role. Highlight your achievements in external affairs, partnerships, and strategic communications to show us you’re the right fit.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about humanitarian work and how your background makes you an ideal candidate for this position. Be authentic and let your personality come through.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As this role involves leading multi-disciplinary teams, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and navigated complex situations in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates during the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at PROSPECTUS-4

Know the Organisation Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into the organisation's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their work in mine action and post-conflict recovery will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.

Showcase Your Strategic Vision

As an Executive Director of External Affairs, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to shape and communicate a strategic vision. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led partnerships or advocacy efforts that resulted in tangible outcomes.

Prepare for Geopolitical Discussions

Given the current geopolitical climate, be ready to discuss how you would navigate sensitive issues. Think about past experiences where you've managed reputational risks or engaged with diverse stakeholders effectively.

Highlight Your Leadership Style

This role requires leading multi-disciplinary teams. Be prepared to share your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've motivated teams to achieve common goals, especially in complex international settings.