At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Skyral's external communications strategy and manage media relations.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge tech company revolutionising defence-grade technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence on company presence and reputation.
- Why this job: Shape the narrative of innovative technology that impacts high-stakes environments.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in external affairs and strategic communications.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: London / Hybrid
Reports to: CEO (Growth area)
Function: Marketing & External Affairs
Level: 8-10+ years experience
About Skyral
Skyral is building defence‐grade modelling, simulation and digital twin technology for complex, high‐stakes environments. Our software helps organisations understand complexity, test decisions before they are made, and prepare for futures that are increasingly uncertain, contested and fast‐moving. We work with defence, government and commercial partners to deliver technology that supports better planning, training, decision‐making and operational readiness.
As we scale, we are looking for a Head of External Affairs to lead the strategy, narrative and delivery of Skyral's external presence across media, public affairs, digital channels, events, sales enablement and executive communications.
The role
The Head of External Affairs will be responsible for shaping how Skyral shows up externally: what we say, where we say it, who hears it, and why it matters. This is a senior, hands‐on role that moves confidently between strategy and execution. The holder will set the communications agenda, manage agency partners, support the executive team, and ensure Skyral's narrative is consistently sharp, credible and commercially useful.
Responsibilities extend across press, public affairs, web, social, events, conferences, sales collateral and investor‐facing materials. The role also works closely with business development, product, solutions architects, and the executive team to position Skyral effectively with customers, partners, investors, government and the wider market.
Key Responsibilities
- Communications, PR and media
- Develop, agree and deliver Skyral's annual communications strategy and business narrative.
- Manage the PR agency, including pitch strategy, media engagement and delivery.
- Draft, review and approve press releases, editorials, blogs, commentary and thought leadership.
- Prepare and brief executives for media interviews, external engagements and speaking opportunities.
- Build and manage relationships with journalists, including off‐record and background briefings.
- Ensure Skyral's media presence supports business priorities, commercial growth and strategic positioning.
- Public affairs and stakeholder engagement
- Brief MPs, civil servants and senior government officials on Skyral's technology, priorities and relevance.
- Manage the public affairs agency and ensure activity aligns with business priorities.
- Develop and deliver public affairs strategy in support of commercial, policy and reputational goals.
- Prepare executives for government, parliamentary and senior stakeholder engagements.
- Events and conferences
- Develop and deliver Skyral's major conference and events strategy.
- Manage company attendance at key industry events, including planning, logistics, messaging and follow‐up.
- Own VIP events and senior stakeholder engagements.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who combines strategic judgement with strong execution. You should be comfortable advising senior leaders, managing agencies, writing sharp copy, building external narratives, and getting the details right.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Significant experience in external affairs, strategic communications, public affairs, corporate communications, defence, technology or government‐facing sectors.
- Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce high‐quality press releases, speeches, articles, social posts, web copy and sales materials.
- Strong media judgement and experience managing journalists, PR agencies and media opportunities.
- Experience briefing senior executives for external engagements, interviews, speeches or stakeholder meetings.
- A strong understanding of public affairs, government engagement and policy audiences.
- Experience managing events, conferences or senior stakeholder engagements.
- The ability to translate complex technology into clear, commercially relevant messaging.
- Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities at pace.
- Confidence working with senior internal stakeholders, including executives, business development teams, product teams and technical experts.
- A high bar for quality, detail and consistency.
- Experience in defence, national security, government, emerging technology, AI, simulation, digital twins or enterprise software would be highly advantageous.
Head of External Affairs in London employer: Skyral
Skyral is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, Skyral provides opportunities for professional development and engagement in high-stakes projects that shape the future of defence and technology. The hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while the company's commitment to strategic communications ensures that your contributions will have a meaningful impact on both the organisation and its partners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Affairs in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at Skyral or similar companies. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create content that showcases your knowledge in external affairs and strategic communications. Whether it’s writing articles, sharing insights on social media, or even starting a blog, let your voice be heard. This can help you stand out when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like it’s a big presentation. Research Skyral thoroughly—know their tech, their market, and their competitors. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their narrative. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of External Affairs position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Affairs in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of External Affairs role. Highlight your experience in strategic communications and public affairs, and show us how your skills align with Skyral's mission and values.
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Since this role requires excellent writing and editing skills, include examples of your best work. Whether it's press releases, articles, or speeches, let us see how you can craft compelling narratives that resonate with different audiences.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity and brevity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and get straight to the heart of your experience and achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches us without any hiccups, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our team at Skyral!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skyral
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Skyral's technology and its applications in defence and government sectors. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and how they position themselves in the market. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Craft Your Narrative
As the Head of External Affairs, storytelling is key. Prepare a concise narrative about your career journey, focusing on your strategic judgement and execution skills. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed communications or public affairs, especially in high-stakes environments.
✨Engage with the Executives
Expect to interact with senior leaders during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you would advise them on external engagements and media strategies. Show confidence in your ability to translate complex ideas into clear messaging that resonates with various audiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in this role, such as handling a media crisis or developing a public affairs strategy. Prepare structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively, showcasing your project management expertise.
