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- Tasks: Lead external communications and public affairs strategy for the solar energy sector.
- Company: Join Solar Energy UK, a leading trade association for clean energy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, hybrid working, and a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of solar energy and influence national policy.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs, media strategy, and team leadership required.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team driving the UK's clean energy transition.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
London (Covent Garden) | Hybrid | 4-day week (Mon–Thu)
TGRC is recruiting a Director of External Affairs on behalf of Solar Energy UK, the leading trade association for the UK solar and energy storage sector. Solar Energy UK represents over 400 member companies delivering Britain’s clean energy transition. It is the industry’s collective voice, engaging with government, media and stakeholders to shape policy, support growth, and make the case for solar and storage as core parts of a secure, affordable, net-zero energy system.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the CEO and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team (4 members), the Director of External Affairs will set the vision and lead delivery of Solar Energy UK’s external communications, media and public affairs strategy. This is a highly visible leadership role, advising the Board on political, reputational and strategic issues, and acting as a senior spokesperson for the sector. You will shape national debate, engage decision-makers at the highest levels, and build a compelling public narrative around the role of solar and energy storage in the UK’s clean energy future. The role includes line management of a growing team of Policy Affairs Advisors (currently 2), with the opportunity to expand capability as the organisation continues to scale its influence and impact.
Solar Energy UK is a 20-person not-for-profit organisation based in Covent Garden, London, operating a 4-day working week and offering flexible working through a hybrid model.
Key Focus Areas
- Strategic leadership: Own the long-term external affairs strategy and contribute to Solar Energy UK’s wider organisational direction and priorities.
- Political & public affairs: Lead engagement with political advisors, Parliament and key stakeholders, overseeing advocacy, campaigns and political risk management.
- Media & narrative: Drive proactive and reactive media strategy, build senior journalist relationships, and deliver authoritative thought leadership.
- Campaigns & public engagement: Design and deliver insight-led campaigns that influence policy, public opinion and sector outcomes.
- Digital leadership: Strengthen Solar Energy UK’s digital presence, creating compelling content and countering misinformation effectively.
- Member & stakeholder engagement: Act as a senior interface for members and partners, including the global solar industry, ensuring external affairs activity aligns with member priorities.
- Team leadership: Build and lead a high-performing External Affairs team, managing budgets, agencies and external funding where appropriate.
About You
You will bring passion, purpose and credibility, with strong judgement in high-stakes, high-profile environments. You’ll ideally have deep insight into the UK political, media and energy landscape, alongside exceptional influencing and communication skills.
You will also demonstrate:
- Proven experience shaping external affairs, public affairs, media strategy and stakeholder engagement
- Confidence advising senior leaders and Boards on reputational and political considerations
- Strong digital communications capability and understanding of narrative-building
- Experience designing and delivering campaigns that drive impact, including securing external funds for those campaigns
- Track record of leading and developing teams
- Experience in renewables, energy or climate (highly desirable)
Apply
Apply with a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and the value you would bring to Solar Energy UK.
Director of External Affairs employer: The Green Recruitment Company
Contact Detail:
The Green Recruitment Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of External Affairs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the solar and energy sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Director of External Affairs role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create content that showcases your knowledge about external affairs and the energy landscape. Whether it’s a blog post, a LinkedIn article, or even a video, let your voice be heard. This can catch the eye of decision-makers at Solar Energy UK.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research Solar Energy UK thoroughly and understand their mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in shaping public narratives and engaging stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of External Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for the solar and energy sector, and how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see what makes you tick and why you’re the perfect fit for Solar Energy UK.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, don’t just list your past roles; show us how you’ve shaped external affairs strategies in the past. We’re looking for someone who can think big and lead with vision, so share specific examples of your strategic impact.
Demonstrate Your Media Savvy: Since this role involves a lot of media interaction, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have in building relationships with journalists or managing media campaigns. We want to know how you can elevate our narrative in the public eye!
Be Authentic and Personable: We love a bit of personality! Don’t be afraid to let your authentic self shine through in your application. Show us your enthusiasm for the role and the mission of Solar Energy UK. Remember, we’re all about making connections!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Green Recruitment Company
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the solar and energy storage sector. Brush up on current policies, key players, and recent developments. This will not only show your passion but also your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of External Affairs, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team and influence stakeholders. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or driven impactful campaigns.
✨Engage with the Media
Since media strategy is a big part of this role, think about how you would approach building relationships with journalists. Have a few ideas ready on how you could enhance Solar Energy UK's media presence and counter misinformation.
✨Prepare for Tough Questions
Expect questions about political and reputational challenges in the sector. Think through potential scenarios and how you would navigate them. This will show that you can handle high-stakes situations with confidence.
