Director, Communications and Engagement London/Hybrid

Reporting to: Senior Adviser, Communications and Engagement

For over a century, the World Energy Council has united leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the globe to shape a fairer and faster energy transition for all. We bring together 18,000+ international leaders, CEOs and changemakers and 100+ ministers, to accelerate progress and spark collaboration. We are now seeking an exceptional Director of Communications and Engagement to lead the development and delivery of our strategic communications and engagement programme at a pivotal moment for global energy.

The Role

As Director, Communications and Engagement, you will lead the creation and execution of a communications and engagement strategy and plan that directly contributes to the delivery of the World Energy Council’s goals, differentiating us and positioning us clearly with our stakeholders. You will build and implement a narrative and messaging that both strengthens our relevance in the global dialogue on energy and energy transitions and helps to build our capacity to engage with global stakeholders on the key issues facing energy systems.

You will have four key areas of responsibility:

• Strategic communications – lead the development and delivery of external narratives, positioning and messaging in support of the Council’s strategic objectives.
• Community – further strengthen the global, Council-wide community through communications and engagement approaches, initiatives, and techniques, in conjunction with the Director of Networks and Global Membership Communities.
• Content – further strengthen the external positioning and relevance of the Council’s insights and foresight programmes, including the World Energy Trilemma Framework and World Energy Issues Monitor.
• Campaigns – lead the team that designs and delivers the World Energy Council’s communications and marketing programme.

What You’ll Deliver

• A strategic communications programme and plan directly linked to the broader strategic goals of the organisation.
• Consistent and compelling narratives, underpinned by high‑quality editorial content, that bring the Council's strategy and vision to life across multiple audiences and platforms.
• Strategic advice and support to the Senior Leadership Team and Secretary General on communications and engagement – including support on CEO communications and speechwriting.
• Best‑in‑class leadership and support for colleagues across Networks and Communities, Congress & Convening, and Insights – encompassing asset, production and marketing support, PR and content amplification, and effective social and rich media.
• Delivery of the Council's media and social media strategies, with a measurable presence in share of voice amongst Tier 1 media, energy influencers and adjacent audiences.
• Well‑considered recommendations on how to bring the Council's brand to life in a multi‑channel environment, informed by a sharp understanding of the ever‑evolving media landscape.
• Effective leadership, coordination, coaching and development of the Council's Communications team (currently 4 people).
• Growth of the organisation's capacity to develop and service communities, equipping internal teams and member committees with the tools, assets and guidance to generate content and multichannel offerings.
• Accountability for the Council's communications assets, including publications, website and the Annual Report – ensuring a consistent tone of voice and clear reflection of the Council's values.
• An agile approach to managing partners and suppliers, delivering best value, creativity and quality in a resource‑constrained environment.
• Robust data and metrics that measure success against strategic communications objectives, with regular reporting to the Senior Adviser, CEO, COO and Communications and Strategy Committee.
• Representation of the Council at international events, championing our voice and agenda on the global stage.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

• Demonstrable experience of successfully leading international communications strategy in energy and sustainability‑rich environments, highly networked in related communications sectors.
• Senior experience of delivery in a stakeholder‑driven or knowledge sector, with the ability to break down complex ideas about energy transition into a compelling narrative.
• Significant experience of successful delivery in a campaigning, communications or marketing role, possessing strong business acumen, an applied understanding of new media and a track record of media management.
• Accomplished communicator with a track record of engaging diverse stakeholders, including Tier 1 media, institutions, industry leaders and policymakers, across existing and new channels and platforms.
• Demonstrable experience of creating value and achieving maximum return in a resource‑constrained environment.
• Ability to generate and manage value‑adding strategic partnerships (e.g. media partnerships) that enhance Council‑wide strategic objectives.
• Ability to work effectively with Communications leadership in partner organisations, e.g. ministries, to deliver on joint goals.

Leadership and Management

• Experienced and confident senior leader, comfortable with high‑level decision‑making, accountability and complex stakeholder relationships.
• Skilled people manager, able to inspire and develop a team to deliver a strategic communications and engagement programme.
• Proven ability to lead communications and engagement activities for a diverse, federated global membership organisation, with experience working in multi‑cultural environments.
• Highly aware and responsive to matters of diversity and inclusiveness, especially in relation to the Council's geographically and culturally diverse membership.

Skills and Attributes

• Strategic thinker who can translate high‑level strategy into an overall narrative, a communications programme and a delivery plan.
• Creative and innovative in approach; able to deliver effective solutions to long‑standing challenges, looking beyond existing methodologies to resolve complex problems.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills; first‑rate spoken and written English, with a track record of communicating clearly with a range of audiences from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• First‑class self‑organisation and project management skills, and a champion of best practice across the organisation.
• Collaborative, with the ability to quickly establish constructive rapport with people at many different levels and from different cultural backgrounds.
• Willing and able to work in a resource‑constrained environment, rolling up sleeves where needed.

Qualifications and Other Requirements

• A good first degree in a relevant discipline.
• Fluency in other languages is highly regarded.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally.

About the World Energy Council

The World Energy Council is the world’s oldest independent and impartial community of energy leaders and practitioners. Through our Humanising Energy vision, we involve more people and communities in accelerating clean and just energy transitions in all regions. Founded in 1923, the Council convenes dialogues such as the World Energy Congress and provides tools like the World Energy Trilemma Framework to inform agendas and support impact across a network spanning ~100 countries and 3,000+ organisations.

£75,000-£82,000 per annum (depending on experience)