Head of External Affairs

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

The Aldersgate Group is a politically impartial, multi-stakeholder alliance making the case for effective climate and environmental action. We work to support a growing, environmentally sustainable UK economy, with businesses playing an active role in the transition. Our members are leaders in their fields, and include some of the largest businesses in the UK as well as leading NGOs, professional institutes and academic institutions.

Our mission is to accelerate progress on climate and environment as part of a growing economy. Our work is supported by a highly knowledgeable and multi-sectoral Board of Directors, chaired by the Rt Hon. Baroness May of Maidenhead.

The Aldersgate Group carries out research across climate change and environment policy,

publishes policy reports, holds roundtables and high-profile public events, works closely with decision-makers and is active on social and mainstream media.

WHY JOIN US

The Aldersgate Group occupies a unique position in the climate and environmental policy ecosystem. We can draw from experts at the leading edge of innovation and from corporates driving growth across the economy to put forward a positive economic and social case for ambitious climate and environmental policy. At a time when the debate around delivering emissions reductions and restoring biodiversity has become increasingly polarised, our perspective allows us to demonstrate the business perspective in favour of advancing these issues.

THE ROLE

The Group is looking to hire a highly motivated Head of External Affairs to lead its external affairs activities, encompassing communications and public affairs.

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional candidate to drive real impact on environmental thinking at the heart of Whitehall and Westminster. They will work as part of a supportive and engaged team, liaising closely with Aldersgate Group members. The successful candidate will be able to work across the Group’s remit covering climate, energy and nature issues, but there is also flexibility for the right candidate to shape the role to play to their strengths.

The Head of External Affairs is responsible for developing and enhancing Aldersgate Group’s engagement with policy makers across the political spectrum, civil servants and wider stakeholders, as well as shaping the Group’s strategic communications approach and media presence.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Purpose of the role

The Secretariat team is 11 strong, with roles covering policy development, external affairs and operations. The Head of External Affairs will report to the Executive Director.

Main duties and responsibilities

The Head of External Affairs will:

·        Lead the Aldersgate Group’s public affairs strategy, ensuring our voice shapes key political and policy debates.

·        Build trusted relationships with parliamentarians, ministers, civil servants, journalists and other influential stakeholders.

·        Provide sharp political insight and analysis to guide campaigns and maximise our impact on policy outcomes.

·        Act as a senior spokesperson, representing the Group at high-profile meetings, events and in the media.

·        Lead the Aldersgate Group’s communications strategy, overseeing compelling communications and policy outputs that raise the visibility of our work and strengthen our influence.

·        Drive the Group’s presence at major political and policy moments, ensuring we are seen and heard where it matters most.

·        Lead and manage the external affairs team (2 staff), fostering a culture of collaboration, development and impact.

·        Work with the Executive Director to oversee the Group’s events programme, and support other colleagues in delivering events.

The Head of External Affairs will also provide support for administrative work, alongside other members of the Secretariat, including organising external workshops and events, managing relationships with members and dealing with internal and external information requests.

Person specification

The successful candidate will have:

·        Excellent knowledge of the UK political system, and an understanding of how this interacts with devolved administrations and the EU.

·        An understanding of the climate change and environmental policy landscape.

·        A solid track record in public affairs activities and influencing policy change.

·        Excellent knowledge of the UK media landscape, engaging with journalists and achieving external cut-through.

·        Strong experience of networking and building relationships with politicians, civil servants, businesses, NGOs and other stakeholders.

·        A good understanding of the business world and what businesses look for in policy making.

·        Capability in public speaking and making interventions in senior-level meetings.

The successful candidate will also have:

·        Experience of managing staff and contributing to organisational growth.

·        Experience in setting and delivering strategic objectives for a team or organisation.

·        Core values aligned to the Group and a genuine interest in our purpose.

·        Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills.

·        Strong motivation, proactivity and enthusiasm, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a close-knit team.

·        Good time management, administrative and organisational skills, with excellent attention to detail.

·        Strength at multi-tasking and prioritisation.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary             £56,650 to £66,950 per annum, dependent upon experience

Contract         Permanent

Hours             Monday - Friday, full time, 37.5 hours per week (we are happy to discuss flexible working requests such as compressed or part time hours)

Location         Hybrid, with office located in Waterloo, Central London (Zone 1). We have core team days in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Office attendance on other days is subject to personal preference and business needs.

Leave              27 days per annum plus bank holidays and three extra compulsory days of leave between Christmas and New Year.

Benefits          We also offer 5% pension contributions, enhanced parental leave, a health cash plan with 24/7 access to a GP advice line, an employee assistance programme, cycle and tech schemes, income protection insurance and up to four days paid travel time per year for sustainable holidays.

Start date       As soon as possible