Head of External Affairs
The Association for Decentralised Energy
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
No. of reports: 2
Location: London, Westminster with hybrid working available
Salary: Between £54,500-£65,000, plus benefits package
Contract: 12 months with opportunity to become permanent
Benefits:
25 days annual leave, with a holiday allowance that grows with length of service
An interest free “new starter” loan of up to £1000 to help you prepare for taking on your new role – be it to support travel arrangements, or to help you get your home office set up in advance
Cycle to Work Scheme
Option to access private health insurance as a benefit in kind
Pension contributions will be matched up to 8%
Season ticket loan to help with travel to and from work
Professional development
Why work for us
The ADE exists to accelerate the transition to net zero.
As the leading trade association for decentralised energy, we work with businesses, Government, Parliamentarians and a huge network of stakeholders to create an environment where organisations innovating and scaling efficient, decarbonised and energy user-driven solutions can thrive.
The ADE is a small team who are passionate about making a difference in a culture that is collaborative, non-hierarchical and dynamic. In working here, you will have the opportunity to work with great minds from across the energy sector, to make a tangible contribution to the shift to a decarbonised society and to develop professionally in leadership, the energy sector and external affairs.
About the role
The ADE is recruiting for its Head of External Affairs.
In any year, this role is pivotal to the success of the organisation and even more so in an election year. Working with industry and MPs from across the political spectrum, you will lead our strategy for ensuring that decentralised energy secures the place it deserves in the run-up to the election and the new Government’s priorities for its first 100 days.
At the same time, you will be responsible for cultivating strong relationships with national and trade journalists – pushing forward the visibility of decentralised energy.
Internally, it will be your responsibility to continue to develop the capability of our External Affairs team. As a leader in the organisation, it will also be your responsibility to support the ADE’s wider organisational strategy and culture, and to continue to integrate the work that we do in politics and the press with the work we do regarding Government policy and in research.
Person specification
Essential:
Significant experience, with demonstrable impact at a senior level, in developing and implementing public affairs and communications campaigns for high profile issues, including working with MPs
An existing network of political stakeholders across the political spectrum
Excellent relationship management skills with the proven ability to build and maintain positive networks with senior-level stakeholders; demonstrating your ability to act as a champion of the decentralised energy sector
Strong analytical and leadership skills, with the capacity to see the big picture and how this will impact (and be impacted) by decentralised energy
Experience in line management
Excellent written and oral presentation skills and ability to communicate to a wide variety of audiences
Ability to work well, and independently, in a small team environment
Desirable:
Experience in the energy sector
Experience with the Press, including drafting press releases and giving interviews
A network of national and trade journalists
Financial expertise, including experience managing team budgets
Experience in leading teams, including in developing and delivering strategy
How to apply:
Send your CV, including your email address and telephone number, plus a covering letter explaining why the role outlined above is of interest to you and how your experience and skills fit the requirements, to Josie Miller.
Please provide contact details of two professional referees and indicate whether you are happy for us to contact them in advance of interviews.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 25th March.
Shortlisted candidates invited for interviews within the window of 1st April – 12th April.
You will be asked to complete a short exercise ahead of or after the interview. Details will be provided in due course.
Please note that you must have the existing right to work in UK.
We are actively seeking applications from every part of the community. The ADE is committed to creating a diverse working environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration and we operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
The ADE is dedicated to ensuring our application process is accessible to all. Please contact us if you require application materials in different formats or need any adjustments to participate fully in the application process.