Head of External Engagement, London

Leading Public Affairs and Policy Influence at National Level

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic leader to join a prominent organisation, taking charge of the strategic direction of external engagement and public affairs. As the Head of External Engagement, you will be responsible for shaping and driving high-impact activities to elevate the organisation’s visibility, reputation, and influence across national policy discussions, public discourse, and stakeholder networks. Your efforts will ensure the organisation’s research and thought leadership play a critical role in national and international conversations.

Key Responsibilities: Public Affairs, External Engagement and Stakeholder Influence

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive public affairs strategy to enhance the organisation’s presence across key sectors, including Government, Parliament, and policy organisations.
• Oversee external engagement activities, ensuring strategic positioning across policy, academic, public, and commissioning sectors.
• Build and manage senior-level relationships with media, ministers, parliamentarians, civil servants, and policy bodies to influence national conversations.
• Strengthen the organisation’s digital presence, ensuring social media and digital outputs align with broader strategic goals.
• Represent the organisation at high-level national conferences, policy forums, and media platforms.
• Lead the strategy for disseminating major publications, ensuring they engage key policymakers and public audiences.
• Drive the development of strategic partnerships with key stakeholders such as government bodies, think tanks, and sector partners.
• Lead a team focused on ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and growth objectives.

Key Requirements: Senior Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Experience

• Proven experience in senior public affairs, external engagement, or strategic communications at a national level, ideally within an agency or similar setting.
• A track record of influencing policy, working with the media, and managing relationships with senior national stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to represent the organisation externally and translate complex research into impactful narratives.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with experience in driving strategic change.
• Deep understanding of national policy landscapes and political processes.
• Ability to think strategically, anticipate shifts in the political or social climate, and position the organisation accordingly.

If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.

Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing and sales and commercial.

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