Head Of 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.  

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.  

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 button below.

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 20th April.  

Shortlisted candidates invited for interviews within the window of 1st May– 12th May.  

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 the 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.