External Affairs Officer

About the Organisation

The Aldersgate Group is a politically impartial, member-based organisation 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 environmental issues as part of a growing economy. Our work is supported by a highly knowledgeable Board of Directors from across different sectors, chaired by the Rt Hon. the 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 across social and mainstream media.

Why Join Us

The Aldersgate Group occupies a unique position in the climate and environment sector. We can draw from experts at the leading edge of innovation and from businesses driving economic growth to make a positive case for ambitious climate and environment policy. At a time when the debate about reducing carbon emissions and restoring biodiversity is becoming increasingly polarised, we demonstrate the strong support amongst our members for advancing these issues.

The Role

The Group is looking to hire a capable, motivated and enthusiastic External Affairs Officer. This role is responsible for administering, coordinating and supporting activities and tasks across our public affairs and communications functions. They will play a key role in the work of the External Affairs team, as well as supporting the wider governance and administration responsibilities of the Secretariat.

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional candidate to drive real impact on environment and economic policy at the heart of Whitehall and Westminster. The successful candidate will work as part of a supportive and engaged team, liaising closely with Aldersgate Group members. You will be able to work across our remit covering climate, energy and nature issues, but there is also some flexibility to shape the role to play to your strengths and some opportunity to develop this role in line with your career ambitions.

The Team

The External Affairs team works across public affairs and communications functions to increase our influence. Our team focuses upon:

• Intelligence: Monitoring, reporting and analysing information to build understanding
• Networks: Identifying, forming and developing relationships to secure access
• Proposals: Presenting, progressing and delivering policies to generate interest
• Profile: Developing, establishing and enhancing our voice to increase reach

Job Description

Purpose of role

The Secretariat team is 9 strong, with roles covering policy development, external affairs and operations. The External Affairs Officer will report to the External Affairs Manager, playing a pivotal role across both our public affairs and communications functions. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation they will administer, coordinate and support the activities and tasks required to deliver high-impact public affairs and communications

Main duties and responsibilities

• Monitoring, reporting and analysing political and media developments. This includes producing and distributing our weekly Key Developments Bulletin and a monthly political and media trends update, as well as organising webinars and supporting the coordination of members meetings.
• Identifying, forming and developing key relationships. This includes coordinating a stakeholder engagement programme, using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools and representing Aldersgate Group at external events.
• Presenting, progressing and delivering our policies. This includes coordinating the planning, production, publication and distribution of Aldersgate Group publications and content, using social media and handling media inquiries.
• Developing, establishing and enhancing our voice. This includes coordinating our events, securing opportunities to speak at others’ events and running short campaigns.

The External Affairs Officer will also support cross-organisational work to help manage relationships with Aldersgate Group members. Alongside colleagues they will own relationships, contribute to regular communications, support member recruitment and retention, and handle information requests.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• An ability to work proactively and independently to monitor and report on political and media developments.
• A capable networker, with knowledge of stakeholder mapping, strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to work with people in senior positions.
• Excellent written, oral and creative skills.
• A broad understanding of UK media and social media and experience of producing publications and online content.
• Experience of coordinating events.
• An ability to multi-task, manage competing priorities and maintain strategic focus.
• Core values aligned to those of the Aldersgate Group, a passion for environmental issues and a commitment to our mission.

Desirable criteria:

• A good understanding of the private sector and the role it can play in the transition to a net zero, nature positive economy.

Terms of Employment

Salary: £33,949 - £39,253 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