Director of External Affairs
Octopus Energy
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: London • 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Visit company websiteJob Level
Lead
About the role
- Closing date: Noon on Sunday 18th January 2026. Early applications are encouraged.
- Interviews expected: 2nd - 6th February 2026, central London.
- We’re looking for a Director of External Affairs at Centre for Net Zero (CNZ), a non-profit, open research institute, established by the Octopus Energy Group.
- This role will lead and shape CNZ’s external interface with policymakers, regulators, industry, grid players and innovators to maximise influence, elevate institutional profile and accelerate the adoption of evidence-based energy transition policy and practice. The director is responsible for CNZ’s reputation as a trusted, global authority on flexible energy systems, innovation-driven energy systems change, and accelerated decarbonisation pathways.
- You’ll be based in London and report into the Chief Executive. Applicants must be able to work from CNZ’s central London office, with occasional travel to other locations in the UK and internationally. Due to the nature of this role, remote working is not offered.
Requirements
- 10+ years experience of strategic communications, policy and/or public affairs.
- Experience in the energy sector - and an extensive network of connections, from political advisers and leading journalists to progressive thinkers and innovators.
- A motivated and passionate self-starter needing limited oversight beyond strategic guidance.
- Excellent communications abilities and a track record of speaking and influencing in high profile international settings.
- Strong analytical capability - you will need to understand detailed, technical research and communicate it to stakeholders persuasively in accessible language.
- Experience in media management and crisis comms.
- Line management experience and management of contractors an advantage.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Flexible work arrangements
- Professional development
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
strategic communicationspolicypublic affairsmedia managementcrisis communicationsanalytical capabilityenergy transition policydecarbonisation pathwaystechnical research communication
Soft skills
excellent communicationinfluencingself-startermotivatedpassionatepersuasive communicationline managementstakeholder engagement