External Affairs Director – Urban & Rural FTC
Join to apply for the External Affairs Director – Urban & Rural FTC role at The Crown Estate.
Purpose of Role: We are seeking a policy and public affairs expert, driven to work in a purpose‑based organisation, to address key social, economic and environmental challenges facing the country. This includes supporting the UK towards a net zero carbon and energy‑secure future, investing to create thriving communities and renewing urban centres, stewarding the country’s natural environment, and supporting economic growth. The successful individual will help to shape our urban, rural and innovation strategies, build our policy positioning in response to evolving policy and regulatory regimes, and build strong and dynamic external relationships to support our business.
Advert Close Date: 19th December 2025
Accountabilities
* Lead and oversee the implementation of stakeholder engagement and public affairs strategy; build trusted relationships with key national, regional and devolved administration stakeholders across political parties and officials on the urban and rural portfolio.
* Shape TCE positions on policy matters, horizon‑scan and identify gaps, risks and opportunities relating to the land and property portfolio.
* Prepare for select committees and stakeholder meetings, draft consultation responses and policy positions, particularly in relation to housing, planning and communities.
* Understand and input into the business’s strategy to identify stakeholder engagement opportunities and inform management of reputation risks.
* Build relationships with key external stakeholders to support the business’s objectives and help stakeholders achieve their goals.
* Establish strong relationships with senior TCE colleagues, including supporting the CEO and Managing Directors on your portfolio, offering strategic counsel to support decision‑making.
* Work closely with TCE colleagues across the business to identify opportunities for engagement and communication, ensuring a coordinated and consistent approach to integrated campaign delivery.
* Accountable for external agencies and associated budgets, ensuring high performance in line with project briefs, contracts and procurement guidelines.
Key Skills & Requirements
* Significant experience working in government, public affairs or a similar environment.
* Track record of outstanding communication and engagement on complex topics, especially issues of national significance or government priority.
* Deep knowledge of government policy making and priority areas for the Devolved Administrations.
* Experience providing strategic advice to senior leaders up to board level.
* Proven experience building meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders internally and externally.
* Experience motivating and inspiring people and managing agency resources (procurement, fees, budgeting, performance).
* Ability to take ownership of projects and work collaboratively in a fast‑paced and ambiguous environment.
* Ability to prepare presentations, briefings and impactful materials translating complex information in a compelling and credible way to political audiences, senior leaders and the board.
This is a 12‑month Fixed Term Maternity Cover Contract.
Our Offering / Benefits
As well as a competitive salary, pension, and performance‑related bonus, we offer a range of benefits including flexible working, market‑leading family policies, shopping discounts in the West End, private healthcare, life and critical illness cover, and 28 days holiday with the option to buy more. We value work‑life balance and wellbeing, enabling you to be your best self.
Disability Disclaimer
We are a proud disability‑confident employer and operate the Disability Confident employer scheme – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). We are happy to offer alternative application methods or formats and can flexibly adjust our process to ensure you have the best opportunity. If you have any questions about our recruitment process or would like to discuss adjustments, please contact us on careers@thecrownestate.co.uk.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Other
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