Manager - External Affairs (12 Month FTC)

Main Purpose of the Role

• This is a 12-month fixed term role to support the External Affairs team over a busy period. While the role holder will work in close collaboration with the current External Affairs Manager and CIFF Voice Lead, the expectation is that they will work independently on specific agreed pieces which would be reviewed as needed. Support the External Affairs Manager and CIFF Voice Lead by leading on the day-to-day planning and project management on the design and execution of a new CIFF website.
• Lead social media and other external content output across the organisation. Lead and manage a clear process for development and sign-off of accurate content ensuring impact and risk is considered and forefront of mind. Making sure content and approach aligns with organisational priorities, Working with and managing input from an external agency where necessary.
• Lead / support on external events and ongoing reputation management including developing messaging, content, assets (presentations, information sheets etc).
• Contribute to CIFF's External Affairs agenda and planning in 2026 and beyond focusing on external content and approach to key events.
• Provide support and guidance on CIFF's reputational risk management both internally as well as dealing with enquiries from third parties (including media) where required.
• Work with colleagues based in all of CIFF's offices to ensure consistency of internal and external messaging relating to external affairs and communications.
• Work with the External Affairs Manager and CIFF Voice Lead to identify, recommend and implement ongoing continuous improvement approaches across the CIFF communications strategy considering multiple perspectives and future implications across the organization.
• Deputise for the External Affairs Manager and CIFF Voice Lead, and the Head of External Affairs during periods of their absence as needed.

Note: this role does not require website development or coding skills, but familiarity with WordPress is desired.

Role's Responsibilities
Website development

• Own the implementation and optimisation of CIFF's new website as led by the External Affairs Manager & CIFF Voice Lead .
• Work closely with an external agency, managing the coordination design and build of the new website. Ensuring project timelines are met, managing and reporting regularly on risks, issues and dependencies to the External Affairs team management and leadership.
• Work internally with programme teams to lead the review and sign-off of content for the website.
• Collaborate with CIFF's Design and Technology Solutions teams to ensure the seamless technical implementation of the website.
• Provide guidance to the CIFF People & Culture team on the development of a new HR Intranet, to ensure consistent and aligned messaging and design.

Social media strategy

• Contribute to the planning for 2026, leading on building the calendar of external opportunities and recommending strategic approaches for engagement and inputting into their sustainable management.
• Develop strong and creative social media content which executes on CIFF's external communications strategy from both an impact but also a risk management perspective.
• Establish a strong process for external content from development to sign-off to publication.
• Engage in cross-organisational communications planning with other communications leads in CIFF to ensure consistency of approach but also taking into account local risks, requirements and applying a strong multicultural awareness.

External reputation management

• At all times, ensure communications work supports and protects CIFF's external reputation, in line with CIFF's external communications strategy.
• Support the review of external communications referencing CIFF, to maintain alignment with CIFFs external communications strategy and approaches.
• Support on dealing with ad hoc queries that come to the CIFF press office, working with the team and other staff around the organisation to provide efficient and appropriate responses
• Monitor external references to CIFF and advise leadership on any associated reputation risks, including identifying and supporting on proactive measures to mitigate them.

Agency management

• Maintain strong relationships with communications agencies, monitoring and managing their output and delivery of activity relating to CIFF and appropriate of various work streams, with specific focus on the CIFF website and social media content.

Requirements
Skills & Experience

• Experience with a communications agency or in-house experience, of working in Communications Teams with a particular focus on digital external communications activity.
• An understanding and working knowledge of identification and management of reputational risk would be good to have.
• Strong experience in project management, with exceptional attention to detail
• Experience in website development, preferably with experience leading a complex website project from inception to finish
• Experience using WordPress, or other web platforms
• Experience developing and executing digital strategy
• Experience using Canva, or other design platform, with a strong eye for visuals
• Experience using Hootsuite or other social media scheduling tool
• Familiarity with the philanthropic/development/climate sector landscape and an understanding of best practices in external affairs
• Previous experience in a global organisation would be preferable
• An innovative thinker with a pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset
• Skilled in relationship building and strengthening; able to influence others and work collaboratively, uniting groups with a shared purpose
• IT proficiency (most specifically in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• A proven self-starter, who works with pace and resilience

Key working relationships

• External Affairs team
• External communications agencies
• Other CIFF teams including HR, finance and legal
• CIFF Programme teams
• CIFF Design and Technology Solutions Team

Benefits
The salary for this role starts from £63,790 and is a
12 Month FTC.
CIFF operates a hybrid work policy across all locations, which means employees work in the office and some of the time from home. We are happy to provide more information on this as part of the recruitment process.

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package here at CIFF that includes, but is not limited to the following.

• Annual leave - 25 days per annum. Increasing by 1 day after each year of service to a maximum of 30 days.
• Training allowance
• Wellbeing allowance
• Life insurance
• Medical insurance

Please submit your application on or before
Friday 21st November.
CIFF reserves the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of suitable applications.