Director of External Affairs

Cycling UK
This is a hybrid role, with in-person SLT meetings taking place weekly in London.
The salary for this role is c£83,000 per annum on a full-time permanent basis
Hackney

Cycling UK proudly represents a community of over 70,000 members, united by a shared belief in the power of cycling to build a healthier, happier, and greener society. We champion our members’ voices at the highest levels, influencing policy, campaigning for better cycling rights, and working to make cycling safer and more accessible for all. Through our work, we inspire millions to discover the benefits of cycling. In return, our members enjoy expert advice, valuable discounts, insurance cover, and a sense of belonging within a vibrant, passionate community.

THE ROLE

We are now almost two years into our ambitious organisational strategy, and this is an exciting moment to join Cycling UK as Director of External Affairs. With strong foundations in place, this role will be central to amplifying our voice, sharpening our influence and ensuring that cycling is firmly embedded in public policy, public consciousness and everyday behaviour across all four nations of the UK.

We see huge opportunities ahead, but also a fast-moving and complex external environment. To succeed, we need to remain adaptable, future-facing and confident in how we advocate, influence and engage. This role is crucial to ensuring that our campaigning, policy and communications work is strategically focused, well-resourced and delivers measurable impact.

You don’t need to be a cyclist to work at Cycling UK, but you do need to have a strong commitment to our work. Our leadership team is a close-knit and supportive group, and we are keen to welcome someone who will provide expertise and challenge, who is confident giving and receiving feedback, and who shares our passion for making our organisation brilliant and for continuous learning.

Whatever your background, whether from within or beyond the charity sector, we are looking for someone who is excited by the opportunity to lead bold, compelling external work, and to help shape a future where cycling is a normal, everyday activity for everyone.

INFORMATION

Download the candidate brief to find out about the role.

DOWNLOAD    
Timeline

Closing date: Friday 13th March 2026                                               

Preliminary interviews: w/c Monday 23rd March 2026

Final Panel interviews:  w/c Monday 13th April 2026

How to apply

To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:

  • Your CV (no more than three sides).
  • A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.

We would also be grateful if you would complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form on the online application process. This form is for monitoring purposes only and is not treated as part of your application.

Apply