Head of Strategic Communications

Background

C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world's leading cities, who are working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis, and create a future where everyone, everywhere can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science-based and people-focused approach to help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities. Through a Global Green New Deal, mayors are working alongside a broad coalition of representatives from labour, business, the youth climate movement and civil society to go further and faster than ever before.

C40's team of 400+ staff is based in offices in London, in New York, Johannesburg, Singapore, Delhi, Rio de Janeiro, Copenhagen, Beijing and Paris, and individual staff based across 25+ different locations.

The strategic direction of the organisation is determined by an elected Steering Committee of C40 mayors, which is chaired by Mayor Sadiq Khan of London and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown. Three-term Mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg serves as President of the C40 Board of Directors, responsible for operational oversight. A regionally diverse management team, led by Executive Director Mark Watts, leads the day-to-day management of C40. C40's three core strategic funders are Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation and Realdania.

Our international staff work with the C40 network under the leadership of city governments to deliver this mission. Using a data-driven approach, our team identifies and promotes the exchange of proven programmes and policies developed by cities; provides world-class research, technical expertise and access to key partners to deliver new programmes and policies with cities; and communicates cities' individual achievements and collective leadership.

Diversity Statement

C40 is committed to supporting and promoting equity and diversity and creating an inclusive working environment for everyone. We believe that when people with different life experiences are involved in decision-making, we deliver better.

We believe having a diverse workforce ensures we connect better with all the different communities and people affected by the climate crisis. This enables us to make better decisions which lead to better outcomes in the work we do through increased creativity, productivity, greater global impact alongside a broader perspective and approach to our work.

We welcome applicants that are diverse in terms of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity and perspective. Our goal is for C40 to be an environment where everyone, from any background, can flourish and can be themselves whilst contributing to our mission. If you identify as a person with a disability, we work to provide reasonable appropriate measures and any additional support needed to provide an equitable working experience. If you are living with a disability, chronic illness or neurodiversity please inform us, to provide you with the proper assistance in the application process.

C40 promotes a work culture where staff can input to improve equity, diversity and inclusion through staff-led groups and formal forums. We know that creating our ideal working environment is a learning process and we are committed to the ongoing effort.

Department description

The C40 Communications team is responsible for strategically positioning C40 as one of the world's most impactful climate organisations by celebrating the ambitious, equitable action underway in C40 cities and establishing our mayors as global leaders of the climate movement. Through our global communications we aim to shift the narrative and inspire real progress on the greatest challenge humanity is facing today.

Position Description

The Head of Strategic Communications & Partnerships will play a key role in the Communications Team by developing and executing various priority communications campaigns, developing targeted narratives and messaging and building C40's brand with a global audience.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and oversee the rollout of strategic communications plans for C40's key moments and projects throughout the year.
• Oversee the delivery of communications materials, including key messages, press releases, resources for target audiences, oversee social media materials, copy for visuals and video content, and additional general content as necessary.
• Develop targeted communications narratives and messaging for each of C40's key missions and milestones.
• Support the development of a refreshed audience strategy, including clear target group segmentation and prioritisation in support of strategic goals, defining and engaging audiences to enable tailored communication that resonates with different groups, and strengthening external engagement with C40's missions
• Ensure all C40 communications are based on the latest data and insight into key audiences and tools.
• Work with relevant colleagues to develop clear evaluation metrics for all C40 communications activity and ensure their dissemination across the organisation. Oversee contributions from the communications team into broader C40 reporting.
• Build effective relationships with senior stakeholders from partner organisations to ensure successful project delivery and to enhance the reputation of C40 Cities and C40 mayors.
• Develop and implement a strategy to identify, secure and grow partnerships for C40, with a focus on partnerships at the local, national and global levels that can deliver on strategic objectives for the C40 brand.
• Project manage campaigns related to specific partnerships.
• Line manage strategic communications & partnerships staff, collaboratively determine annual goals and work plans for each team member, and support the team's professional growth.
• Assist in the review and processing of RfPs, scope of work documents, and contracts for freelancers, photographers & agencies as needed.

Person Specification:

• Strong delivery background in marketing, crisis communications, and strategic communications.
• Experience working in a global setting with teams in multiple locations.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver on tight deadlines.
• Considerable experience in developing and delivering communications strategies using established methodologies.
• Excellent eye for detail and a clear and concise writing style.
• Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively on multiple projects simultaneously and remain focused in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Be passionate about C40's work and mission.
• The ability to forge strong relationships and partnerships towards the delivery of common goals.
• Record of working with media, influencers and social media to influence target audiences and achieve change.
• Excellent team player and collaborator with strong relationship management skills.
• Experience working in a City Hall or with a Mayor is desirable.
• Fluency in English – spoken and written – is required. Knowledge of other languages is a plus.

Other Requirements:

Applicants must already have the right to work in the country where they apply and have to be based in the listed locations or be able to relocate. Moderate travel may be required as part of the role.

Reporting To: Director of Strategic Communications and Media

Term: Indefinite

Location: Johannesburg, London

Salary: (Grade 2) Johannesburg - ZAR 1,358,208, London - GBP £75,419

Application Process:

Closing date for applications is Thursday 20th June at 5.00pm BST. C40 reserves the right to close this job opening before the closing date for applications so please do submit applications early.

To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities, please visit , follow us on Twitter @c40cities and like us on Facebook at

For any queries about the role, please contact

C40 is an equal opportunities employer.