Head of Policy and Advocacy (Active Travel)
Leading political advocacy and policy initiatives to expand walking, cycling, and sustainable transport infrastructure.
Overview
The role involves a high-pressure mix of strategic planning and rapid response to the political cycle. Daily activities fluctuate between technical policy analysis and high-stakes networking with government officials, local authorities, and transport planners. The rhythm of the work is often dictated by legislative calendars, public consultations, and budget announcements, requiring a constant readiness to draft briefing papers or present at parliamentary inquiries. Success in this field relies on the ability to translate complex urban design data into compelling narratives that resonate with policymakers and the general public.
Professionals in this career solve systemic problems related to car dependency, public health, and urban congestion. The environment is collaborative yet intellectually demanding, as it requires balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders while maintaining a clear vision for sustainable urban environments. Individuals who thrive in this position tend to possess exceptional diplomatic skills, a deep understanding of governance structures, and a long-term commitment to environmental and social equity through improved mobility.
responsibilities
responsibilities
responsibilities
responsibilities
responsibilities
responsibilities
responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of evidence-based policy positions that support the expansion of active travel networks.
- Direct advocacy campaigns designed to influence government legislation and secure public funding for cycling and walking infrastructure.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior civil servants, politicians, and transport authority executives.
- Review technical transport planning documents to ensure they align with international best practices for sustainable mobility.
- Represent the organisation as a primary spokesperson in media interviews, industry conferences, and public hearings.
- Oversee the production of research reports and data visualisations that highlight the economic and social benefits of active travel.
- Monitor legislative developments and emerging transport trends to anticipate opportunities for policy intervention.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in public affairs, policy development, or political advocacy within the transport or environmental sectors.
- Proven track record of successfully influencing high-level policy outcomes or legislative changes.
- Advanced knowledge of urban planning principles, transport economics, and sustainable development goals.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills tailored for diverse political and public audiences.
- Strong leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex project budgets.
- Degree in public policy, political science, urban planning, or a related field.
Nice to have
- Postgraduate qualification in environmental law, transport planning, or public administration.
- Established network of contacts within national or regional transport ministries and local government.
- Experience in managing cross-sector partnerships between non-profits, private developers, and public agencies.
- Demonstrated expertise in quantitative data analysis or geographic information systems.
Work environment
- Work is typically performed in a professional office setting with frequent travel to government buildings and stakeholder sites.
- Culture is mission-driven and collaborative, often involving close coordination with communications and research teams.
- Hours generally follow standard business patterns but often require flexibility for evening events or urgent political developments.
- Tools include policy tracking software, stakeholder management databases, and collaborative digital workspaces.
- The role requires high levels of public visibility and professional networking at industry and political gatherings.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation packages usually include performance-based bonuses or cost-of-living adjustments aligned with non-profit or public sector scales.
- Career progression typically leads to Director of External Affairs, Chief Executive Officer, or senior advisory roles in government.
- Professional development opportunities include advanced leadership training and international study tours of best-practice cities.
- The role offers significant impact on national infrastructure and public health outcomes over a multi-year horizon.
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