Application Guide

How to Apply for Director, Political Strategy Operations, Campaigns and Partnerships

at C40 Cities

🏢 About C40 Cities

C40 Cities is a global network of 96 megacities committed to bold climate action, driving the transition to a sustainable, equitable future. Working here means collaborating with mayors and city leaders to implement high-impact policies that reduce emissions and improve urban life.

About This Role

As Director of Political Strategy Operations, you'll lead global campaigns and partnerships, serving as chief advisor to the Managing Director on translating strategic priorities into operational delivery. This role is pivotal in shaping C40's political strategy, managing budgets, and building coalitions to accelerate mayoral climate action worldwide.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a briefing from the Managing Director on emerging political risks, followed by a budget review with the finance team. You'd then lead a strategy session with campaign leads to align on messaging for an upcoming global summit, and later meet with a partner organization to explore a joint advocacy initiative. The afternoon could involve drafting a memo on coalition-building opportunities and reviewing grant reports to ensure deliverables are on track.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for C40 Cities

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who C40 Cities Is Looking For

  • An experienced political strategist with 8-10+ years in government, political campaigns, or civil society, adept at navigating complex political landscapes.
  • A proven campaign manager who has designed and delivered multi-stakeholder initiatives, with strong project, budget, and grant management skills.
  • A sharp political analyst who can identify opportunities and threats to climate action, and translate insights into actionable strategies.
  • An inspiring leader with exceptional communication and influencing skills, capable of managing cross-functional teams and building partnerships across global, regional, and local levels.

📝 Tips for Applying to C40 Cities

1

Highlight specific campaign or political initiatives you've led, including measurable outcomes like policy changes or coalition growth.

2

Demonstrate your experience with budget and grant management by detailing the scale of budgets you've overseen and results achieved.

3

Showcase your ability to work across cultures and time zones, as C40 operates globally; mention any international collaboration.

4

Tailor your CV and cover letter to emphasize climate or urban policy experience, even if indirect, and connect it to C40's mission.

5

Research C40's current campaigns (e.g., Green New Deals, fossil fuel divestment) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your vision for translating C40's strategic priorities into actionable campaigns and partnerships.", 'Concrete examples of leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects with political sensitivity and operational success.', 'Your ability to advise senior leaders, using data and political analysis to inform decision-making.', 'Passion for climate action and understanding of the role cities play in driving global change.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read C40's latest annual report and strategic plan to understand current priorities and impact metrics.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key campaigns like the 'Green and Thriving Neighbourhoods' or 'Fossil Fuel Free Streets'.
  • → Study C40's governance structure, including the role of the Managing Director and how this role interfaces with other departments.
  • → Review recent press releases or news articles about C40's advocacy wins to understand their political engagement style.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building a coalition with mayors from diverse political backgrounds to advance a controversial climate policy?
2 Describe a time you managed a campaign with limited resources; how did you prioritize and ensure impact?
3 How do you stay ahead of political trends and identify emerging threats or opportunities for climate advocacy?
4 Walk us through your experience managing a large budget and grants; how did you ensure accountability and alignment with strategic goals?
5 How would you foster collaboration between the campaigns, partnerships, and youth functions to amplify C40's voice?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being too generic about climate passion without linking it to political strategy or operational experience.
  • Underestimating the importance of budget and grant management; failing to provide specific numbers or examples.
  • Overlooking the global nature of the role; not demonstrating experience with international stakeholders or cross-cultural communication.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to C40 Cities!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →