Job Description

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is the UK’s leading independent thinktank. Our pioneering research and ideas have shaped progressive policy making for more than three decades. From making the early case for the minimum wage and taking regional inequality to the top of the political agenda, to proposing a windfall tax on energy companies, our research and policy work has put forward practical solutions for the crises facing society - to enable justice, progress and change.

About the role

We are at an incredibly exciting time for the organisation with the advent of a new government, and we are looking to recruit a director of policy and politics to join our senior management team and ensure our policy thinking and advocacy is creative, strategic and impactful.

This role will be pivotal to IPPR’s development and success over the coming years and the successful candidate will have a real opportunity to lead both policy and advocacy that influences outcomes in the short term, as well as thinking that shapes progressive approaches into the future.

Working closely with senior colleagues, you’ll ensure that our research programme answers the big questions facing the UK and has tangible impact, ensuring our high-quality research is maintained. You will be responsible for developing our influencing, advocacy and political engagement strategies, and representing IPPR to key senior stakeholders at senior levels of the policy making process, and in the media. You will work with our brilliant research team to develop innovative policies, political strategies and opportunities for influence.

About you

To be successful, you will combine knowledge of designing, managing and delivering impactful research projects, with an excellent understanding of political and policymaking processes, and the ability to identify and pursue strategic opportunities for impact. A skilled researcher, with expertise in at least one relevant area, you will also be able to design and assess policy proposals. Having played a leadership or substantial management role, you will have excellent project, budget and people management skills and a strong track record of fundraising.

IPPR is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, and from applicants with a range of professional and lived experiences. As an organisation engaging in critical debate about a wide range of progressive policy issues, we value the creativity and range of perspectives that a diverse team can provide.

This post will be based in our London office, at the heart of Westminster, with staff expected to be in the office at least 40 per cent of their working hours. As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant to fill the post, including job-share or part-time working. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

How to apply

For further information and full details on how to apply, please download the information pack here.

We'd be grateful if you could also complete our equality and diversity monitoring form

Closing date for applications: Midday on Tuesday 15 April 2025

Interviews will take place in our London office on Monday 28 April