Job Description

The Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) is an independent charity working towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society. Over more than three decades, we have worked to ensure that ideas that once seemed impossible have become a reality. Our impact is shown by the way we have helped shape national conversations and progressive policy change - 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 crisis facing society – to enable justice, progress and change.

About the role

We are looking to recruit a maternity cover for our Head of External Affairs and Events based in our London office. This is an exciting and challenging role within IPPR’s communications team, which works to ensure that IPPR has impact and influence across a wide range of audiences.

You will lead our events programme, which brings together top politicians and policymakers, leading writers and academics, business figures and other expert thinkers. This includes IPPR’s party conference fringe programme, one of the largest and most high-profile fringe programmes and the centrepiece of our stakeholder engagement activity. You will also lead on IPPR’s broader activities to engage stakeholders and our partnerships programme.

About you

Your professional background will be in communications, public affairs or a related environment with demonstrable interest in policy and politics. You will also have a sound knowledge of the think tank funding environment, with experience of securing funds/sponsorship from corporate and other partners. In addition, you will possess excellent project, budget and management skills, first rate written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to the work, goals and aims of IPPR.

If you have experience of delivering an innovative events strategy as part of a broader influencing and advocacy strategy, and a track record of successfully delivering multiple complex and high-profile events, this is the ideal job for you.

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, right 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. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

How to apply

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

Please send your CV and a two-page supporting statement as one document (in PDF format) to applications@ippr.org. Your statement should outline why you want the role and how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the person specification in the job description. Please use headings to address each area of the person specification.

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

For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact Olivia Vaughan at o.vaughan@ippr.org

Closing date for applications: 5.00 p.m. on 14 February 2025

Interviews will take place in our London office on 27 February.

Candidate information pack

Please click here to view our information pack.