Director of Communications, Nesta

Blackfriars, London – hybrid working

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of integrated policy and advocacy campaigns, ensuring a mix of channels, creative excellence, and timely messaging.
• Oversee policy communications across Nesta, coordinating with missions, units, and senior leaders to deliver coherent, high‑quality outputs.
• Manage broader communications activity, setting priorities and tactics across the organisation to maximise impact.
• Transform complex policy and research into clear narratives, sharpening editorial products and ensuring alignment with advocacy objectives.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leaders on complex communication challenges and reputational matters.
• Lead policy communications, media relations and data journalism functions directly.

Additional Responsibilities

• Drive new approaches to advocacy and influencing in response to the evolving information environment.
• Identify and act on opportunities for new content streams, partnerships, and cross‑activity synergies.
• Spot opportunities to extend the value and impact of existing channels and campaigns.
• Troubleshoot and support at-risk projects or campaigns to keep them on track.
• Mentor and evolve a talented communications team, fostering a high‑performance culture.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in external affairs, communications, or press, especially within an advocacy focus.
• Exceptional strategic skills with a proven track record of multi‑channel campaigns that build profile and influence.
• Deep understanding of the UK political and news agenda and wider information environment.
• Ability to provide high‑level strategic counsel and act as a trusted advisor on complex communication challenges.
• Passion for exploring new advocacy and influencing methods responsive to change.
• Skill in crafting strategic messaging that distills complex ideas into clear, authoritative narratives for diverse audiences.
• Accomplished writer with experience managing high‑level editorial functions and maintaining a high content standard.
• Media instincts and creative flair, with a proven ability to spot and shape stories that capture media interest.
• Grounded leader and people manager capable of motivating teams and cultivating a high‑performing culture.

Benefits and Employment Details

• Salary: £91,500 plus benefits, including a generous pension scheme, private medical and dental insurance, and the ability to buy and sell annual leave.
• Location: Blackfriars, London – hybrid working with a minimum of two days in office.
• Term: Permanent.
• Hours: Full‑time with a range of flexible working arrangements.
• Reports to: Group Executive Director of Communications.

Diversity & Inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to innovation, creativity and better results. We actively seek a diverse pool of candidates and will consider reasonable adjustments to ensure success. We recognise the importance of work‑life balance and offer flexible working, including working from home, compressed or part‑time hours, job shares and other arrangements, to support all employees.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…