Policy and Communications Support Officer

About the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS)

The Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) is an independent charity dedicated to reducing alcohol-related harm in the UK. We work to advance the use of the best available evidence in public policy, bridging the gap between research and decision-making on alcohol.

Alcohol harm is one of the most significant and preventable public health challenges facing the UK today. IAS works with parliamentarians, civil society organisations, researchers and the media to promote effective, evidence-based alcohol policy that improves health, reduces inequalities and supports communities.

Role summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Policy and Communications Support Officer to join our small but mighty team for a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract.

This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of public health policy, communications and advocacy, working on one of the UK’s key social issues. The post holder will support IAS’s policy and communications work, helping us to progress our long-term vision for tackling alcohol harm.

The post-holder will report to the Head of External Affairs and will be mentored by the Assistant Manager, Policy and Communications, working closely with colleagues across the IAS team.

Contract details

• Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract, full-time (35 hours per week)
• Salary: £30,000
• Location: Hybrid working, split between the IAS office near London Bridge and home working
• Benefits:
  • 14.5% employer contribution pension scheme
  • 28 days’ annual leave (plus public holidays)
  • Life insurance and extended sick pay
  • Access to modern, charity co-working space
  • Opportunities for training and development

Key responsibilities

The Policy and Communications Support Officer will support a wide range of policy, parliamentary and communications activities, including:

• Policy and parliamentary support
  • Assisting with the drafting of clear, concise policy briefings and background notes
  • Updating and maintaining parliamentary monitoring databases to record IAS engagement with MPs and Peers
  • Supporting parliamentary and stakeholder engagement work as required
• Events and engagement
  • Supporting the organisation of IAS events, both in-person and virtual
  • Assisting with logistics such as booking rooms, managing attendee lists, preparing materials, and post-event follow-up
• Communications and media
  • Assisting with the development and production of IAS’s monthly newsletter and podcast, Alcohol Alert
  • Supporting the creation and scheduling of social media content and engaging with followers across platforms
  • Collating and circulating daily alcohol-related news, policy and research updates for key partners
• General support
  • Providing administrative and project support for the IAS team as needed
  • Working collaboratively with colleagues to support IAS’s wider aims and activities

About you

We are looking for an enthusiastic team player who is excited to work in a small organisation where everyone contributes and ideas are valued. You will be curious, motivated and committed to working on one of the most important public health and social justice issues facing the UK today.

Experience and skills we are looking for

• Undergraduate degree, equivalent professional qualification or experience in campaigning, political research or a related field
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to a variety of audiences
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Ability to work independently and manage time while working unsupervised at home
• Good working knowledge of social media platforms
• An interest in politics, parliamentary processes and/or public health

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• A proactive, enthusiastic and collaborative approach to work

Equality and diversity

IAS is committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups underrepresented in the public health and policy sector.

Interview process

First interviews for this role will be held online on 11 and 12 June, with a second in-person interview for successful candidates to take place at our offices on 16 June. Please confirm in your cover letter you can be available on these dates.

We hope to find someone who can join our team late July/early August.