Associate Director Advocacy and Communications

Full time, permanent contract with probation period.

The New Economics Foundation is this year celebrating forty years of changing the rules of the economy so that it works better for people and planet, and we are determined to make the next forty count even more. Our team of talented researchers, innovators, organisers and communicators are focused on three goals: a fast and fair transition to a green economy, economic security for all, and shifting power to communities. To do that, we want to reform the fiscal framework, bring down the cost of life’s essentials, and bring more assets into community and public ownership.

This is a hugely exciting time to join our organisation, as we focus on sharpening our impact. Over the course of the next five years, we plan to win policy change, shape the manifestos of political parties, develop a global network of leaders, and ‘flood the zone’ with animating ideas. This role is a chance not only to be part of that change, but to help design and lead it.

We are looking for a talented and respected advocacy and communications professional, with an impressive track record in influencing public policy, a strong and trusted network of policy and political relationships, and a strategic understanding of the opportunities and risks in front of us.

Role: Associate director advocacy and communications
Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF’s Shorter Working Week)
Salary: £70,720 — £78,061
Location: London (in-office two days per week)
Contract type: Permanent

How to apply

Deadline for applications: midnight, 2nd September 2026.

Interviews: Interviews will consist of two stages, with the second stage divided into two parts:

• Stage One: Online interviews will take place on 10th September 2026

All candidates shortlisted following Stage One will progress to both parts of the second stage:

• Stage Two:
  • Part One: Online staff panel on 15th September 2026
  • Part Two: In-person main panel on 18th September 2026

Please ensure you have availability on all dates.

Start date: ASAP

To apply, please send your CV and Covering letter (no longer than 2 pages) outlining how you meet the person specification in Word format.

• Job description
• Equality and diversity monitoring form

Please also complete the equality and diversity monitoring form.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

Inclusivity at NEF
NEF wants to be an inclusive workplace with a diverse body of staff. We don’t want to conform to the traditional think-tank model where people from certain backgrounds are hugely under-represented. We know we have some way to go in this and are therefore genuinely keen to

receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; women; neurodivergent people; disabled people; people who identify as LGBT+; people with experience of mental health problems; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity
We value all candidates and are committed to equal opportunity. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, or would like information in an alternative format, please let us know.

We actively promote positive action to advance fairness and tackle underrepresentation within our workforce.