Head of Operations and Governance

Would you like to play an important role in running an organisation that improves the way science is covered in the news?

Diet, microplastics, climate change, e-cigarettes, Alzheimer’s....if it's in the news and it’s controversial, the SMC will be working hard to pump out accurate, evidence-based science into the 24 hour news media.

But this frenetic media operation must have rock-solid operations support behind it.  It needs a highly competent, confident, organised and efficient individual who supports the SMC’s mission but loves running the operations behind the scenes.  The successful candidate will be a calm, self-sufficient problem solver who makes the charity run smoothly and who takes satisfaction from ensuring that the team of energetic, dynamic press officers can make a difference to science in the media every day.

The Head of Operations and Governance is a key member of senior staff.  You will be either a practised operations specialist looking for a new challenge or someone with relevant experience looking to step up to their first role leading operations.  In this role, you will:

• Be responsible for financial management, fundraising admin, preparation of annual accounts and bookkeeping
• Support the CEO in fundraising initiatives and project admin
• Provide the operational underpinning for the Centre ensuring the smooth running of IT, events, contracts and all office systems
• Act as secretariat to the Board of Trustees, Advisory Committee, Remuneration Committee and Audit and Risk Committee
• Guide the governance of the charity and complete statutory reporting. 

You must be highly organised and have a clear head for numbers and systems.  Often working under your own steam and multitasking to tight deadlines, you will need to be efficient and committed to the unique needs of this role without being drawn into the science and media activities of the Centre. 

Experience of the charity sector, finance and/or governance is an advantage. 

You must have the right to work in the UK.  We cannot provide visa sponsorship. 

Starting salary: £41,400-£56,700 depending on experience, with an annual performance-related pay increase

Application deadline: 9am Monday 4th August 2025

Interviews: Tuesday 19th August 2025

To start: October/November 2025

Location: We are an in-person Central London office where staff work on site 5 days a week, but opportunities for flexible working will be considered.

For information

For an informal discussion about the role please contact (between 14 and 25 July):

• Selina Kermode (current post holder) [email listed on the jobs page of the Science Media Centre website]
• Fiona Fox (Chief Executive) [email listed on the jobs page of the Science Media Centre website]

The application deadline is 9am on Monday 4th August, and interviews will take place on Tuesday 19th August. Click on the 'Redirect to recruiter' button below for instructions on how to apply.