Research director jobs

Flexible home working, with requirement for travel to BDA Office Birmingham twice a month.

Salary £50,755 per annum - full time 36 hours per week (job share will be considered)

Benefits include: 30 days holiday, working flexibly policy, non-contributory healthcare benefits and a company pension scheme.

Deadline for applications:    Friday 23rd May 2025

Interview Date:  Thursday 5th June 2025

We are the British Dietetic Association (BDA). We are an award-winning not-for-profit organisation, based in Birmingham, employing dedicated, dynamic and professional staff who deliver services for our membership of more than 12,000 dietetic professionals.

We are the leading organisation of nutrition professionals in the UK; representing the entire nutrition and dietetic workforce across all sectors. Our vision is to improve the health of the UK population by protecting and improving health and care services, developing health and social care policy, improving the impact of dietetics and promoting positive discussion on food, nutrition, wellbeing and health.

Role details:

The BDA is seeking a new Research Manager to work as part of the Education and Professional Practice Team, leading on the research and impact activities of professional dietetic practice. The role will also provide line management within the team.

The role will support the BDA’s Strategic Plan 2024-34 and lead the growth and delivery of the annual Research Symposium. The role will suit a candidate with a sound understanding and experience of the breadth of dietetic practice and research, and the factors that influence it. Working innovatively the post holder will develop and progress research within dietetic practice, building confidence in the dietetic workforce to be research active.  

 Ideal candidate:

We are looking for somebody who is an expert in research methodologies, and appraisal and is comfortable setting and influencing research strategy.  Ideally we would like somebody who has or is studying for their doctorate in dietetics and experience working in a practice setting would be advantageous. This is a senior internal and external facing role working alongside the Director of Education Practice and Research, and the Education and Practice Managers. The candidate will enjoy supporting colleagues and members to engage and deliver research related projects, and demonstrate impact through evidence-based practice.

In return, we offer exciting opportunities to raise the profile of research, innovate, and build purposeful external stakeholder relationships. The BDA have a collection of small departments who all work closely together and have a ‘one team’ ethos. The role will require somebody who enjoys the challenges that come with delivering and reporting on strategic targets and measuring impact.

For full details of the role, please download and refer to the Job Description.

We would strongly encourage any dietitian interested in the role to contact the BDA for an informal, confidential discussion about this post and opportunities for flexible working. Please refer to our website for contact details.

The job advert is shown on the BDA website, and for discussion about the role, please telephone the Birmingham office number and ask for Najia.

Please note: Only applicants who submit a covering letter will be shortlisted for interview.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to play a vital role at Cure Parkinson’s, as our Research Grants Officer. This role will be responsible for supporting research scientists who are applying for grants or are carrying out funded research for us. This work is critical for us to achieve the charity’s main objective of funding Parkinson’s research to slow, stop and reverse Parkinson’s.

As our Research Grants Officer you will be comfortable building relationships and providing support for researchers. You will be an effective member of our pioneering Research Team, ultimately helping us to drive scientific discovery forward and bring us closer to a cure.

Are you our first Deputy Director?

• Are you passionate about the voices of people with lived experience in campaigns and communications around the asylum and immigration system?
• Are you a diplomat and leader, able to influence and collaborate with a network and partners?
• Do you enjoy being part of a small, dynamic team working with movement leaders, turning your hand to different challenges?
• Can you further build a campaign coalition to equip it to win deep change in the way the UK treats refugees?

About us

The Asylum Reform Initiative (ARI) is an alliance of nine leading national organisations collaborating to secure deep change towards a fair, compassionate and well-managed UK approach to refugees. Central to its strategy has been incubating, launching and backing the broader, public-facing Together With Refugees campaign coalition, now with over 600 national and local member groups from across the refugee sector and beyond. The ARI team provides a dynamic hub that supports Together With Refugees, coordinating the development and delivery of the coalition’s campaign strategy.

About the role

This is a new role. Working closely with the rest of the ARI team, One Strong Voice, and the newly formed Together With Refugees Steering Group, it will play a key part in shaping and delivering the ambitious next phase of the Together With Refugees strategy. The Deputy Director will lead on movement building, strengthening the coalition, and developing the reach, activation levels and effectiveness of the coalition’s grassroots campaign organising to secure changes in policy and practice. At the heart of this is the engagement and leadership of activists with lived experience as refugees, and of member groups that are led by and for refugees – so advancing the goal of a transition to leadership by people with lived experience across the coalition. Key to this work will be building the capacity, effectiveness and impact of the One Strong Voice network to support lived experience campaigners, organisations and leaders at all levels. The Deputy Director will also contribute to wider leadership of the team’s work including fundraising, support for – and accountability to – coalition leadership structures, and effective delivery of the team’s work programme.

About you

The Deputy Director will be a natural collaborator and relationship builder, able to work with diplomacy to drive forward our ambitious strategic aims. You will need ambition, energy and an ability to work at both strategic and more detailed levels. This could be the right opportunity for a range of potential candidates. You could be someone who has led and managed in other issues-based settings, in the asylum and refugee sector, or more broadly. Whatever your background, if you think you have the skills and experience to contribute to our team and take Together With Refugees forward then we’d like to hear from you.

Our commitment to and our strategic aims means that, we warmly invite and encourage applications from people with lived experience of the asylum system, or of forced migration more generally.

How to apply

First, download the candidate information pack; you will also need the application form and the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (these are all downloads under "Application resources" below). Send the two completed forms with your CV to the email address in the pack.

Spotlight on Corruption has an exciting opportunity for a passionate and talented individual to lead our strategic engagement with Westminster and external stakeholders.

Deadline for applications is 23.30 on Sunday 25th May

About Spotlight

Spotlight on Corruption is a small team with outsized impact that shines a light on the UK’s role in corruption at home and abroad. 

We build the evidence base for reform through investigative research and extensive engagement with experts and frontline staff, and act as policy entrepreneurs, developing innovative and pragmatic solutions. We disseminate our work through hard-hitting reports and briefings for decision-makers and the general public and follow through with dogged advocacy to shape the narrative, as well as working in a highly collaborative manner to build consensus for reform.

About the role

We are looking for a passionate and talented individual to lead our strategic engagement with Westminster and external stakeholders. You will be an energetic and creative individual with a flair for building common ground, making connections as well as identifying and maximising political opportunities. You will be able to grasp complex details quickly and communicate them to a wide range of audiences. And you will have strong strategic nous, excellent networking skills, and an ability to keep your ear to the ground.

This role will work across our two thematic areas of ending impunity for corruption and defending democracy, liaising closely with the policy leads for those areas. You will be Spotlight’s organisational lead on developing our networks in Parliament, maintaining our relationships with Coalitions, and creating opportunities to get Spotlight messages across to policy and decision makers. 

Spotlight on Corruption is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all staff feel respected and valued. We conduct anonymous long-listing to help promote fairness and diversity, and encourage candidates from different backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Key responsibilities:

• Growing and maintaining Spotlight’s relationships and networks with parliamentarians, policy makers and external partners, including by attending events, receptions and proactively setting up meetings with key stakeholders and decision makers. 

• Developing strategies to enhance Spotlight’s profile and influence with policy makers including organising policy briefings and events in person and online.

• Monitoring developments related to Spotlight’s priorities in political, policy and legislative processes and identifying opportunities to highlight and promote Spotlight’s work and reform agenda.

• Developing and writing compelling briefings, statements and other communications including social media posts tailored to diverse audiences.

• Supporting research and helping brief staff members ahead of public appearances where appropriate.

• Representing Spotlight in NGO coalitions where appropriate and building our relationships with other NGO stakeholders.

• Supporting fundraising initiatives for Spotlight.

Person specification - Essential:

• Experience of engaging with UK parliamentary procedures, and legislative processes and influencing parliamentarians in support of advocacy objectives.

• An interest in strategic influence and policy development and the ability to navigate complex political environments.

• Excellent and persuasive communication skills and messaging abilities to get across complex legal and technical issues in an engaging way for a wide range of audiences.

• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills, and the ability to forge and nurture constructive dialogues and working relationships across the political spectrum and within civil society.

• High levels of organisation, an ability to prioritise a busy workload and a willingness to chip in with administrative tasks where necessary as part of a small team. 

• A track record of using initiative and seeking opportunities to secure policy impact. 

• A track record of operating to high standards as a strong team player in a collaborative manner.

• Strong understanding of the UK political and anti-corruption landscape and a passion for fighting corruption.

Person specification - Desirable:

• Direct experience of working in Parliament.

• Ability to undertake research and data analysis, including using the FOI regime.

• Experience of working with campaigning organisations.

• Experience of stakeholder management and convening.

Working arrangements:

Full-time, 35 hours per week. 30 days of annual leave (plus public holidays). Remote working from home required, with one day a week in the office, and regular meetings - sometimes at short notice - in London. Flexible working, including nine-day fortnight.

Responsible to: Executive Director

Start date: As soon as possible 

Sepsis Research, FEAT is a dynamic and ambitious charity dedicated to combating sepsis through awareness, innovative research, and community support. Founded in 2013 by a sepsis survivor, Sepsis Research FEAT is dedicated to combating sepsis through awareness, innovative research, and community support. The charity funds world-leading research to improve sepsis outcomes, runs public awareness campaigns, and engages with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals. Recent achievements include identifying top research priorities with the James Lind Alliance and delivering educational initiatives across the UK. Their vision is to #stopsepsisnow and make significant strides against this 'hidden killer'. We are currently seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our team as CEO (Freelance), with the goal of scaling our operations and increasing our annual turnover from £300k to £1M by 2030.

Key Responsibilities:

· Advocacy and Representation: Act as the public face of the charity, representing its interests at events, in the media, and with policymakers.

· Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive growth strategy to achieve the charity's financial goals.

· Fundraising and Development: Lead fundraising initiatives, including donor engagement, grant applications, and corporate partnerships.

· Financial Management: Oversee the charity's financial health, ensuring effective budgeting, financial planning, and reporting.

· Team Management: Inspire, mentor, and manage a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

· Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and the community.

· Operational Oversight: Ensure the efficient and effective operation of the charity, including program delivery, compliance, and risk management.

Qualifications and Experience:

· Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably within the non-profit sector.

· Demonstrated success in fundraising and revenue generation.

· Strong financial acumen and experience in financial management.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to think strategically and drive organizational growth.

· Passion for the charity's mission and values.

Personal Attributes:

· Visionary and strategic thinker

· Inspirational and motivational leader

· Strong ethical standards and integrity

· Collaborative and team-oriented

· Resilient and adaptable

Centre for Mental Health is an established independent mental health research charity which for forty years has taken the lead in challenging policies, systems and society, so that everyone can have better mental health.

You will lead a team developing mental health research, economic analysis and policy ideas, as we equip services and decision makers to meet people’s needs and reduce mental health disparities.

Join us in our work driving forward sustainable policy change, tackling inequalities and working tirelessly for social justice and good mental health for all.

The Bone Cancer Research Trust launched a dedicated Support Service in 2019, in response to feedback from our community. Over the last 5 years, the Service has seen a significant increase in reach. We are now at a crucial stage, after conducting a comprehensive review of our Support Service and are now looking for an exceptional, dedicated and enthusiastic leader to drive the implementation of findings and recommendations, ensuring everyone affected by primary bone cancer become aware of, access and trust our portfolio of services and information resources.

The successful candidate will bring our current Support Service and Health Information functions together, to form a cohesive and comprehensive Support and Information Service also and will develop a framework to monitor the impact of this Service, ensuring that the needs of the primary bone cancer community remain at the heart of the Service.

The successful candidate will be a natural relationship builder, forming excellent relationships with both patients and healthcare professionals. They will have excellent organisational skills and will be a confident and compassionate leader.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in shaping the future of one of the UK’s leading touring theatre companies. The Development Director will lead our fundraising strategy, building the relationships and resources that power our bold, nationally-reaching work.

As Development Director, you will work closely with the joint CEOs (Holly and Lisa) to deliver Headlong’s fundraising strategy. You will have the opportunity to develop the role and will be responsible for raising the funds to support Headlong’s mission and vision over the long-term.

You will lead on prospect research, donor cultivation, bid writing and delivering fundraising events. You will set a fundraising culture with the Board and wider staff, advocating for the power of fundraising to push Headlong into its next chapter.

You will be part of the Senior Management Team and will take an active role in the organisation and as an ambassador for Headlong in different contexts.

The Casework and Research Manager will lead Humanists International's efforts in supporting Humanists at Risk through strategic engagement, research, and the management of key publications, particularly the Freedom of Thought Report. This role involves coordinating all Humanists at Risk support in accordance with the organization's new two-tiered strategy (https://humanists.international/blog/a-necessary-evolution-in-our-support-for-humanists-at-risk/), direct liaison with stakeholders, contributing to organizational strategy, and line management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and oversee the delivery of General Support to Humanists International's Members and Associates worldwide, including the provision of advice, guidance, and signposting to relevant resources.

• Coordinate the provision of direct, individualized casework support to leaders and officers of Humanists International's Member and Associate organizations who are facing significant risk due to their humanist activities or identity. This includes assessing needs, developing support plans, and ensuring timely and effective intervention.

• Develop and implement training programs for members and associates to enhance their capacity to support humanists at risk within their communities.

• Foster and strengthen partnerships with other human rights organizations to maximize the collective impact of our support efforts.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a comprehensive online resource library providing information on safety, security, advocacy, and support for humanists globally.

• Liaise and collaborate with staff in other humanist organizations to ensure coordinated and effective support for individuals at risk, aligning efforts with the new strategic framework.

• Develop and deliver fortnightly briefings to internal staff on relevant casework and risk-related matters, including updates on the implementation of the new support tiers.

• Prepare and present regular reports, statistical analyses, and updates on Humanists at Risk, and the effectiveness of the new support strategy, to the CEO and Board of Directors.

• Represent Humanists International at key stakeholder meetings, including platforms such as the EU Temporary Relocation Platform, building and maintaining effective relationships while articulating our revised approach to support.

• Lead the collection of compelling testimony and documentation for the Humanists at Risk campaign and the Freedom of Thought Report.

• Manage, edit, and oversee the entire production cycle of the Freedom of Thought Report, ensuring its accuracy, quality, and timely publication.

• Provide overall project management and strategic direction for the Freedom of Thought Report, including budget oversight and timeline management.

• Work collaboratively with the Fundraising and Communications Officer to ensure the research and findings effectively inform fundraising and public awareness initiatives.

• Directly line-manage and mentor the Freedom of Thought Report Researcher, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality research output.

• Act as a representative for their area of work on the Management Team, actively contributing to strategic planning, policy development, best practice implementation, budgeting processes, and organizational decision-making, particularly in relation to the Humanists at Risk program.

• Manage and monitor relevant project budgets, ensuring responsible and effective resource allocation for both general support initiatives and any limited individual casework.

• Provide direct line management to staff, consultants, paid interns, and volunteers as required, fostering a productive and supportive working environment.

• Attend relevant conferences, seminars, and other events to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Humanists at Risk and promote Humanists International's work, clearly articulating our new strategic approach to support.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Education: A Master's degree in International Law, International Relations, Human Rights, or a closely related field; OR a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 3 years of demonstrable experience in a related role.

• Strategic Understanding: A clear understanding of strategic planning and the ability to implement organizational strategies within their area of work.

• Legal Expertise: Excellent understanding of international human rights law, and refugee and asylum law and frameworks.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional written communication skills and an excellent command of English (native or near-native proficiency).

• Language Skills: Fluency in other languages, particularly French, Spanish, or Arabic, is a significant asset.

• Casework Coordination/Management Experience: Proven experience in coordinating or managing casework or support programs, ideally within a human rights, equality, or asylum-related context.

• NGO Knowledge: A strong understanding of the landscape of international non-governmental organizations, their roles, and their operational scope.

• Analytical and Synthesis Skills: Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information from various sources and communicate it clearly and effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

• Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Research and Drafting Skills: Strong research, analytical, and drafting skills with a proven ability to produce high-quality written materials.

Desired:

• Humanist Knowledge: Experience with or a strong understanding of humanism and the role and objectives of humanist organizations.

• Alignment with Values: Excellent understanding of, and demonstrable sympathy with, the philosophy, values, and policies of Humanists International.

• Organizational Skills: Highly organized, efficient, and able to work independently, managing multiple priorities effectively.

• Communication Style: A clear, persuasive, and confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

The Epilepsy Research Institute is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Fundraising to lead our income generation efforts and help drive our mission forward. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in securing sustainable funding to support world-leading epilepsy research.

With a proven track record in fundraising, you will develop and implement a comprehensive strategy across multiple revenue streams, including corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations and major donors. With a minimum of three years’ experience in a senior fundraising role and demonstrable success in securing significant funding, your ability to cultivate and manage donor relationships, craft compelling funding proposals, and oversee high-impact fundraising campaigns will be key to our success.

Our mission is to radically advance research into the causes, prevention and treatment of epilepsy and associated conditions.  If this is something that interests you, and you have the skill set we are looking for, we look forward to hearing from you.

Application is by way of a CV and covering letter which highlights why you are interested in the role and how your experience fits the needs of the Institute as set out in the job description.

Closing date: Wednesday 28 May 2025

Interview dates: Wednesday 11 June and Wednesday 18 June 2025

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced Trusts, Corporate and HNW Prospect Research, to assist our Philanthropy and Partnerships team, to grow our income and paly an important part in securing funding for our vision to find a cure for all brain tumours.

Do you have the experience, drive and determination to thrive in this role?

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a prospect pipeline providing Trusts and Corporate fundraisers and the Major Donor programme with the required number and level of prospects to meet the team's objectives and financial targets by using different tools to support you, including gift table.
• Carry out due diligence on donors and prospects to ensure donations are accepted in accordance with our Ethical and Major Giving Policy.
• Ensure the database is kept up to date with accurate and current information on prospects, contacts and ensure it is stored and archived accurately and in accordance with GDPR and Brain Tumour Research policies. Support the team’s up to date understanding of GDPR and consent recording on the database and associated processes.
• Proactively collaborate across teams to identify opportunities for prospecting, for example with Corporate, Trusts, Individual Giving and Events.

Requirements:

• Experience of researching high net worth individuals, company Directors, and/or family Trust and Foundations Boards identifying capacity, propensity and affinity to the cause. 
• Ability to gather information from the public domain in accordance with GDPR, Data protection regulation, IoF and charity law. 
• Experience of producing accurate, unbiased, concise snapshot research as well as more in-depth research profiles detailed reports, network mapping and analysis on donors and prospects. 
• Knowledge and commitment to our aims, mission and values is desired. 
• Strong understanding of due diligence, data protection and the latest GDPR and ICO updates is desired.

If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Salary:  £60,000 - £65,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Contracted to our Peterborough office with the flexibility for hybrid working
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week, part time considered
Benefits: We want all our employees to feel valued and engaged and are committed to offering a positive working culture along with a good work-life balance. As well as ensuring they pay their employees fairly, they offer the following benefits: Flexible working, Generous annual leave, Private Medical Insurance, including dental and optical, Pension Scheme, Sick Pay, Death in Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Bike Loan Scheme, Cycle2Work Scheme, Eyecare, Discount Portal.

Closing date: Tuesday 13 May 2025

Interviews will be held week commencing 26 May 2025

No agencies please

Be a part of an energetic and vibrant team who are driven by the desire to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease. 

As part of our bold ambition to transform kidney health, we’ve made a commitment to significantly increase our investment to facilitate and drive the translation of research and accelerate the development of tangible innovations (diagnostics, drugs, better treatments and therapies).

We’re seeking an individual with strong analytical skills and experience of translational research or technology assessment within a pharmaceutical company or clinical setting to join the growing translation, innovation and enterprise team.

This post plays a critical role in evaluating and prioritising scientific and technology research projects for their potential to advance into clinical applications. 

It promises to be varied and fast-paced, working across a broad range of opportunities, including therapeutics, devices and technologies, and interacting with innovators to ensure that promising innovations can effectively transition into the marketplace. 

If you are interested in the position, please complete the online application form and submit together with your CV.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

About Kidney Research UK:

Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease and for more than 60 years the research, we fund has been making an impact. But kidney disease is increasing as are the factors contributing to it, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, making our work more essential than ever.

At Kidney Research UK we work with clinicians and scientists across the UK, funding and facilitating research into all areas of kidney disease. We collaborate with partners across the public, private and third sectors to prevent kidney disease and drive innovation to transform treatments.

Over the last ten years we have invested more than £71 million into research. We lobby governments and decision makers to change policy and practice to ensure that the estimated 7.2 million people living with all stages of kidney disease in the UK have access to the most effective care and treatment, and to make kidney disease a priority.

Most importantly, we also work closely with patients, ensuring their voice is heard and is at the centre of everything we do, from deciding which research to invest in to how we plan our priorities and our work across the charity.

Those patient contributions are vital, always helping us and our partners to understand what life is like with kidney disease, always ensuring we see the patient behind the treatment and always reminding us that behind every statistic and every number is a person – the patients and the carers who inspire our mission and push us forward to make a difference and change the future of kidney disease.

You may also have some experience in the following: Director of Translational Research, Director of Innovation and Scientific Strategy, Head of Translational Science, Director of Research Translation and Impact, Director of Scientific Evaluation and Innovation, Translational Research and Innovation Director, Director of Biomedical Innovation, Director of Health Technology Evaluation, Director of Scientific Programmes – Translation & Innovation, Head of Translational Strategy and Partnerships, Director of Clinical Translation and Technology, Translational Science and Innovation Lead, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Not for Profit, NFP, etc.

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Help shape science policy that tackles the biggest challenges of our time.
From tackling the health impacts of climate change and supporting healthy ageing to advancing medical innovation, physiology – the science of how the body works – underpins some of the most urgent and exciting frontiers in research and policy today. At The Physiological Society, we bring together scientists from around the world to champion evidence-based policy and support a thriving research ecosystem. We’re looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join our team and help ensure science plays a central role in shaping policy for healthier, longer lives. Whether your background is in health, biomedical research, the environment or science policy more broadly, this role offers a unique opportunity to make an impact across a wide range of issues. You will join us at an exciting time, as we host the Global Climate & Health Summit.

About the role
You’ll play a vital role in delivering an ambitious programme of policy and public affairs activity, influencing government, engaging key stakeholders and championing evidence-based policy informed by physiology. Working closely with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager, internal teams, Society members and global experts, your work will span issues such as precision medicine, climate change and health, and research funding. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the broader R&D and policy landscape while supporting a dynamic scientific community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing policy positions and crafting impactful responses to government consultations
• Monitoring political developments and advising internal stakeholders
• Building strong relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians and external partners
• Organising events such as policy briefings and parliamentary receptions
• Supporting funding proposals for policy-related initiatives
• Writing engaging briefings, statements and communications tailored to diverse audiences

About you
You’ll be passionate about policy and science, with a strong understanding of how public affairs can influence change. You’ll also bring:

• A degree in life sciences, public policy, political science, or a related field
• Proven experience developing and advocating for policy positions
• Excellent communication and writing skills, including the ability to translate complex ideas clearly
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and representing the organisation externally

Desirable:

• Familiarity with the UK and Ireland’s research and science policy landscape
• Experience using digital tools for public engagement and stakeholder management
• Event planning experience
• Understanding of climate, health or biomedical research policy

Why join us?
At The Physiological Society, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

You’ll be part of a supportive, mission-driven team making a real difference in how science shapes society.

We offer excellent benefits, including private medical insurance and a generous pension scheme.

How to apply
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining how your experience aligns with the role.

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK. We do not offer sponsorships.

Join one of the world’s greatest literary institutions and lead the strategic growth of our membership and engagement work as we continue to inspire and support readers, writers and thinkers from across the globe.

About us

Founded in 1841, The London Library is a thriving hub of inspiration, discovery and creativity. With a collection of over one million books and a proud history of nurturing literary talent, it remains a cornerstone of the UK’s cultural and intellectual life.

We are an independent, subscription-based library and registered charity that offers members access to an unparalleled collection, beautiful working spaces in central London, and an extensive programme of events and learning opportunities. Our members come from all walks of life and include readers, researchers, emerging and established writers, and anyone with a passion for the written word.

About the role

We are now seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Membership and Engagement to lead and deliver an ambitious membership strategy that will grow, diversify, and retain our membership base. Positioned on the Executive Team, and reporting to the Director of The London Library, you will oversee a talented team spanning membership, marketing and communications, and public engagement.

You will be responsible for developing and delivering strategies that strengthen our brand and visibility, grow income from membership, and deepen engagement with existing and prospective members. You will also oversee a rich programme of public and member events, our award-winning Emerging Writers Programme, and a growing portfolio of learning and outreach activity.

This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a blend of strong leadership, innovative thinking, and operational oversight. You will work closely with colleagues across the Library, Trustees, partners and ambassadors to champion the member experience and help drive the organisation forward.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a confident and experienced senior leader with a track record of driving audience growth, engagement, and income. You will bring substantial experience in membership, marketing, communications, and public engagement, ideally in a membership or cultural organisation. You will be a skilled team leader with a collaborative style, strong financial acumen, and the ability to use data insight to shape strategy.

Crucially, you will be inspired by The London Library’s mission and excited to play a leading role in helping us broaden our reach and impact. You will be a natural ambassador with a flair for building partnerships, leading through influence, and communicating compellingly with a wide range of audiences.

This is a rare opportunity to join a much-loved institution and help shape its future.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Tuesday 27th May 2025