Associate Director, Democracy and Politics

£69,628 - £85,998 per year depending on experience, plus benefits Permanent contract, 35 hours a week
London based with option for part remote working

Are you passionate about the future of progressive politics? Do you have the intellectual curiosity and leadership, political insight and strategic skills to shape public debate and influence policy at the highest levels? Are you committed to renewing democracy and delivering bold progressive change across the UK?

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is the UK’s leading independent thinktank. Our pioneering research and ideas have shaped progressive policy making for more than three decades. At a pivotal moment in British politics, we are seeking a new Associate Director to lead our Decade of National Renewal programme and shape IPPR’s work on democracy and politics.

About the role

The Decade of National Renewal is IPPR’s long-term project to rethink progressive politics in an era of profound economic, social and political change. Bringing together policymakers, politicians, academics, practitioners and thinkers from across the UK, the programme is helping to develop and test bold new ideas about what progressives stand for and how they can deliver meaningful change.

As Associate Director, you will lead a team of six colleagues and play a central role in shaping IPPR’s intellectual agenda. You will be responsible for developing and delivering a portfolio of high-impact research and policy projects, securing funding, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring IPPR remains at the forefront of debates about democracy, politics and national renewal.

About you

A skilled communicator and influential leader, you will represent IPPR at the highest levels of government, politics, academia, civil society and the media. You will establish IPPR as a leading convenor of diverse voices and play a significant role in shaping public debate, influencing policy, and strengthening the case for progressive reform.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a creative and strategic leader with deep expertise in democracy and political reform, a strong network across politics and policymaking, and a track record of delivering influential research and policy change. You will combine intellectual ambition with practical leadership, bringing together ideas, people and evidence to help shape the future of progressive politics in the UK.

The role will work closely with IPPR’s Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director to shape the next phase of the Decade of National Renewal programme, including a programme of landmark publications and collaborations working towards a major report in 2027.

Why join us?

This is a vital role for IPPR as we seek to shape the national conversation, strengthen democratic renewal, and develop the ideas that will define the next decade of progressive politics.

This role is based in our London office, right in the heart of Westminster, placing you at the centre of UK policymaking and public affairs. We value the benefits of in-person collaboration and ask staff to spend at least 40 per cent of their working hours in the office. As part of our commitment to flexible working, we welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time hours, job-share arrangements, or other flexible options. We’re open to shaping the role around the right person, and all working patterns can be discussed at the interview stage.

IPPR is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, and from applicants with a range of professional and lived experiences. As an organisation engaging in critical debate about a wide range of progressive policy issues, we value the creativity and range of perspectives that a diverse team can provide.

Ready to apply?

For further information, the full job description and to apply, please click here.

We’d be grateful if you could also complete our equality and diversity monitoring form

Closing date for applications: Midday on Monday 29 June

Interviews will take place in our London office on Wednesday 8 July