At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead executive communications and shape the public voice of ARIA's CEO.
- Company: Join ARIA, a pioneering R&D funding agency driving technological breakthroughs.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days leave, hybrid work, and a supportive learning environment.
- Other info: Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply; we value unique experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of UK science and technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in executive communications and a strong understanding of R&D policy.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 95000 £ per year.
About ARIA
ARIA is a R&D funding agency created to unlock technological breakthroughs that benefit everyone. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible. From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK’s world-class R&D in new ways, so we can meet these head on. Our success is shaped by one question: how will ARIA transform the lives of the UK’s future generations? Whether that’s a life-changing new technology or a burgeoning new industry, it should be obvious that ARIA played a catalytic role.
Role Summary
As Head of Executive Engagement, you will shape how ARIA’s CEO and broader executive team are heard, seen, and positioned in the public domain. You will ensure ARIA’s leadership communicates with clarity, coherence, and impact across every significant external moment. In practice, the day-to-day centre of gravity will be with the CEO, where you will serve as an external-facing chief of staff: shaping how she communicates the organisation’s mission, setting the strategic direction of her external programme, and being at her side for the moments that matter — providing real-time counsel, triage, and follow-through. This is a high-trust, senior advisory role that blends communications strategy with political intelligence and hands-on engagement support. A critical part of the role is ensuring strategic discipline across the CEO’s external activity. You will ensure there is a clear purpose behind every significant commitment of the CEO’s time and visibility, and that her external programme actively supports ARIA’s strategic objectives. The role sits within the Communications & Engagement function and works in close partnership with the Lead EA who supports the Chief Executive.
What you’ll do
- You will own the quality, coherence, and ambition of the CEO’s external communications.
- Lead the development of speeches, keynotes, conference remarks, op-eds, and major presentations for the CEO and other members of the executive team.
- Brief and direct an external agency to support the production of executive communications.
- Design and manage an integrated executive visibility programme.
- Build and sustain the CEO's distinctive public voice.
- Provide coaching and preparation support for senior spokespeople ahead of high-profile speaking engagements and media appearances.
- Own the strategic direction of the CEO’s public social media presence.
- Develop and maintain reference materials, positioning guides, and self-service resources.
- Ensure a consistently high standard across all executive-level external outputs.
R&D ecosystem and policy landscape
ARIA operates in a complex and shifting landscape of R&D developments, policy, and public debate. You will ensure the CEO is positioned ahead of the curve and that ARIA’s executive team presents a clear and coordinated external front.
- Identify and translate pertinent developments across the UK R&D ecosystem into implications for the CEO's positioning and outputs.
- Provide reputational counsel — identifying risks, surfacing opportunities, and advising on timing and framing.
- Work with the executive team to define their distinct external profiles.
- Be the key point of coordination and triage for inbound policy and ecosystem stakeholder requests.
- Lead the CEO's preparation for high-stakes government-facing engagements.
- Draft reactive lines, positioning statements, and public-facing outputs for the CEO as required.
Senior engagement leadership
You will set the strategic approach to the CEO’s external engagement programme.
- Develop the framework and criteria for evaluating external engagement opportunities.
- Accompany the CEO to key external events, conferences, and high-level meetings.
- Manage the flow of requests, introductions, and approaches around the CEO.
- Help map, develop, and maintain the CEO’s network.
- Define success metrics for executive engagement and evaluate the impact of the executive team’s external programme over time.
Who you are
We expect the successful candidate to bring many of the following:
- You have significant experience in a senior advisory, executive communications, or chief of staff capacity.
- You are an exceptional writer with a rare ability to inhabit another person's voice.
- You are policy-literate, with deep familiarity with the UK R&D, science policy, and innovation landscape.
- You bring strong instincts and networks across the media, research and industry landscape.
- You have the judgement and discretion to operate as a trusted advisor to a CEO.
- You are comfortable in high-profile, fast-moving environments.
Benefits
- 27 days annual leave provision, with the option to buy/sell additional days.
- Hybrid working arrangements; 60% in office / 40% at home.
- Discretionary bonus.
- Supportive environment for learning and development opportunities.
- Enhanced family leave arrangements.
- A free and confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme.
- Life Assurance.
- 2 days of paid volunteer days.
- 5% defined contribution pension scheme with Smart Pension.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- An excellent office location in Kings X, London.
Not sure you meet 100% of our criteria? Don't worry! If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.
Head of Executive Engagement employer: Aria
ARIA is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, ideal for those passionate about advancing research and development. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer robust professional development opportunities and the flexibility of hybrid working in London, ensuring a balanced work-life dynamic. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique advantages of being part of a forward-thinking agency dedicated to supporting groundbreaking projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Executive Engagement
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Executive Engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Aria. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aria
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You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Aria, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Aria, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
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Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Aria could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
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