Communications Assistant internship in London

Location: Hybrid · London, UK

Contract: Full-time, fixed-term 12-month contract

Start date: End of July 2026

About IFS

The Institute for Fiscal Studies is the UK's leading independent economics research institute and an award-winning 'think tank'. We are independent of political influence and have a strong reputation for producing high-quality, far-reaching and policy-relevant analysis and commentary. Our goal at IFS is to promote well-designed and effective economic and social policies.

Purpose of the role

We are looking for a hard-working and engaged individual to join us for a 12-month fixed-term contract as a Communications Assistant. This is a unique opportunity to gain the essential skills and experience needed to kickstart a career in communications.

The role will include assisting in all aspects of communications but with an emphasis on digital. The successful candidate will work across digital platforms including our website, social media, podcasts and e-marketing. Additionally, they will help with online and in-person events and work on a wide range of day-to-day communications and press activities.

What we are looking for

• Has excellent attention to detail, a passion for accuracy and an eye for spotting errors
• Has strong organisational and time management skills
• Has a good understanding of the current digital and social media landscape
• Can communicate with a range of different audiences, both inside and outside IFS
• Is keen to learn and develop new skills
• Has an interest in the wider political/policy landscape
• Understands and values the importance of our political independence and our commitment to impartiality

What you can expect from us

• A salary of £28,860, the London Living Wage
• Training opportunities and a positive environment in which to develop your skills
• The chance to make a real difference, helping us to promote rigorous and truly independent research that has a genuine impact on public debate and government policy
• The support of an experienced, fun and professional communications team and a friendly, sociable and collaborative organisation

This role involves

• Being a proactive, hands‐on, creative, flexible and friendly member of the communications team
• Working with the digital team in creating website pages, helping to develop and maintain areas of the website and new content
• Producing and scheduling high‐quality, accurate social media posts to promote our reports, briefings, podcasts, announcements, events and recruitment activity
• Assisting the events team with on‐the‐day support for in‐person and online events, press briefings and academic conferences
• Supporting the successful planning and scheduling of IFS communications work, including reports, comments, events, videos and social media
• Drafting and sending newsletters and marketing emails to thousands of subscribers using Mailchimp
• Keeping an eye on the external public policy and media environment and using this to feed into all aspects of communications and decision‐making

Our criteria for this role

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail and consistent accuracy
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage their time well
• Interest in developing a career in communications
• Competency in Microsoft Office
• Willingness to get stuck in and an eagerness to learn

Highly desirable

• An understanding of and interest in the public policy and media landscape
• Experience writing for an external audience beyond academic work
• Experience working with a range of digital formats including social media
• Familiarity with production tools such as Adobe or Canva
• Familiarity with video and/or audio editing
• Familiarity with website content management systems

Occasional out‐of‐hours working may be required. The postholder will be expected to spend the majority of their contracted hours in the London office, with one day a week working from home if desired. IFS has an active social calendar with weekly teatimes, sports groups and after‐work activities for a variety of interests. Interviews will be held in person at our London office. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, as this role is not eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.