Persuasion UK | Communications Lead (3 days a week)

We’re hiring an experienced communications specialist to join Persuasion UK. Persuasion UK explores what influences public opinion on the issues that shape British politics and elections, and shares these insights with politicians, journalists, and campaigners, informing debate on where there is space for progressive policy change.

As Communications Lead, you will develop and deliver communications strategies that promote Persuasion’s research among political journalists and opinion formers. The role requires building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists, including proactive and reactive media pitching, networking, and identifying opportunities to increase the visibility of key messages and initiatives. You have a strong sense of storytelling, an eye for news angles and the news cycle, and an understanding of how narratives can build Persuasion UK’s profile and establish trust with target audiences. Experience with new media formats, such as podcasts, is a significant plus. The Communications Lead will report directly to the Persuasion UK Director.

How you’ll contribute:

• Devise and deliver high-quality, newsworthy communications strategies (including press releases, quotes, broadcast voices, op-eds, social media content, etc) aligned with strategic objectives, and monitor and evaluate impact.
• Build relationships with journalists (written and broadcast) as well as key commentators and opinion formers in Persuasion’s areas of interest.
• Spot and take advantage of reactive opportunities to promote existing Persuasion research to journalists and opinion formers.
• Lead the organisation’s efforts to build out its social media/new media presence.
• Help with everyday administration and paperwork related to the organisation.
• Monitor political and media debates relevant to the organisation’s priority areas of influence.
• Along with the Director, manage relationships with funders and the Persuasion advisory board.
• Work with the Director to shape the project’s long-term direction and strategy.
• Perform any other reasonable duties assigned.

Our ideal candidate has:

• An expert-level understanding of political journalism and media in the UK and experience of successfully influencing it.
• A strong interest in and in-depth understanding of British politics, with proven experience in shaping or influencing political outcomes.
• Solid understanding of public opinion research, with hands-on experience in its key methodologies.

Other things we will look for include:

• High energy, self-starting attitude to work - an ability to work independently and creatively.
• A willingness to take on administrative tasks as well as the more exciting parts of the job.
• An understanding of new media formats such as podcasts, YouTube, TikTok etc.
• An enthusiasm to embrace complex, technical topics, and transform policy files into compelling narratives.
• Experience crafting compelling stories with a journalistic flair.
• Ability to develop a good network of influential actors such as lawmakers, academics, finance sectors, progressive business and/or civil society leaders is a strong advantage.
• Experience coordinating and executing events, workshops, or collaborative processes, both in-person and virtually.
• The disposition to work generously with colleagues in a high-trust global community of peers.
• Versatility and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment across multiple time zones, utilizing tools such as Slack and Google Workspace.
• Fluency in English is required; additional European languages are an asset.
• Ability and availability to work in the UK.

Why join us?

• The unique opportunity to be a core member of a new, very dynamic and ambitious team, one that has already developed a good amount of influence in UK politics and media.
• Ability to shape the future direction of the organisation.
• Be part of a remote-first, international network of professionals working on gender equality.
• Coworking access is available in some locations.
• A dynamic team of highly skilled professionals who combine their passion to make a difference with ambition and a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work.
• A flexible work environment and the space to shape and continuously develop your role.
• A full-time position with an employment contract, for 12 months, with possible renewal after one year.
• Location: UK, remote. Some international travel may be required.
• We may be able to provide co-working spaces in some locations.
• Only candidates with the right to work in their location will be considered.