UK Day One Project | Head of Operations

Role: Head of Operations

Location: London, hybrid (minimum 3 days in the office)

Contract Type: Full-time (potential option for 0.8 FTE)

Salary: £60,000 – £80,000pa, depending on experience

Start date: As soon as possible

Length of contract: 1 year fixed term (renewal subject to performance and funding)

About UK Day One:

UK Day One is a pro-growth, pro-innovation think tank based in Westminster. We were set up as an election year project to help the new government develop policies on science, technology and economic growth. We are now looking to the future, and are seeking a highly motivated team player to help build the next stage of the organisation.

Role Overview:

As Head of Operations, you will lead on driving the processes that make UKD1 work. This means working closely with the executive directors to oversee administrative, financial and staffing functions, manage events and support partnerships.

UKD1 operates as a start up. We are looking for someone who is flexible, ambitious, high-agency and good at working in a small team. The role could be more stretching and varied than in a larger organisation, but in return you will get the opportunity to work directly with UKD1’s leadership to build a new kind of think tank to have an impact in Westminster.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Office management

• Work with the executive directors to manage staffing, recruitment and coordination with our outsourced HR function.
• Manage all internal processes including communications, office space and logistics.

2. Events

• Organise events, meetings, and conferences, including managing logistics, invitations, and on-the-day operations.
• Scope out opportunities for high-level roundtables, dinners and engagements with policymakers and stakeholders.

3. Partnerships and external relations

• Work with the directors to build and manage external relationships, including with funders, other think tanks, universities and policymakers.
• Maintain contact databases and manage regular communications and updates with supporters, funders and other relevant stakeholders.
• Scope out and develop new partnership opportunities aligned with UKD1’s mission.

4. Financial Oversight

• Manage organisational expenses and maintain oversight of budgets.
• Liaise with the outsourced finance team to ensure accurate accounting and reporting
• Work with the rest of the executive team to identify and pursue funding opportunities
• Support scoping and application processes for funding, including grant applications.

Requirements:

• Experience in operations, administration, or project management.
• Exceptional organisational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• High-agency, a proactive and problem-solving mindset, and attention to detail.
• A desire to work in a small, fast-paced team building a new think tank in Westminster.

Desirable

• Experience of working in think tanks or similar policy-oriented organisations
• Familiarity with HR and finance processes
• Proficiency in productivity tools (particularly Google Workspace and Slack) and project management software

To Apply: Please send a CV and cover letter to hello@ukdayone.org by the end of 19th January 2025. The cover letter should be no more than one page, and should provide evidence of how you meet the requirements in the job description, and any other information that you believe makes you an exceptional candidate.