Head of Communications and Engagement

This is an exciting opportunity to lead brand management, marketing and corporate communications at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS). We are ranked first in the world for development studies, together with the University of Sussex and the best international development policy think tank. 

The Head of Communications and Engagement leads a dynamic team and works closely with the Institute's Strategic Leadership Group, including its Director of Communications and Impact. The key priority for this role is to align IDS’ centrally coordinated communications and engagement activities with its strategy and vision. We seek someone who can build brand recognition and awareness with new and existing audiences and lead strategies that will enhance the influence and reach of the Institute as a whole. As well as coordinating external engagement activities they must ensure the excellence of core IDS outputs, including our corporate website and social media platforms, corporate literature, and high-profile IDS events. The post-holder will play a key role in furthering our ability to share cutting-edge research and learning crucial for shaping the transformations needed to reduce inequalities, accelerate sustainability and build more inclusive and secure societies. In a typical day the Head of Communications and Engagement may find themselves fielding calls from journalists, planning a marketing campaign for our Masters programme, working with a design agency on our website or writing a case for support for the prospective donors of a new research initiative. 

We are looking for a natural story-teller with strong all-round communications experience. Ideally this will have been acquired in a global development context and include external affairs and media relations. In particular applicants will need an excellent knowledge of corporate marketing and brand management and have some fundraising experience. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate that they have a proven ability as a team leader with a great track record of managing a diverse group of individuals to meet organisational objectives. We seek someone who has real confidence and enthusiasm for leading the institutional/corporate level marketing and communications strategy of an international research organisation. 

The role is based near Brighton in the UK, requires being on call for occasional out of office hours duties and will involve some international travel.

Further details:

• Vacancy Particulars