Associate Director, Public Services

Diversity Jobsite; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

London office

Job summary

IPPR in London is seeking an Associate Director, Public Services to lead an ambitious programme of research and policy development spanning health, education, social care and childcare. This senior role sets strategic direction, leads a talented team, and ensures research translates into impactful policy proposals.

You will oversee a portfolio from ideation to funding, deliver projects, and influence policy while representing IPPR to policymakers and media.

Qualifications

• Senior role leading research and policy development across health, education, social care and childcare.
• Proven track record in influencing public policy.
• Strong communication, project management and team leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction of the public services portfolio.
• Lead and develop a team of researchers and policy staff.
• Secure funding and manage projects from inception to delivery.
• Represent IPPR with policymakers, practitioners, funders and media.
• Build relationships with funders and partners to secure ongoing support.

Skills

Public policy research

Fundraising

Leadership

Job description

£69,628 - £85,998 per annum, depending on experience, plus benefitsPermanent contract, full time London based, with hybrid working

About the role

We are looking for an Associate Director, Public Services to lead an ambitious programme of research and policy development spanning health, education, social care and childcare. This is a senior role with responsibility for setting the strategic direction of our public services work, developing bold and ambitious policy ideas, and ensuring our research has real-world impact. You will lead and develop a talented team and work collaboratively with colleagues across IPPR to turn high-quality research into compelling policy proposals. You will oversee a portfolio of research, from developing new ideas and securing funding through to delivering projects and influencing policy. You will build strong relationships with policymakers, practitioners, funders and partners, and represent IPPR with a wide range of audiences, including politicians and the media, and at high-profile events. You will also play a leading role in securing the funding needed to deliver our public services ambitions, identifying new opportunities and building lasting relationships with funders and partners.

About you

We are looking for someone with strong expertise in one or more areas of public services and a track record of producing high-quality research and influencing public policy. You will combine intellectual ambition, strategic leadership and political awareness with excellent communication, project management, fundraising and people leadership skills. You will be an inclusive and supportive manager, creating an environment in which colleagues can do their best work, develop their skills and deliver high-quality research.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping IPPR’s thinking on the future of public services and developing practical, progressive ideas that can make a difference across the UK. The role is based in our London office in Westminster. We value the benefits of in-person collaboration and ask staff to spend at least 40 per cent of their working hours in the office, with the remainder able to be worked remotely. We support flexible working and are happy to discuss potential arrangements with candidates. IPPR is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, and from applicants with a range of professional and lived experiences. As an organisation engaging in critical debate about a wide range of progressive policy issues, we value the creativity and range of perspectives that a diverse team can provide.

Closing date for applications: 11:30 GMT on 13 November 2026

Interviews will take place in our London office on 25 & 26 November 2026

Second interview: 9 December 2026 (if required)