Director of Policy and Research

Centre for Cities; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Director of Policy and Research to lead impactful research and policy initiatives. This senior leadership role involves shaping the organization's agenda, managing a talented team, and engaging with key stakeholders to influence urban policy debates. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of urban economics and public policy, alongside a strong track record in research management. Join this forward-thinking think tank to drive meaningful change and contribute to the economic prosperity of UK cities.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

8 bank holidays

Flexible working arrangements

Office closure between Christmas and New Year

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in managing research teams and strategic direction.
• Strong writing and communication skills for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead impactful research aligned with strategic goals.
• Engage with stakeholders to influence urban policy.

Skills

Urban Economics

Public Policy

Research Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication Skills

Education

Master's Degree in Public Policy or Related Field

PhD in a Relevant Discipline

Job description

Location: London (3 or 4 days in the office with flexibility). Full-timeremote position will not be offered.

Reports to:Chief Executive

Position: Full-time and permanent

Annual leave: 28 days plus 8 bank holidays, leave allowance rising to 30 days after four years’ service. Additionally, the office is closed between Christmas and New Year.

How to apply:

Please email your CV (max of 2 pages) and a supporting statement (max of 3 pages) setting out how your experience meets the requirements of the role and the ambition of the organisation to: [e-mail]

About Centre for Cities:

Centre for Cities is the leading think tank dedicated to improving the economic prosperity of UK cities. Through rigorous research and policy engagement, we work with national and local leaders to support growth and prosperity in urban areas.

Role Summary:

The Director of Policy and Research is a senior leadership position responsible for shaping, delivering, and communicating Centre for Cities’ research and policy agenda.The postholder will lead a dynamic team of research and policy analysts, develop the organisation’s policy positions, and represent the Centre externally to a wide range of stakeholders, including national and local policymakers and the media.They will ensure that our work continues to influence urban policy debates and that our research remains rigorous, relevant, and impactful.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Leadership and Delivery

• Set the direction and oversee the production of high-quality, impactful research in line with the organisation's strategic goals.
• Undertake research, including data analysis and policy development
• Review, edit, and quality assure research and publications, maintaining the Centre's reputation for rigour and clarity.
• Develop and articulate the Centre’s policy positions, ensuring they are evidence-based and forward-looking.
• Author blogs, articles, and other public-facing outputs that communicate key insights.

External Representation and Influence

• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including civil servants, city officials, journalists, and other policy influencers.
• Deliver presentations and briefings to a variety of audiences, including politicians, civil servants and business leaders
• Proactively seek out opportunities to influence policy by leading external meetings, contributing to debates, and providing evidence to parliamentary select committees.
• Represent Centre for Cities in the media through interviews and commentary.
• Maintain an active and authoritative presence on social media to promote the Centre’s work.

Organisational Leadership and Management

• Play a key role in the organisation’s senior management team (SMT), supporting the Chief Executive in strategic planning and decision-making.
• Contribute to fundraising and sponsorship efforts to support the Centre’s independence and sustainability.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team of research and policy analysts.
• Line manage members of the research team, including responsibility for performance reviews, development, and recruitment.
• Mentor and support research colleagues, helping build their analytical and writing skills.
• Champion a culture of excellence and collaboration across the organisation.

Person Specification:

• Deep understanding of urban economics, public policy, and cities in the UK.
• Demonstrable leadership experience, including managing research teams and setting strategic direction.
• Strong track record of designing, managing and producing high-quality research and policy projects.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills for both specialist and general audiences.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and external advocacy.
• Established presence in public policy debates.
• Confident media spokesperson and public speaker.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Centre for Cities.
• Commitment to political independence and to shaping public policy through evidence-based comment

How to apply:

Please email your CV (max of 2 pages) and a supporting statement (max of 3 pages) setting out how your experience meets the requirements of the role and the ambition of the organisation to: [e-mail]

The deadline for applications is 23:59, Sunday 1st of June 2025.

Interviews will take place at our officesin June.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Think Tanks

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