Interim Head of Programme Communication and Engagement

aria; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

ARIA, the UK’s R&D funding agency, seeks an interim Programme Communications Lead to shape and scale ARIA’s portfolio messaging. You will guide strategy, narrative, and editorial standards to ensure consistent, impactful communications across ARIA’s initiatives.

You will oversee the operating model for the programme portfolio, ensuring alignment with ARIA’s mission and institutional goals during this 12‑month fixed‑term period.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the overarching strategy, narrative, editorial standards and operating model for ARIA’s programme portfolio.
• Ensure every opportunity space and programme is aligned with ARIA’s mission and institutional goals.

Job description

Salary: £95,000

Location: Kings X, London; Tues - Thurs (3 days) at HQ, Monday + Friday, anywhere

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract (12 Months), full time

Closing Date: 16th October 2026

About ARIA

ARIA is a R&D funding agency created to unlock technological breakthroughs that benefit everyone. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible.

From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK’s world-class R&D in new ways, so we can meet these head on.

Our success is shaped by one question: how will ARIA transform the lives of the UK’s future generations? Whether that’s a life‑changing new technology or a burgeoning new industry, it should be obvious that ARIA played a catalytic role.

Learn more about how we work here.

Role Summary

Due to internal team shifts to support a maternity leave, this is an interim opportunity to shape and lead ARIA’s programme communications as we scale. Moving beyond day-to-day delivery, you will oversee the overarching strategy, narrative, editorial standards, and operating model for our programme portfolio. Your core objective is to ensure that every opportunity space and programme is not just effectively communicated, but aligned with ARIA’s broader mission and institutional goals.