Title: Director of Policy and Research
Location: London (3 or 4 days in the office with flexibility). Full-time remote position will not be offered.
Reports to: Chief Executive
Position: Full-time and permanent
Salary: £80,000 - £97,000
Start Date: Flexible (circa September 2025)
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 (CVs from LI will not be considered)
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: recruitment@centreforcities.org
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: recruitment@centreforcities.org
The deadline for applications is 23:59, Sunday 1st of June 2025.
Interviews will take place at our offices in June.