Are you driven by a commitment to make the UK fairer, more sustainable and more prosperous? Are you an expert on public services and the welfare state? Are you passionate about how we deliver progressive change in the UK? If so, we have a job for you. IPPR is the UK’s leading progressive think tank. We are looking to recruit an outstanding progressive leader to take on the role of Associate Director, heading up our research and influencing on the Work and Welfare State programme.

The Work and Welfare State Team covers all of IPPR’s work on public services, the welfare state and labour market policy based in Westminster (working alongside staff at IPPR North and IPPR Scotland). You will oversee an ambitious new Commission on Health and Prosperity after the pandemic and an exciting new initiative on the future and purpose of learning and education - as well as designing, fundraising for and delivering a new programme of work on social security reform.

You will be expected to represent the team at the highest levels of government, politics, business, academia, the voluntary sector and the media, and will play a crucial role in developing and managing strategic relationships. This will include designing and delivering a fundraising strategy for the team, with the support of the Director of Research and Engagement.

This is an ideal role for a creative, strategic senior practitioner, looking to make the case and craft policy for a prosperous and just society. You will combine intellectual flair, innovative thinking and political knowledge with the ability to manage and oversee a wide-ranging agenda and a team of expert researchers. You will have excellent project, budget and people management skills; you may have gained these in the private, public or voluntary sectors.

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.

The post will require regular attendance in the London office. As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant to fill the post.

Those seriously considering an application are also welcome and encouraged to find out more about the role by speaking with Harry Quilter-Pinner, Director of Research & Engagement. This can be arranged by emailing Harry at h.quilter-pinner@ippr.org