Founded in 2004, the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) is one of the UK’s most influential think tanks. We’re here to challenge conventional thinking and put social justice at the heart of politics. Our goal is to break the cycle of poverty by tackling its root causes, not just managing the symptoms.

Our work has helped shape some of the most significant welfare and justice reforms in a generation.

We focus on five interconnected pathways to poverty:

• Educational failure
• Family breakdown
• Economic dependency and worklessness
• Addiction
• Serious personal debt

We don’t do this from behind desks. We’re powered by the lived experience and insights of frontline charities - especially through the CSJ Foundation and our national Alliance of poverty-fighting organisations. These grassroots groups are the unsung heroes tackling Britain’s toughest social issues, and we want to amplify their voice in politics, media, and philanthropy.

This is a critical moment for the CSJ. We’re scaling up our research, events, digital platforms,
philanthropy and external engagement - and this role is central to that growth.

The Role

This is a mission-critical leadership post, driving the CSJ’s public voice and political impact. As Director of External Affairs, you’ll lead our political strategy, media engagement, high-profile events, and public-facing campaigns. You’ll be the bridge between our research and the real-world influence it needs to have – in Westminster, in the press, and across philanthropy and civil society.

You’ll also bring sharp public focus to the CSJ Foundation, championing its work with the best small charities and with UK philanthropists, ensuring their experience drives public policy, giving, and national debate.

This role is about cutting through. We’re looking for a leader with flair, firepower, and the right network to put CSJ ideas where they belong: on the desks of ministers, front pages of newspapers, and the agendas of funders and decision-makers.

See the full job description here: https://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/about/jobs/director-of-external-affairs