Are you an innovative, creative and collaborative individual with a proven track record of handling complex, multi-dimensional projects effectively with multiple stakeholders, an internal team and external consultants? Do you understand the complexities of cities and the future potential of science and technology to deliver social impact?

If so, Nesta has a rare and exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to join us as Interim Head of Future Cities and work at the intersection of cities, public services, government, technologists and the general public to shape emerging technologies and develop solutions to improve people’s lives.

About Nesta and Nesta Challenges

Nesta is an innovation foundation. For us, innovation means turning bold ideas into reality and changing lives for the better. We use our expertise, skills and funding in areas where there are big challenges facing society. Nesta is based in the UK and supported by a financial endowment. We work with partners around the globe to bring bold ideas to life to change the world for good.

Nesta Challenges exists to design and run challenge prizes that help solve pressing problems that lack solutions by inspiring the best placed, most diverse groups of people around the world to take action. Prizes already launched include improving outcomes for Nepalese farmers and the £10m Longitude Prize for antimicrobial resistance, while some of our new prizes are aimed at using tech to reduce social isolation and improving access to justice.

About this pivotal role

You will focus on identifying and scoping potential new challenge prizes around the intersection of cities, public services and emerging technologies and creating and executing business development activities and thought leadership collateral. You will also lead and manage partnerships to run the Flying High Challenge, a collaborative engagement with cities, technologists, researchers, regulators, government, public services and citizens to shape the future of urban drone use in the UK to meet local needs. You will also be expected to:

• Facilitate engagement with stakeholders representing government, the regulator, industry, cities, service users and the public

• Provide strategic direction to an internal team of programme managers and external service providers

• Oversee project communications and marketing campaigns and major events

• Interface with media to promote the programme and engage in regular public speaking events

• Contribute to the leadership team of Nesta Challenges, wider business development activities, and cross-learnings in prize design and execution across the organisation

What we are looking for

You will have a proven track record in the strategic design and delivery of complex and large-scale innovation programmes, and liaising with government official, public services, philanthropic and non-profit agencies to negotiate the design of programmes that meet the needs of diverse stakeholders. An outstanding communicator, with the ability to deliver compelling presentations on complex topics to diverse audiences, you will also have strong experience of successfully motivating and managing individual team members, managing budgets and suppliers, and building productive internal and external relationships.

How to apply

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter as one document.

Closing date: December 2nd, 2019 (8:00am).

First interviews: w/c December 2nd, 2019.

Nesta is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion - we welcome and encourage applications from everyone.