The Nuffield Foundation is an independent charitable trust with a purpose to advance social well-being through research and evidence. We are currently seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Communications to lead and deliver high-quality, impactful communications to ensure that this evidence has impact and influence.  

The Head of Communications leads our strategic communications programme in support of the Nuffield Foundation’s purpose and to make a reality of its strategy. This includes building the profile of the Foundation and leading the production of high quality content, convening and connection with audiences across all our channels. The role works across all of our thematic areas of focus, and oversees media, digital content, events, publications and reputation work.  This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for shaping our engagement strategy, strengthening our external profile, and ensuring our research and evidence reach and resonate with key audiences. 

You will oversee the development of compelling content, translating complex research evidence into accessible and engaging narratives. Working closely with colleagues in the grant making and programme teams across the Foundation, and collaborating with our partner Centres, you will build strong relationships, identify opportunities to enhance our reputation, and lead a dynamic programme of engagement, events and convening activity. 

You will also play a key role in reputation management, brand development, internal communications, and continuous innovation in how we communicate. You will lead and develop a talented communications team and manage external agencies and a significant budget. 

We are looking for a proven communications leader with substantial experience delivering strategic, multi-channel campaigns, ideally within a research, policy or public interest environment.  

You will bring excellent writing and influencing skills, existing strong media relationships and networks, and the ability to translate evidence into impactful storytelling. A collaborative approach, strong leadership capability, and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion are essential. 

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the voice and influence of a respected foundation working to inform social policy and practice. 

For further information about the role, please click here to download the full job description (PDF).   

About us  

The Nuffield Foundation is an independent charitable trust with a mission to advance social well-being.  

We achieve this by funding and undertaking rigorous research, encouraging innovation, and supporting the use of sound evidence to improve people’s lives. We tackle pressing, complex questions. Our aim is to open up opportunities and to improve lives for individuals, families and communities, within a just and inclusive society. Our work addresses the inequalities, disadvantage, discrimination and vulnerabilities that people face, and considers the social and ethical implications of scientific and technological advances.

We are the founder and co-funder of Nuffield Council on Bioethics, Nuffield Family Justice Observatory and the Ada Lovelace Institute.   

We value diversity in background, skills, perspectives and life experiences. Further information on the Foundation’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion work can be found here. 

Further information and how to apply  

The closing date for applications is 09:30am (BST) on Tuesday 16th June 2026.  

Should you need to make an application in a different format or require any adjustments as part of the application process, please get in touch with us: recruitment@nuffieldfoundation.org 

We use the Applied platform to reduce potential biases in our hiring process.  You will be required to complete some questions as part of this application process, and you are also required to upload an up-to-date copy of your CV. The Applied platform lets you save an application and resume it ahead of submitting before the application deadline.   

The Nuffield Foundation and its Centres think deeply about the role of emerging technology in society. All recruitment decisions are made by a person (we do not use AI tools to rate or reject applicants). We ask applicants to respond to the questions using their own experience, thinking and opinion, writing in their own tone of voice rather than using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. The use of generative AI can result in generic responses to individual questions which stand out less to reviewers. 

Please note that for vacancies which receive a high volume of applications, we may undertake an initial screening of CVs. 

We are committed to inclusive working practices and during the application process we commit to:    

• As a Disability Confident employer, we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the essential criteria for the job.  

• making any reasonable adjustments – for example providing documents in different formats, arranging for a sign language interpreter for interviews etc    

• reimbursing reasonable travel costs (and any childcare or care costs) for interviews where in-person attendance is required    

Our benefits package includes:    

• Genuine flexibility - we are open to requests for part-time hours, compressed working weeks, or job shares.  

• 28 days holiday per annum and all public holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days (prorated for part time staff).  

• A salary exchange pension scheme that offers employer contributions of up to 11%.     

• Life assurance scheme.     

• Family leave policies that provide an enhanced level of pay.     

• Cycle to work scheme and loans towards season tickets.     

• Regular opportunities for learning and development – including coaching, mentoring, and dedicated reading days for personal development and reflection.  

• Support with your physical, mental and financial wellbeing including an employee assistance provider, a private GP service, personal health reviews with Bupa, a will and funeral planning service and a staff network of trained Mental Health First Aiders.  

• A warm and welcoming workplace culture, with active peer groups and social networks to help you connect and belong.