Job details
Strategic Communications at CLTR
We are building a world-class strategic communications function, actively promoting CLTR’s expertise and thought leadership through compelling, targeted content — strengthening its visibility and reputation across influential audiences, ensuring our voice carries real weight in public policy conversations in the UK and, increasingly, in the US, EU and other key markets.
Through this new hub, CLTR is stepping up as the anchor organisation for coordinated AI safety and biosecurity communications in the UK — amplifying expert voices and driving a step-change in communications infrastructure, talent development, public message testing and ecosystem coordination to measurably shift the salience of extreme risks.
This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to help shape the public, media and political narrative on some of the most consequential issues of our time, at a moment when that narrative is still being written.
To be successful in this role, our new Strategic Communications Lead will design and deliver bold and effective communications strategies, build the hub function from the ground up and translate complex policy concepts into compelling narratives that resonate with influential audiences and move the dial on AI safety and biosecurity.
This is a hands-on, high-autonomy senior role. You will be expected to hit the ground running, deputise for the Director of Advocacy & Communications, lead stakeholder relationships and take ownership over a fast-moving communications environment.
Main responsibilities
- Shaping CLTR’s presence with key audiences including media, policymakers, funders, technical experts, partners and peers.
- Leading strong press and media relations — securing coverage that positions CLTR as an authoritative voice in the AI safety and biosecurity space in top-tier outlets.
- Overseeing and mapping the ecosystem of key journalists, organisations, movements, and potential partners, maintaining and developing these relationships over time.
- Driving coordination of communications activities across partners in the UK and facilitating network coordination and cooperation internationally, particularly with US and EU partners.
- Executing sophisticated communications and compelling storytelling that shapes understanding of AI and biosecurity policy issues and shifts the media and political narrative, while navigating complex issues and stakeholder landscapes.
- Leading the development of mission-aligned core messaging frameworks and designing and delivering strategic communications plans informed by polling and message-testing insights, sharing these with partner organisations.
- Mobilising and supporting internal and external trusted voices — facilitating media and speaking engagements, drafting op-eds, and cementing CLTR experts and partners as leading voices.
- Managing a small but dedicated team and coaching colleagues across CLTR in communications best practices.
- Directing and managing relationships with agencies and specialist contractors.
- Contributing to a vibrant CLTR team culture, providing and welcoming clear and constructive feedback.
Personal specification
We are looking for someone with a proven track record of impact in strategic communications or journalism, and an aptitude for building strong relationships with stakeholders.
In particular, we are looking for candidates who:
- Are adept at charting a clear course for impact, articulating and driving a vision and cutting through in the policy communications and media landscape.
- Bring demonstrable expertise in managing complex communications in politically sensitive contexts, with a clear point of view on how to leverage the evolving media landscape.
- Excel in translating complex technical and policy concepts into compelling narratives that resonate with press, policymakers, and the public — with excellent judgment about tone, timing, and audience.
- Have a track record of crafting or landing stories in top-tier UK and international outlets.
- Communicate with clarity, directness and integrity — building trust with stakeholders at all levels, and fostering a culture of open, honest feedback.
- Take full ownership of their work and deliver on their commitments — proactive, adaptable and decisive, even in fast-moving or ambiguous situations.
- Are highly organised and able to lead multiple workstreams and stakeholders simultaneously, without losing quality or judgement.
- Demonstrate motivation and commitment to CLTR’s mission and to reducing extreme AI and biological risks.
Salary and benefits
Salary: £80,000 to £90,000 depending on skills and experience, plus a generous benefits package. If you are interested in this position, but salary or location is a barrier to you applying, please get in touch with our team to discuss as we may be able to offer some flexibility based on individual circumstances.
Contract: Permanent
Location: Flexible location within the UK, with the expectation of attending our central London office at least twice-to-three times a week, including Mondays. However, we may be open to exploring remote working arrangements in exceptional circumstances for a limited period of time. The role may require occasional international travel.
Benefits:
- 30 days annual leave, plus public holidays;
- £5,000 (before tax) annual wellbeing budget, for you to spend at your discretion on items such as gym membership, therapy, meditation, etc.;
- £3,000 annual learning and development budget, plus up to five days paid work time;
- £2,000 onboarding grant for equipment and supplies;
- A pension contribution scheme (up to 7% employer-matched contribution);
- Private health insurance;
- Group life insurance;
- Generous parental leave benefits;
- Budget for relocation if required; and
- Paid office lunches twice a week including on Mondays.
Further details
We may be able to sponsor visas for this role, so please do not let this keep you from applying.
About the organisation
The Centre for Long-Term Resilience (CLTR) is an independent UK-based think tank with a mission to transform global resilience to extreme risks. We achieve this by working with governments and institutions, offering targeted, evidence-based advice designed to enhance understanding, decision-making and governance. At CLTR, we focus on three prioritised policy areas that, when addressed effectively, can substantially reduce both present and prospective catastrophic threats: i) biosecurity, ii) artificial intelligence, and iii) improving how governments manage extreme risks.
