Associate Director, Public Service Reform

Main responsibilities

Policy 

• Lead strategic development and delivery of our Public Services Reform pillar, shaping new ideas that can genuinely influence policy and practice.
• Lead a portfolio of high-profile policy and research projects that produce impactful recommendations for government and other key stakeholders, and support other colleagues in project development, project management, and delivery.
• Work closely with research teams to ensure our policy ideas are grounded in rigorous analysis and participatory processes.
• Provide deep social policy insight and political intelligence, leveraging your networks to position Demos at the heart of critical policy conversations.

Impact & Influence

• Act as a senior spokesperson for Demos, representing the organisation in the media, at high-profile events, and in key policy forums.
• Build and maintain a high-level network of policymakers, political influencers, and stakeholders across government, business, and civil society.
• Work collaboratively across Demos to maximise the reach and impact of our policy recommendations, ensuring they resonate with decision-makers.
• Shape public debate through thought leadership, including writing op-eds, blogs, and policy papers that command attention.

Fundraising & Partnerships

• Craft funding proposals to develop our policy agenda and increase our impact, identify potential funding sources, and work to secure funding for this work.

Team Leadership

• Provide supportive and motivating leadership to policy and research colleagues, whether in line management or matrix leadership, supporting their professional growth and the delivery of high-quality work.
• Embody Demos’ values in all your work, acting as a role model as part of the leadership team: collaborative, supportive, purpose-led, always learning and radically inclusive.

Personal specification

The types of knowledge, skills and experience we are looking for are below. We welcome a range of applications which include at least some of these attributes.

Skills & Experience

• A track record of influencing policy at the highest levels.
• Deep expertise in social policy—particularly public service reform.
• Strong political networks and a deep understanding of the UK policy landscape, with the ability to navigate complex political environments.
• Excellent leadership skills and experience of managing teams.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling policy narratives and engage a broad range of audiences.
• A proven track record of securing funding and building strategic partnerships to amplify our impact.

Behaviours & Approach

• A bold, ambitious thinker who thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Highly collaborative, with a commitment to teamwork and inclusivity.
• A supportive approach to leadership and a commitment to empowering individuals and teams to deliver at their best.
• Passionate about Demos’ mission to build a more participative and effective democracy.
• Driven by impact, with a focus on making a tangible difference in policy and public life.

Salary and benefits

• Generous leave entitlement: 27 days + Bank holidays + 3 additional days off between Christmas and New Year
• Enhanced pension contribution: 6%
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced parental leave
• A forward-thinking, supportive and collaborative team

At Demos we centre staff wellbeing as a key priority; we will make every effort to ensure staff feel happy, healthy and valued as part of our integral team.

Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice (DIEJ) at Demos

Demos is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.

At Demos, we recognise, celebrate and promote the positive contributions that are made by diverse groups. We exist to proactively tackle social and economic exclusion and engaging with and promoting the voices of people whose voices may not otherwise be heard is core to our work. We believe that this should be reflected in our team and we strongly encourage applications from people from minority ethnic communities, people with disabilities, or others with lived experience of disadvantage. We expect all members of our team to recognise and value differences and the unique contributions that people make to the way we conduct our work and develop our insights, and encourage people to bring their diverse perspectives and backgrounds into their work on a day-to-day basis. We have flexible working policies and would be happy to discuss flexible working requirements with any candidates. Read our full DIEJ policy here.