Director of Science, Policy

Director of Science Policy

Department: Policy, Information & Communication (PIC)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-time (we're happy to discuss flexible working arrangements)

Location: Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (typically 2 days per week in the office) .

Closing date: 18th February 23:59.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

As the world's leading cancer charity, we are at the forefront of the global fight against cancer, bringing together millions of people who share our determination to beat it. For over 120 years, we've been making discoveries that have saved countless lives, and which benefit millions of people around the world each year. Yet, the challenge of cancer remains, we have so much more to do. We want to live in a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

In this role, you'll be a pragmatic and inspirational leader, setting the strategic direction of CRUK's Science, Research and Innovation Environment (SRIE) policy agenda, shaping influential positions and identifying new opportunities to strengthen the organisation's voice across the UK and internationally. Acting as a prominent ambassador for cancer research policy, you will drive sector-wide advocacy, build alignment with health policy priorities, and ensure a coherent approach across research, innovation, and population needs. You will provide high-level oversight of UK and international influencing activity, public affairs, and campaigning, fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, political campaigners, and global partners. As part of the senior leadership team, you will work closely with peers across the PIC directorate, contributing to directorate-wide strategy, culture, and engagement - and ultimately, helping to create the optimal environment for world leading cancer research.

What will be some of the main responsibilities?

• Set strategic direction and lead the team to ensure CRUK develops impactful SRIE policy that is well researched, evidence based, timely but is reflective of consumer needs /appetite to ensure maximum resonance with policy/ public affairs agenda in the UK, EU and internationally in line with CRUK's strategic focus.
• Set and deliver objectives and implementation plans that are fully aligned with CRUK's strategic priorities within PIC. Partner with other directorates to exploit synergies for the delivery of higher impact, broader and accelerated outcomes. Ensure risks and performance are tracked and managed.
• Responsible for Director level oversight of SRIE policy, championing these areas at PIC's SLT and providing strategic steer to Policy and Information teams and programme boards.
• Act as a senior CRUK ambassador, leveraging the charity's brand and weight to set the pace and establish a key influencing position in the SRIE policy arena.
• Ensure representation of CRUK on relevant bodies to support the development of science and research strategies in the UK, European Union, and internationally, recognising CRUK's long history of successful delivery of high quality, impactful research. Keep abreast of scientific and policy advances and maintain an understanding of the breadth of the charity's policy portfolio.
• Provide expert knowledge and advice on issues to inform internal staff including senior staff, press & PR and the public affairs & campaigns teams. Ensure consistency of public policy messages and flex where beneficial to support better policy, SRIE and funding propositions.
• Network across CRUK to ensure organisational buy in to policy lines/strategies, consistency of policy messages across the organisation and full exploitation of integrated opportunities to advance key strategic priorities.
• Lead an engaged team ensuring they are motivated and effective through setting a clear vision/direction that has clear line of sight to the CRUK and PIC strategic agenda and creating a culture of development, stretch, feedback and recognition.

What skills are we looking for?

• Proven ability to network with and influence a broad and diverse range of senior stakeholders to progress critical agendas.
• Politically aware with substantial science policy/ campaigning experience in one or more of the voluntary, medical, government, industry, health and research sectors.
• Excellent relationship/stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking/ problem solving skills informed by an appreciation of internal and external factors and the ability to identify and leverage synergies.
• Inspirational leader with the ability to build a compelling vision and align others behind it.
• Ability to build collaboration across diverse functions, roles and levels of seniority.
• Ability to work with ambiguity and complexity while continuing to drive progress and identify pragmatic solutions.
• Extensive budget management experience.
• Proven track record of developing and executing policy strategies/ approaches that have far reaching and demonstrable impact on the ground.
• Evidence of agility and strategic thinking in leveraging policy as part of a broader/integrated organisational proposition to deliver better, more accelerated outcomes.
• Strong experience of operating as part of a senior leadership team.

What will I gain?

Each and every one of our employees contributes to our progress and is supporting our work to beat cancer. We think that's impressive.

In return, we make sure you are supported by a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools, policies and processes to enable you to do your job well.

Our benefits package includes a substantial retirement plan, a generous and flexible leave allowance, discounts on anything from travel to technology, gym membership, and much more.

We don't forget people have lives outside of work too and so we actively encourage a flexible working culture.

Our work - from funding cutting-edge research to developing public policy - will change the world. It's exciting to be part of our team.

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.

For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us.

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