Technical Director

About Zinc NetworkFor over fifteen years, Zinc Network has been helping governments and businesses navigate the world's most complex challenges using communications, technology, and behavioural science. We work on briefs across protecting children online, strengthening democratic resilience, and championing purpose-driven technologies and organisations. Working in partnership with a global network of media outlets, communities, and influencers, we help clients understand complex issues, design and deliver behavioural interventions, create compelling campaigns, activate trusted grassroots networks, and evaluate impact. We are building Kora — our AI-powered platform that systematises this expertise into scalable technology to enable clients to work faster, more impactfully, and more cost-effectively. We are looking for people who want to operate at the intersection of geopolitics, security, and technological disruption, and who are committed to building a safer world. Role Overview Zinc is seeking a Technical Director to lead our strategic, research, creative, and digital capabilities. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Technical Director will oversee the Head of Research and MREL, Creative Director, Head of Digital, and a team of strategists, working closely with the Kora team to integrate AI and technology into our work. They will lead the technical vision for business development, ensure technical excellence across all project outputs, drive innovation in how we work, reinforce Zinc as a thought leader around emerging issues, and keep Zinc at the forefront of behaviour change and strategic communications practice. This role requires deep expertise in intervention design, behaviour change, and strategic communications, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and translate complex problems into scalable methodologies. It is for someone motivated by delivering real impact for clients with an agile, campaigns mindset. What You'll Be Doing Technical Leadership and Innovation Lead the Head of Research and MREL, Creative Director, Head of Digital, and a team of strategists to operate as a high-performing, integrated unit Drive technical excellence and innovation across project delivery including strategy, research, evaluation, digital, and creative work Collaborate with the Kora Director to advance AI and technology capabilities and use Kora to enhance insight, intervention design, and impact measurement Champion quality standards across all client deliverables Codify and continuously improve Zinc’s methodologies across research, analysis, strategic planning, creative, digital, and campaigning Technical Leadership for New Business Lead and write technical sections of major bids and proposals, ensuring strategic rigor and creative ambition Support opportunities with existing clients by providing ideas for innovations and uplifts Work with the Head of BD to map future opportunities based on emerging policy issues and priorities Design innovative methodologies that differentiate Zinc’s offer for government clients Identify opportunities where Zinc’s technical capabilities create competitive advantage Strategy, Research, and Measurement Ensure tight integration between research, strategy, and MREL functions so insights inform design and evaluation demonstrates impact Oversee development of strategic frameworks and behavioural change approaches Drive quality assurance for research design, data analysis, and evaluation methodologies Ensure analytical products are rigorous, concise, compelling, and actionable Build Zinc’s reputation for thought leadership in behaviour change and strategic communications Digital and Creative Excellence Guide digital innovation and adoption of emerging technologies to advance client outcomes Ensure digital marketing and campaigns reach target audiences and drive measurable behavioural change Oversee creative strategy and production to ensure campaigns are compelling and strategically aligned Promote experimentation and learning to pilot new approaches and tools Champion a campaigns mindset focused on delivering meaningful wins for clients People and Culture Build and mentor heads of department and strategists, fostering curiosity, rigor, and collaboration Contribute to executive-level discussions and decision-making Support personal development across technical functions and build our bench of freelance talent Requirements What We're Looking For Essential: 10+ years' experience in leadership across behaviour change, strategic communications, behavioural science, or related fields Familiarity with digital product design and change management Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams spanning strategy, research, digital, and creative functions Deep expertise in behaviour change frameworks (e.g., COM-B, EAST, B=MAP) and their application to complex interventions Outstanding written and oral communication skills with the ability to translate complex issues into actionable strategies Track record of leading and writing technical sections of major bids for government, defence, or international development clients Experience working with or strong interest in technology platforms, digital tools, and AI applications Collaborative, intellectually curious mindset with commitment to excellence and innovation Desirable: Experience in defence, security, and/or countering disinformation Understanding of creative production and content strategy Experience with product development or platform-based services Experience with tech-first change management Active SC or DV security clearance (or eligibility to obtain) Location and Working Arrangements London-based, with regular office attendance expected (minimum 3 days per week). Some UK and occasional international travel required. What We Offer Competitive salary and benefits package Opportunity to lead a growing, mission-driven organisation at a pivotal moment Collaborative, intellectually curious team committed to positive impact Involvement in cutting-edge work combining behavioural science, strategic communications, and AI innovation To Apply Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why this role interests you and how your experience aligns with what we're looking for. #J-18808-Ljbffr