Head of Research Information, Communications and

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone innovative and ambitious, someone like you.

We’re looking for someone to lead a high-performing team that develops and drives the marketing and communications strategy for Research & Innovation. In this role you will partner with the Communications department to ensure an integrated communications approach across the charity and drive income by partnering with fundraising teams to provide research information, engagement and expertise for mass and philanthropic fundraising and marketing activities.

What will I be doing?
- Develop and own the marketing and communications strategy for R&I
- Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications strategy for Cancer Research Horizons; building brand awareness to reach new and growing audiences in pharma, biotech, and investment sectors
- Provide knowledge and expertise to inform compelling content about our research for communications and marketing activities across the charity
- Build and lead a highly motivated team, setting a clear vision and objectives; developing the right capabilities and culture to deliver the strategy and ensure a high performing team
- Use communications and events to develop a clear and powerful research brand that will drive awareness of CRUK as a global leader in cancer research and an affinity between CRUK and the research community, motivating the best scientists to bring us their best ideas, working with and for us
- Stimulate interest in and discussion around our strategic priorities to accelerate progress in tackling cancer by focusing our research efforts
- Collaborate across R&I, with the appropriate systems, processes, and culture to ensure that the team has oversight of CRUK’s research portfolio, knows key researchers and can ensure the quality, consistency, accuracy of all research content and communications
- Accountable for line managing, leading, and developing an inclusive and high functioning team. You will be responsible for creating a positive culture which recognises success, develops, and drives high performance and rewards results to retain talent within the team and wider function

What skills will I need?
- Significant experience in a senior communications and engagement role, ideally from the scientific sector
- Solid experience in developing and implementing a brand and/or communications strategy
- Proven track record of successfully leading and managing a high performing team, setting a clear strategy, and motivating individuals
- Experience of delivering compelling communications, proposals, and cases for support
- Proven strategic thinking with the ability to look medium to long-term, spotting trends and responding to opportunities
- Ability to quickly establish credibility, manage expectations and negotiate within competing priorities
- Proven experience of influencing and working effectively with a range of stakeholders including Heads, Directors, and Executive Directors
- Solid understanding of the work of Cancer Research UK and the science behind it, or the ability to acquire this quickly
- Ability to lead projects or programmes with significant complexity to achieve milestones and objectives

What will I gain?

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?

There’s a place for everyone at Cancer Research UK. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.