Head of Communications (maternity cover)

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Salary from £53,949 to £62,160 pa inclusive with potential to progress to £69,073 pa inclusive of London allowance

Are you a strategic communicator with a passion for economic development and global policy impact? The International Growth Centre (IGC), based at the London School of Economics, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Communications to lead its communications function during an 8-month maternity cover, with possibility for extension for a further 5 months.

The IGC works with policymakers in developing countries to promote inclusive and sustainable growth through pathbreaking research. We generate new evidence and innovative new ideas to improve the productivity of people and firms, as the key driver of sustainable economic development, and to support our government partners in transitioning to low-carbon growth pathways and protecting vulnerable populations. The IGC is a global research centre with a network of world-leading researchers and in-country teams and initiatives working across Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. Based at LSE and in partnership with the University of Oxford, we are majority funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The Head of Communications leads a team of seven professionals to promote IGC’s ideas and the use of evidence in policy decision-making at global and national levels. The role includes

• Overall responsibility for setting IGC’s communication strategy.
• Responsibility for IGC’s communication channels including IGC website, blog and social media.
• Delivery of high profile events at LSE and based in IGC partner countries.
• Publication of series of synthesis pieces that reflect IGC priorities.
• Championing culture of innovation and creativity while evaluating effectiveness of campaigns.

The successful applicant will have

• Significant experience of communications, working with academics in economic development or a related discipline.
• Successful track record of delivering impactful communications and securing media coverage.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, with the ability to translate complex research into accessible messages.
• Experience in leading, building and motivating teams, and managing budgets.
• Ability to use drive and initiative to solve problems.
• Master’s degree in economics, public policy/ administration, development economics or a related discipline would be an advantage.

We expect the role to start on 1^st February 2026 and to last for 8 months, with a potential extension for a further 5 months.

We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working, and excellent training and development opportunities.

For further information about the post, please see the how to apply document, job description and the person specification.

To apply for this post, please click the 'Apply' button above. If you have any technical queries with applying on the online system, please use the “contact us” links at the bottom of the LSE Jobs page. Should you have any queries about the role, please email Sarah Lyness at S.Lyness@lse.ac.uk.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 16^th November 2025 (23.59 UK time). Regrettably, we are unable to accept any late applications.

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