Overview

Job title: Communications & Engagement Lead: Future Proofing our Climate & Weather

Application Deadline: 30 September 2025

Department: Programmes

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: London

Reporting To: Mark Symes

Compensation: £90,000 / year

Closing Date: 30.09.25 with possible extension

Description

ARIA is a new kind of R&D funding agency. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible. From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK’s world-class R&D in new ways, so we can meet these head on.

We are growing our team to develop bold new approaches that can scale – from programmes to systems, processes and everything in between.

Learn more about how we work here.

What you’ll do

• Develop and deliver a cohesive communications plan for the Exploring Climate Cooling programme that ties together all external-facing activities, including public engagement, the work of the Oversight Committee, media engagement, and proactive efforts to showcase the programme’s role in setting a global standard for transparent, responsible research
• Develop and deliver comms plans for the wider Future Proofing our Climate and Weather opportunity space, including for future projects funded through this opportunity space
• Work closely with ARIA’s wider Comms and Engagement team to develop and deliver comms plans for any new programmes or other funding calls that might emerge
• Work closely with ARIA’s wider Comms and Engagement team to draft and manage all public-facing communications for programmes and other funding calls within this opportunity space, including producing core narratives and materials, and preparing reactive FAQs and briefing lines to address emerging questions or issues
• Advise funded project teams (“Creators”) supported through the programme and the wider opportunity space on the development of their own comms plans, and advise on the delivery of those plans where appropriate
• When necessary, and in consultation with the wider ARIA Comms & Engagement team, assist Creator teams supported through the programme and the wider opportunity space with responding to inbound media enquiries
• Oversee all creator engagement initiatives, from reviewing engagement plans/activities and offering constructive feedback, to managing our external training provider, ensuring all activities align with broader communications strategies
• Work closely with the programme’s policy lead to ensure alignment on engagement plans and messaging
• Provide regular updates to the independent Exploring Climate Cooling programme Oversight Committee on comms and engagement matters across the programme and the wider opportunity space
• Oversee the design and maintenance of the opportunity space webpage (and the webpages for the programmes running in this space) so that ARIA’s commitment to transparency in its work in this space can be actioned

Who You Are

Essential Criteria

• Significant involvement in a senior communications role in an in-house or agency setting, including extensive period in climate or a closely related field
• Proficient in driving proactive comms campaigns and handling reactive issues
• Extensive media relations and rapid-response comms exposure
• Proven ability to remain calm, exercise rigorous judgment, and bring nuance and careful consideration to highly complex topics
• Expert in defining and executing comms + engagement strategies under tight deadlines
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific concepts into plain language for a variety of audiences
• Passion for climate science and a commitment to advancing evidence-based approaches
• An understanding of the complex societal, ethical, and governance issues that exist within this research landscape

Desirable Criteria

• A strong, existing network of influential contacts in climate science, policy, and media, particularly in the field of climate interventions
• Proven teamwork and people management skills
• Background in local community/grassroots engagement activities e.g. community organiser, working with councils, political campaign organiser
• Skilled in digital communications, including content creation and management of social media platforms

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave provision, with the option to buy/sell additional days
• Hybrid working arrangements; 60% in office / 40% at home
• A free and confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme
• 2 days of paid volunteer days
• 5% defined contribution pension scheme with Smart Pension
• Cycle to Work scheme
• An excellent office location in Kings X, London

Not sure you meet 100% of our criteria? Don’t worry. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We want to attract the broadest array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to this, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interests and what you hope to bring to this role.

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please notify us and we will make every effort to accommodate you. Disclosing any requests are intended to provide ARIA with the best opportunity to support candidates and will have no negative impact on your recruitment process.

ARIA adopts a highly considered approach to ethical and social responsibility. You can read our policy here. Our research and development activity will abide by the 3Rs principle. You can read about those here.