About the roleThe Deputy Director is a senior leadership role, working closely with the Managing Director to support the strategic direction, organisational development and external positioning of Campaign Lab.This role exists to strengthen leadership capacity across the organisation. The Deputy Director will deputise for the Managing Director in funding, strategy and partnership settings where appropriate, and will take ownership of significant internal leadership responsibilities to ensure the organisation is well-run, focused and resilient.The role is deliberately flexible. Depending on skills and experience, the Deputy Director will lead either the research function or the community, partnerships, communications and events function, while maintaining a strong overview of the organisation as a whole.This is a hands-on role for someone comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels in a small, politically engaged organisation.Key responsibilitiesOrganisational leadership and deputisingAct as a senior organisational leader, supporting the Managing Director in setting direction, priorities and culture.Deputise for the Managing Director in funding discussions, strategy meetings and external engagements where appropriate.Support organisational strategy development and annual planning, translating priorities into clear delivery plans.Provide leadership continuity when required.Management and team leadershipLead and develop one of Campaign Lab’s core functions, either:Research, including line management of the Research Manager and oversight of research delivery and quality; orCommunity, partnerships, communications and events, including line management of the relevant manager and oversight of external engagement and profile.Support managers to set clear objectives, manage performance and develop their teams.Work with the Managing Director to ensure clarity of roles, decision-making and accountability across the organisation.Operations and systemsTake responsibility for strengthening organisational systems and ways of working, building on recent organisational development work.Support effective project planning, resourcing and prioritisation across programmes.Ensure internal processes support delivery, transparency and sustainability without unnecessary bureaucracy.Funding, partnerships and external relationshipsContribute to fundraising strategy and support the development of funding proposals and funder relationships.Represent Campaign Lab externally with partners, funders and stakeholders.Support the Managing Director to maintain strong relationships across the progressive ecosystem.Person specificationEssentialSignificant experience in a senior leadership, management or deputy-level role in a small organisation, political context or adjacent sector.Strong organisational judgement and the ability to operate across strategy, people management and delivery.Experience managing and developing teams, including supporting managers.Confidence representing an organisation in external, high-trust settings, including with funders or partners.Strong alignment with progressive politics, with sympathy towards Labour values and objectives.Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.DesirableExperience in research leadership, political research or applied policy work, or in communications, partnerships and movement-building.Experience strengthening internal systems, operations or organisational design.Familiarity with grant-funded organisations or mixed funding models.Experience working in fast-moving, politically engaged or experimental environments.Please send a CV and a covering note outlining your interest and suitability for the role to terrie@campaignlab.uk. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Campaign Lab encourages applications from candidates who are underrepresented in politics, technology and research.
