Communications / Digital Manager  the Adam Smith Institute

Closing Date: Consider submitting the application before 28 April 2025 as the interviews will be held on a rolling basis from 5th of May

Job Title: Communications Manager

Working For: Adam Smith Institute

Location: London

Salary: £25-40k, depending on profile

About the ASI

Founded in 1977, the Adam Smith Institute (ASI) is one of the world's leading think tanks.

Independent, non-profit and non-partisan, we work to promote free markets and economics, through research, publishing, media outreach, and public education. We inject sound ideas into public debate and help shift the climate of opinion.

The ASI has always been a practical think tank rather than a purely academic organization. Despite its strict political independence, it works with policymakers to deliver real change, and to make its ideas reality.

The UK is held back by restrictive planning regulations, punitive taxes on wealth creators and an inefficient, bloated state. Our policy research and educational programmes lead with free market principles in our mission to make Britain more prosperous and end poverty around the world.

About the Role

We are currently recruiting a Communications Manager to manage the Institute’s external communications with the media, promoting our publications and commentary to print and broadcast media, shaping the Institute’s overall communications and branding strategy, and potentially representing the Institute in the media.

We’re looking for someone who’s interested in politics and economics, and is committed to the ASI’s free market liberal principles. You must have exceptional writing skills, producing polished work that does not require editing.  With a small core team, we are looking for someone who  is self-motivated and enthusiastic about our work, dedicated to  communicating it to the widest audience possible in the clearest and most effective way 

The ASI has alway identified talent early and provided promising talent with a platform to prosper. Experience working in a political or policy environment e.g. parliamentary office, political campaign is desirable but we are fully open to talent who have pursued a career outside politics (or have just graduated from University).

The Communications / Digital Manager’s responsibilities include:

  • Working with the Chief of Staff on the Institute’s overall media and digital strategy

  • Working with the research team to identify opportunities for impactful digital media content

  • Representing the Institute in print, broadcast and social media (authoring op-eds, participating in live interviews and debates)

  • Drafting and promoting press releases and proactively arranging press and media coverage of the Institute’s publications and events.

  • Placing op-ed pieces in national newspapers and select online outlets.

  • Managing inbound press and media enquiries.

  • Building relationships with members of the press.

  • Tracking all the Institute’s press and media hits.

  • Overseeing the Institute’s social media, including its Facebook and Twitter presence, and editing the Institute’s blog.

  • Overseeing communications with the Institute’s subscribers and supporters, including its fortnightly e-bulletin, regular ‘dispatches’, quarterly report and annual review.

  • Growing the Institute’s online presence and mailing lists.

  • Producing the Institute’s social media content, including videos (training will be provided if necessary).

Essential:

  • Full alignment and passion for the mission of the Adam Smith Institute

  • Solid grasp of economics and public policy with the ability to clearly explain complex ideas.

  • Deep interest in policy debates 

  • Eagerness to learn more about either data & statistics, digital media or the latest productivity tools

  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to deliver quality work quickly.

  • A personal communication style that aligns with the pedigree and spirit of the Institute (serious, Overton-window pushing policy analysis with delivered in a personable style with a sprinkle of mischief)

  • A drive to work in a highly entrepreneurial, self-driven and collaborative environment 

  • An eye for opportunities that scale

  • Willingness to appear in print and on media as a spokesperson for the Adam Smith Institute

  • At least a 2.1 degree from a globally leading university

What we offer

  • Work within a small core team of 6

  • An office-first environment at the heart of Westminster, minutes away from the Houses of Parliament

  • An empowering environment that will fast-track your career

  • An annual trip abroad (somewhere sunny in late winter,  which doesn’t count towards your Annual Leave allowance)

  • Weekly opportunities to meet senior movers and shapers, including MPs, Cabinet ministers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, journalists and academics

  • 25 days annual leave

Interview/Start Dates

Interviews will begin during the week of May 6th–9th so please do apply before the 28 April 2025 if possible. We are looking to hire the right applicant and are flexible on the start date (but can offer an immediate start).

We reserve the right to re-open the application process if the right candidate has not been found.

How to apply:

Please fill the application via this google form, with:

  1. An up-to-date CV.

  2. A formal cover letter isn’t required, but let us know in 300-500 words why you’re interested and might be a good fit for the role 

  3. A 300-500 word assessment of the ASI's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as they relate to media, branding and communications.

If you have any examples of your writing, it is encouraged to include these within your application.