Communications and Engagement Manager
ARIA is a UK R&D funding agency created to unlock technological breakthroughs that benefit everyone. It funds scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible, from climate change to AI.
Role summary: ARIA is seeking a scientifically fluent, creative Communications and Engagement Manager to help shape how its programmes are understood, engaged with and remembered. You will lead communications and engagement for a portfolio of ARIA programmes, working closely with Programme Directors, R&D Creators and the Head of Programme Communications and Engagement. The role spans the full programme lifecycle: building momentum around programme launches and activities, and telling credible, distinctive stories of the research, people and progress that ARIA enables. This is not a traditional press or corporate communications role. It combines narrative development, science storytelling and targeted ecosystem engagement.
What you'll do:
- Shape the narrative for ARIA's opportunity spaces and programmes, partnering with Programme Directors to distil complex scientific theses into clear, compelling narratives.
- Drive a step-change in programme storytelling, developing narrative-led content across owned and earned channels that brings ARIA-funded science to life.
- Strengthen ARIA's programme communications practice, keeping outputs consistent, high-quality and flexible enough to reflect each programme's character.
- Build momentum across the R&D ecosystem, acting as an ambassador for ARIA and developing targeted engagement strategies that connect programmes with university labs, deep-tech companies and wider stakeholders through launches, workshops and selected external events.
Essential criteria:
- Proven science communications, technical writing or related experience in a research institution, startup, scientific publication, specialist agency or comparable environment.
- Scientific fluency: a degree in a scientific field or equivalent experience working with complex scientific material.
- Creative storytelling and a strong track record of producing engaging digital content, short and long-form.
- Autonomy and accountability, able to manage competing priorities.
- Strong delivery, attention to detail, and administrative and project-management skills.
- Agile and collaborative, learning quickly in an environment where the approach may still be taking shape.
Desirable: knowledge of the UK R&D landscape; experience in an early-stage organisation; systems thinking.
Terms: Permanent, full time. Salary £60,000 with a discretionary bonus. Hybrid working from Kings X, London (3 days at HQ, Tuesday to Thursday). Benefits include 27 days annual leave, enhanced family leave, life assurance, a 5% defined contribution pension, 2 paid volunteer days, an employee assistance programme and a Cycle to Work scheme.
Closing Date: 16th October 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the ARIA careers portal: https://aria.pinpointhq.com/en/postings/cb4a0276-44eb-4b14-9631-6c76e414f542/applications/new. Use your cover letter to explain your interests and what you hope to bring to the role.