Director of Policy & Research

Director of Policy and Research

Closing Date: Monday 12 January 2026

Thank you for your interest in joining Belong - The Cohesion and Integration Network as our next Director of Policy and Research. This is a senior leadership role at the heart of Belong's mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. We are looking for a strategic leader who is passionate about building a more united and less divided society and wants to make a lasting difference to communities.

As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale. With a strengthened national profile, a bold strategy for the years ahead, and an ambitious Senior Leadership Team, this is an extraordinary time to join us.

As Director of Policy and Research, you will lead Belong's policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships that influence change. You will ensure our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience, while amplifying Belong's voice with policymakers and opinion formers.

We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with deep expertise in policy development and research, who is confident in leading teams, developing evidence-based recommendations and influencing public discourse. You will bring intellectual curiosity, political awareness, a commitment to equity and inclusion and have excellent communication skills - being able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages and build trusted relationships across sectors.

If you thrive in a collaborative leadership role and want to drive systemic change, we would love to hear from you.

About Belong
Belong is the UK's leading not-for-profit network focused on social cohesion. Established in 2019, Belong works across sectors to build a more connected, less divided society by strengthening trust, belonging and resilience in communities.

Belong connects people, places and organisations across the UK to share learning and best practice on cohesion and integration. Working with local and national partners, we build capacity to lead and deliver change, and amplify what works through research, policy and a strong collective voice. Belong's growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society and business.

Belong Delivers:

• Place-based cohesion and intercultural work
• Research and policy to build the evidence base and influence national change
• Training, consultancy and leadership development
• Knowledge sharing, networks, learning events and thought leadership

Belong is collaborative, evidence-led and learning-driven, celebrating the benefits of diversity and operating within an equalities framework. Belong is independent, professional, transparent and committed to convening bold conversations to move beyond differences, strengthen social bonds and build common ground.

Our Team & Benefits
30 days' annual leave per year
3% pension contribution
Hybrid working (typical pattern of 3 days in the office)
Enhanced Sick Pay
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay

Job Title: Director of Policy & Research
Working Hours: Full-time
Location: UK-wide, regular travel across England and Wales
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £65,000-£70,000

Key Responsibilities - About the Role
You will lead Belong's policy and research agenda, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and impact at national level.

Strategic Policy & Research Leadership

• Lead development of Belong's policy and research agenda
• Produce high-quality policy outputs (reports, briefings, consultation responses)
• Ensure research is rigorous, inclusive and informed by lived experience
• Oversee design and delivery of research projects
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations
• Foster collaboration between Programme Delivery and Policy & Research teams

Influencing & Communications

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings and media
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives
• Collaborate with communications team on public affairs strategy
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives

Organisational Development

• Contribute to strategic planning and senior leadership decision-making
• Line manage policy and research staff
• Collaborate with Director of Programmes for alignment
• Support income generation through proposals and funder engagement
• Uphold Belong's values and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Note: This list is indicative and not exhaustive.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks or advocacy organisations
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration and community relations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in media engagement and public speaking
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research or related field
• Experience in managing teams and budgets
• Experience in fundraising and proposal development

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK
• Strategic and visionary thinker
• Collaborative and inclusive leader
• Politically astute and intellectually curious
• Practical, focused and reliable
• Committed to personal and professional development

Application Process
Submit CV and answers (max 400 words each) to:

• Why are you interested in applying and how do your values align with our mission?
• What key achievements make you a strong candidate?
• How does your leadership style support others and create empowerment?

Email:
Subject: 'Application to the role of Director of Policy & Research'

Deadline: 23:59, Monday 12 January 2026
Interviews:

• First: 29 & 30 January (online)
• Second: 12 February (in-person)