Smart Thinking

Following the huge success of last year's inaugural awards the Smart Thinking Think Tank Awards are BACK for 2026 and officially open for applications! Key info: ✅Free to apply ✅Open to all UK-based think tanks ✅11 categories up for grabs All information can be found here: bit.ly/4al6UK5

Could you lead the development of policy analysis in the financial services sector? 📄 As Senior Policy Manager, this role offers the opportunity to engage in evidence-based policy development and regulatory consultation responses! Find out more here: bit.ly/4Bzone0

💌 3 weeks to go! #SmartThinkingAwards

📣Help change the conversation around debt! @moneyadvicetrust.bsky.social is looking to hire an experienced public affairs & campaigns professional to influence policy, build powerful partnerships and improve outcomes for people in debt. Apply here: bit.ly/4jH9nnU

🔍What if your research could help shape better financial outcomes for millions? The @inclusivemoneyuk.bsky.social at Nest is hiring a Research Lead to deliver research into the financial security of low and moderate-income households. Apply here! bit.ly/4zP8IFQ

We're thrilled to announce that for this year's Smart Thinking Awards we have Jimmy McLoughlin OBE once again as our host! He did such a cracking job last year - crucially in keeping the ceremony short and sweet (and funny) - we couldn't wait to ask him back. See you all on the 18th 🎤

New role at The Foreign Policy Centre! @fpcthinktank.bsky.social is looking to hire an Ops Manager to help build the systems that support their international affairs work - from media freedom to anti-corruption. Apply here: bit.ly/4sggVjH

⏰ 2 days left to apply! Could you help shape the operations behind the @hansardsociety.bsky.social's work to strengthen Parliament? Apply here! bit.ly/47MyBd9

The results are in! Only one month to go until we can reveal who will be claiming a trophy 🏆 #SmartThinkingAwards2026

On our way to the final judging session for the 2026 Think Tank Awards! 🏆

‼️TWO new research roles now open at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk These research positions sit in their Public Services team who investigate public service performance, its funding, demands and workforce challenges. Interested? Apply here: bit.ly/4hKotHT

🏆 Final judging incoming! #SmartThinkingAwards2026

📚A new senior research role focused on race equity has opened up at @britishfuture.bsky.social. Are you the researcher for the job?? Apply here: bit.ly/4s6RC3A

📩Our fortnightly Think Tank round up is out tomorrow! As we recover from party conference, get the latest think tank research, upcoming events, expert commentary and job opportunities all in one place. Sign up here: eepurl.com/cRkrK5

New role in Ops & Parliament 🏦 @hansardsociety.bsky.social is hiring a Head of Operations. This is a newly created senior, hands-on role which will lead across finance, governance, people and systems. Support their mission to strengthen Parliament! Apply here: bit.ly/47MyBd9

The deadline is looming for the @csjthinktank.bsky.social Events Manager role! ⏰ If you’re experienced in delivering events and want to support the delivery of a raft of high-profile and interesting events and panels, apply now: bit.ly/47ozBE4

Want to take your fundraising to a more advanced level? Our new training sessions are for those with some fundraising experience who want to take it to the next level. We help you move from a reactive approach to a more strategic + effective one. Sign up here: bit.ly/4hADWKr

⏰Applications are closing soon! If you’re looking for a role which combines analysis, policy development and stakeholder engagement in the transport sector🚆, Apply here: bit.ly/4j83gbR

Last chance to apply!!! The deadline for applications at @csjthinktank.bsky.social is looming for this great role. If you’re skilled at securing new partnerships🤝and drafting compelling fundraising bids✍️, apply here: bit.ly/4h9fTSI

📢Are you an economist passionate about using rigorous research to improve lives? Join the @pbe.co.uk research team and help them tackle some of the UK’s toughest social challenges. Apply here: bit.ly/4dfZ8mw

New entry-level opportunity! @nestauk.bsky.social is looking to hire a comms professional. This is a great role to gain experience in events & marketing – including supporting Nesta’s flagship Policy Live conference 🎤 Apply here: bit.ly/4hFioLp

For the final time - we are rounding up all the think tanks heading off to conference this week! Want to find out which think tanks are hosting events at Conservative Party Conference and making the trip to Birmingham? 🖊️ Sign up for our general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5

Another party conference incoming! 🚊The think tanks are heading off to Brighton and Green Party Conference this Friday. Want to find out which think tanks are hosting what events? In a handy guide for each day? Sign up here under general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5

@learnworkuk.bsky.social is hiring a Head of Research for their Skills and Better Work programme! You will lead their projects which focus on getting more adults engaged in learning💡and developing their skills📈, whilst influencing national debate. Apply here: bit.ly/477gRcp

Very cool job alert 🚨 @csjthinktank.bsky.social is looking to hire an Events Manager to help deliver their growing events programme, from roundtables to party conferences, and work with high-profile speakers & partners. If you’re a confident organiser, apply here! bit.ly/47ozBE4

It’s that time of the year again… 🚊The think tanks are heading off to Liverpool and Labour Party Conference this weekend. Want to find out which think tanks are hosting what events? In a handy guide for each day? 🖊️ Sign up here under general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5

What gets measured gets done. Earlier today, we ran an online workshop which brought together over 30 think tankers from our member network to share how they measure impact - it was a great discussion with lots of food for thought! Recording available for members 🤓

Do you enjoy directing and strategising comms??? 🚩The Jobs Foundation is looking to hire a Communications Director! In this role, you would grow their influence, shape campaigns + lead their comms strategy. Very exciting! If this could be you, apply here: bit.ly/4rsgpi8

🚩New development role at @csjthinktank.bsky.social! CSJ is looking for a 'Senior Development Manager' to grow their supporter base, build donor relationships + secure new partnerships. Interested? Apply now: bit.ly/4h9fTSI

New fundraising role at think tank Theos! As Fundraising & Supporter Relations Officer you will grow their individual giving + supporter programme by managing key donor relationships, planning events + working closely with the comms team. Apply now: bit.ly/4r9IRW0

⏰Applications for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Partnerships Manager role are closing soon! Interested in building relationships across business, academia + philanthropy and developing new funding opportunities in a think tank environment? Apply now: bit.ly/4xwAbeF

I liked what @jennybrennan.bsky.social @aidanpeppin.bsky.social were doing with researchascraft.substack.com @smartthinking.bsky.social have some useful articles (and training etc), Cast from Clay on influencing I know of some books, & there'll be stuff internal to some orgs But what's out there?

CLOSING SOON! A fantastic opportunity at @demos-uk.bsky.social where you will lead their media strategy, grow their media network, engage day to day with journalists to maximise coverage of Demos' work and have a real impact. Interested? Apply now: bit.ly/4g8GL4E

Applications for this year's Smart Thinking Awards have now closed and a staggering 50 think tanks have applied! The standard of entry was high so it is going to be very competitive - it is now over to the judges for the preliminary judging stage! 🏆

Coming up this September we have our very popular Media Training! Spaces are limited but if you want to become more confident in talking to the media, understand how to effectively communicate your message and above all practice then find out more here: bit.ly/45ljeY1

⏰Last chance to apply for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Events Officer role! As part of the events team you will get the chance to support the design and co-ordination of the Institute’s programme of public and private events. Apply now: bit.ly/4gaZMTX

Want to get started in think tanks? Interested in urban policy? @centreforcities.bsky.social 4-month External Affairs internship is now open for applications! You will get the chance to create content, support podcasts and get vital experience in policy comms. Apply now: bit.ly/4fMvhSZ

Closing soon! Last chance to apply for @nestauk.bsky.social role in their Centre for Collective Intelligence, taking ownership of their flagship product Zeitgeist and leading the development of digital tools for public participation. Interested? Apply now: bit.ly/4fhmnho

Looking for a new events role? Fancy working for a think tank? @smfthinktank.bsky.social are looking for an EVENTS OFFICER to help their events team organise interesting + impactful discussions between leading policy experts and high-profile politicians. Apply now: bit.ly/4yx1k1F

CLOSING SOON! @nestauk.bsky.social are looking for a Freelance Policy Director for their The Policy Fix podcast. Exploring bold ideas + radical policy thinking to help drive the UK forward they need someone to shape the content and narrative direction of the show. Interested? bit.ly/4vTrxWC

Brilliant new job at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk! Following a major strategy review this is a rare opportunity to become a core member of the senior team. You will build + lead an expanded research team + drive work on the ecosystem of central gov and parliament. bit.ly/4v2N9Pf

Getting stuck in with our first round of press interviews in this month's media training. Very foreign policy focused today from our attendees so we are learning a lot! #stmembers #thinktanks

🚨New job alert!🚨 @csjthinktank.bsky.social are looking for a new HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT to join their small, high-performing fundraising team and play a key role in securing new funding as well as managing current donors. Interested? Apply here: bit.ly/4xhQwEj

Our latest careers blog is with Emma Ma from think tank @hepi-news.bsky.social! As Director of Business Operations Emma plays an invaluable role across numerous areas of their work. If you would like to know more about what being a think tank ops director entails: bit.ly/4nR0vMn

🚨NEW JOB ALERT!🚨 @futuregovforum.bsky.social have a brilliant role now open - Head of Policy and Research! You will lead the delivery of strategic research projects set out in their 3 year strategy, ensuring their work is underpinned by highly quality research. Apply now: bit.ly/4wGR8C

⏱LAST CHANCE TO APPLY!⏱ Applications for Centre for Long-Term Resilience Strategic Comms Lead close on Thursday! If you fancy the chance to take to help shape the public, media and political narrative on some of the most consequential issues of our time apply now: bit.ly/4ufiqyE

Only a few days left to apply to be @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social new DIRECTOR! Do you have expertise on the EU and Europe more generally? Have a good network of contacts in Brussels and the major EU capitals? Are familiar with the debates on UK-EU relations? Apply now: bit.ly/494gTmD

New job alert!🚨 Are you able to think critically across a broad spectrum of problems + write high-quality and persuasive arguments? Want to work at an important time in British politics? Think tank Onward are looking for a new RESEARCHER to join their team! bit.ly/4dPRlMI