Head of Research, Policy and Insights

The new Head of Research, Policy and Insights role at OKRE offers a unique opportunity for a strategic thinker to shape the organisation's direction. The successful candidate will collaborate with senior leadership to create an impactful research programme, including the innovative Entertainment Impact Index. This position requires a focus on connecting cultural trends with organisational insights to demonstrate OKRE's impact. Candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their traditional backgrounds in research or policy. The contract is for 24 months, with hybrid working options and various employee benefits. Applications are due by 9:00 on 11th August 2025.

THE OPPORTUNITY  

This is a new and exciting leadership position, at a pivotal moment in our growth. As the Head of Research, Policy and Insights you will be working alongside the senior leadership team – including Director, Head of Operations, Head of Programmes and Engagement, and Head of Marketing and Communications – to define OKRE’s strategic direction.

You will establish an ambitious and credible research, policy and insights function, developing an impactful programme of work that deepens our understanding of how entertainment shapes the world. A cornerstone of this work will be the creation of the Entertainment Impact Index, a pioneering framework that explores how TV, film, video games and digital content influence public attitudes, perceptions and behaviours across a range of social and policy issues. It’s a key recommendation from OKRE’s report ‘’, and builds upon the work from our .  

You will work collaboratively across sectors – spanning the screen-based entertainment industry, academia, and the charitable sector – to generate thought leadership that drives meaningful change.  

You’ll build upon existing projects – including an ; and our – while setting a forward-thinking agenda that embraces new technologies, trends and evolving entertainment formats. 

This role is about more than just understanding the world outside OKRE. It’s about connecting the dots between cultural trends and the work happening across our organisation – bringing together external research and internal learning to surface powerful insights. You’ll play a key role in demonstrating the difference OKRE is making, helping us understand and articulate our impact in ways that inform our programmes and strategy. 

ABOUT YOU 

We’re looking for a strategic thinker with a researcher’s mindset. You don’t need to have followed a traditional path into research or policy, and you don’t need to have done it all before. Even if you feel that you don’t meet the full list of requirements for this role, we still encourage you to apply. If you’re excited by big questions, eager to learn, and comfortable navigating complexity, we want to hear from you. What matters most is your drive to turn insight into impact.

You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU 

• 24 month contract with view to become permanent  
• Hybrid working 
• Optional enrolment into OKRE’s workplace pension scheme
• Free access to Wellcome’s onsite Nuffield Gym 
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to a varied menu of hot and cold food options at Wellcome’s staff food outlets, at prices substantially lower than Central London averages. 
• Great views over the city from our 6th floor central London Office opposite Euston station. 
• We are based in a building that houses the Wellcome Collection, a museum and library connecting science, medicine, life and art. 

ONLINE Q&A 

Iain Dodgeon, Director of OKRE, will be online at 3:30pm Wednesday 6th August to give an overview of the role, working at OKRE and answer any questions you have.
Details

Date: Wednesday 6th August

Time: 15:30 – 16:00

Platform: Zoom –

Passcode: 041694
Please note, attendance will not be noted and will neither help nor hinder your application. All information about the role and how to apply is available in our job pack.

HOW TO APPLY  

We encourage you to  before applying. 

You can apply via Guardian Jobs or emailing directly to  

Please send your CV and responses to the three questions below (no more than 200 words per answer):

1. Give us an example of something that has sparked your interest in the social impact of screen-based entertainment (tv, film, digital content, gaming), and why.   
2. Please share an example of a research project or strategy you led that addressed a significant social or policy challenge. How did your work influence thinking, behaviour or decisions (beyond academic circles)?  
3. Describe a time you communicated research or insights to multiple audiences. How and why did you adapt your approach to different groups? What new insights did you gain from this experience about effective communication, or what did it confirm about your existing approach? 

Deadline for submitting applications is 09:00 Monday 11th August 2025.  

Please note this is a re-advertised role. Previous applicants need not apply. 

A note on the use of AI  

If you’re thinking about using AI, we ask that you consider what value it adds. At OKRE, we’re all about understanding authentic experiences. We’re looking to understand your unique skills, experiences, motivations and perspectives, and find that comes through best in your own voice.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION  

Diversity and inclusion are part of the very essence of the work we do. 

We’re not perfect, but we are committed to improving our ways of working, and finding ways to enable a more inclusive environment.  

If you would like us to make adjustments during the application process, please contact us by emailing with the subject line ‘Application Process’.     

We expect our team to treat others on their merits and challenge any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation, or sexual, racial or any other type of harassment. 

FEEDBACK & PROCESS 

Our recruitment process involves application, shortlisting, interview and assessment, offer, references, onboarding.  

We are unable to provide feedback to every application. We will confirm receipt of your application via email.    

We aim to invite shortlisted applicants to interview w/c 25th August. Only candidates selected for interviews will receive feedback if requested. 

Confirmation of themes/questions for interview and any guidance for assessment will be shared with short-listed candidates in advance.