GI ACE Senior Research Communications Officer (UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About the Role

The Governance & Integrity Anti-Corruption Evidence (GI ACE) Programme is seeking a Senior Research Communications Officer to lead the development and delivery of high-quality, strategic communications across the programme.

You will play a central role in increasing the visibility, impact, and influence of GI ACE research — supporting world-class, multidisciplinary work aimed at improving anti-corruption policies and practices in developing countries.

As a key member of the GI ACE management team, you will collaborate closely with the Director, Deputy Director, Programme Manager, and research teams to promote evidence-based insights, manage communications strategy, and strengthen pathways to policy impact.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and deliver a comprehensive communications strategy for the GI ACE Programme.

Produce, edit, and manage high-quality content — including blogs, reports, newsletters, social media, and web materials — that clearly communicates research findings to policy, academic, and public audiences.

Translate complex, technical research into accessible, accurate, and engaging messaging.

Build and maintain relationships with research teams, partners, and external stakeholders to maximise visibility and engagement.

Lead the planning and delivery of GI ACE events (in-person, online, and hybrid), and support events hosted by partner organisations.

Identify and respond proactively to opportunities for programme-level communications and policy influence.

Support monitoring and reporting activities, contributing to donor reports and programme accountability.

About You

You are an experienced and confident communications professional, passionate about research impact and storytelling in global policy contexts.

Essential:

• Proven experience in research communications or a similar role.
• Excellent writing, editing, and content production skills for diverse audiences and channels.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and nuance.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• A proactive, collaborative approach to working with academic and professional colleagues.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of corruption, governance, or international development research.
• Experience supporting communications for research programmes or donor-funded initiatives.
• Familiarity with event management and stakeholder engagement.

About GI ACE

The Governance & Integrity Anti-Corruption Evidence (GI ACE) Programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and managed by the Centre for the Study of Corruption (CSC) at the University of Sussex.

GI ACE supports innovative, interdisciplinary research to develop evidence-based solutions for reducing corruption and its negative impacts in developing countries.

Research themes include:

• State Capture
• Global Finance and Enablers of Corruption
• Crisis Responses and Corruption in Vulnerable Sectors
• Corruption Risks in Global Trade and Commerce
• GI ACE operates alongside two sister programmes:
• SOC ACE (University of Birmingham) – Serious Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Evidence
• SOAS-ACE (SOAS University of London) – Anti-Corruption Research Consortium

About the School

The School of Law, Politics and Sociology (LPS) at the University of Sussex is home to the Centre for the Study of Corruption, a leading hub for anti-corruption research, teaching, and policy engagement.

Politics at Sussex is a research-led department with an outstanding record in national assessments — with 96% of outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021.

Our thriving academic community offers an intellectually stimulating environment and opportunities to contribute to internationally recognised research.

Why Work Here

The University of Sussex offers a beautiful 150-acre campus located next to the South Downs National Park, just minutes from Falmer Station with easy access to Brighton and London.

We offer:

• A flexible and supportive working environment
• Excellent transport links and cycle-to-work schemes
• Staff wellbeing, learning, and development opportunities
• A diverse and inclusive university community

Additional Information

• Contract type: Fixed Term until 30 September 2027
• Expected start date: 5 January 2026
• Visa sponsorship: This role may be eligible under the UK Skilled Worker Visa scheme
• Location requirement: Work undertaken for the University must be performed in the UK