Communications & Partnerships Manager - AI Research Resource (AIRR)

DSIT

At DSIT were all about improving peoples lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.

We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.

We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.

We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.

We do all this to enable the Governments 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.

Above all, we focus on improving peoples lives. Whether its researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.

Our Inclusive Environment

We offer flexible working benefits, employee well-being support and a great pension. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.

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The Role and Our Team

We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised Communications & Partnerships Manager to support the delivery of communications, outreach, partnerships and stakeholder engagement activities for the UKs national AI compute resource.

The Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (AIRR) programme is building world‑class infrastructure to power cutting‑edge AI research and innovation. You will support how the programme communicates its mission, capabilities and impact; contribute to building strong partnerships across academia, industry and the public sector; and help ensure that users and stakeholders understand how to access and benefit from world‑class AI compute.

This role is ideal for someone who is eager to learn, comfortable working with technical topics, and excited to support a nationally important programme. You will contribute to content creation, partner coordination, user communications and general programme support, working closely with policy colleagues, delivery partners and host institutions.

Key Responsibilities

Join us at the forefront of the UKs AI revolution. As the Communications and Partnerships Manager for the AIRR Programme, youll play a key role in supporting the future of national AI research infrastructure.

You will support end‑to‑end communications and partnership activity to raise awareness, build trust and drive active use of AIRR services across priority audiences, including academia, SMEs, the public sector and industry. The role will contribute to the design and delivery of a strategic engagement approach that addresses adoption barriers, supports the user journey, stimulates demand and helps ensure the programme realises maximum public value from government investment in AI infrastructure.

Communications Support

Support the development and delivery of communications activity that strengthens public understanding of AIRR and supports programme objectives

Draft and update clear, accessible content for communications activity, including content explaining complex or technical topics

Prepare case studies, presentations, user stories and supporting materials, helping ensure outputs and outcomes are captured as activity happens

Support the development and coordination of internal communications to ensure visibility, understanding and consistency across teams in the department

Support monitoring of media coverage, digital performance and stakeholder feedback, contributing to evaluation and continuous improvement

Contribute to communications activity that supports the AIRR user journey, helping improve clarity and confidence at key stages such as onboarding and first use

Partnership & Stakeholder Support

Support engagement with universities, industry partners, research bodies and public‑sector teams

Work with partners and delivery organisations to support coordinated and consistent communications outputs, including accurate representation of AIRR and DSIT investment

Maintain stakeholder records, track engagement activity and support follow‑up actions.

Essential Criteria

Youll bring experience in an external‑facing communications role, contributing to the planning and delivery of communications activity. Youll be able to translate complex, technical or sensitive information into clear, engaging and accessible content.

Youll also have experience supporting announcements, launches, events or engagement activity, helping to coordinate activity and ensure delivery is timely and joined‑up.

Youll bring experience working with partners or external organisations, contributing to productive relationships and coordinated communications outcomes. This includes supporting partnership working where perspectives or priorities do not fully align, applying sound judgement, awareness of context and a collaborative, diplomatic approach.

A proactive and collaborative approach is essential. Youll be comfortable working independently when required, while working effectively with others to deliver shared objectives. Youll also have experience supporting colleagues with varying levels of communications experience, helping improve the clarity, quality and consistency of outputs.

Youll have experience supporting monitoring or evaluation of communications activity, such as tracking outputs, capturing learning or identifying emerging risks and opportunities. Experience working in a government, public‑sector or similarly regulated environment, or a strong understanding of public‑sector communications principles, including accessibility, assurance and governance, is required. Youll be willing to develop knowledge of AI Research and compute infrastructure, and how public investment delivers public value.

Desirable Criteria

Understanding of digital, technology, research or public‑sector environments

Experience supporting user or stakeholder communities

Interest in AI, digital infrastructure or technology policy.