The Russell Group, which represents 24 leading universities in the UK, are currently seeking a Higher Education Policy Analyst or Higher Education Senior Policy Analyst to strengthen their Policy team. This is a permanent full-time post.
The successful candidate will:
- Lead and manage research projects, carrying out analysis and research relating to policy development, collaborating with Russell Group colleagues at our universities;
- Write and contribute to high-quality, persuasive and evidence-based briefing papers, consultation inputs, and reports and publications on relevant issues for a variety of audiences including Government, member universities, and policy-makers;
- Pro-actively monitor relevant policy developments to identify potential issues, opportunities, and challenges to inform the development of the Russell Group work programme;
- Maintain information about key activities and developments within Russell Group institutions which relate to UK Government and EU policy priorities;
- Represent Russell Group interests externally at events and meetings with stakeholders and policy makers.
Candidates will need to demonstrate that they can manage and prioritise a challenging and varied portfolio of work, meet tight deadlines, pick up a range of topics quickly and with authority, and work cooperatively and flexibly as part of a team.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:
- Experience of working in policy analysis and development;
- A good understanding of HE policy issues in the UK;
- Project management skills and experience of leading and owning projects and policy areas;
- Strong attention to detail;
- Ability to write in clear, concise English for different audiences;
- Critical analysis skills and an ability to think creatively about policy issues;
- Ability to process and manage new information and policy areas rapidly and with authority;
- A good level of numeracy and data handling skills;
- Political sensitivity and diplomacy.
For the HE Senior Policy Analyst role we expect candidates to be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of higher education policy.
Candidates should:
- Have a good track record in policy analysis and development, strong project management skills;
- Require less oversight;
- Have direct experience of networking and influencing diverse groups of stakeholders as they will directly engage with Vice-Chancellors and senior academics, parliamentarians, business leaders, and policy makers;
- Be able to communicate diplomatically in person as well as in writing.
The starting salary will be £36,000-£46,000 depending on which post you are applying for and on your knowledge and skills – a higher starting salary may be available for an exceptional candidate.
The post is based in Central London. Benefits include a generous career average pension, a subsidised canteen, a cycle scheme and an interest-free travelcard loan scheme.