Head of Policy (Higher Education & Skills)

Expires

18th October 2021

As the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, the British Academy champions the study of peoples, cultures and societies – past, present and future. Bringing independence, authority and objectivity to complex issues, we contribute significantly to public policy, skills, education and research and help to shape both society and the economy.

The Academy’s higher education and skills policy work aims to raise the profile and demonstrate the value of the humanities and social sciences, giving a voice to Fellows and wider research in our disciplines by maximising opportunities to contribute to, react to and inform the place and contributions of our disciplines in the higher education and research ecosystem.

The team’s work programme consists of a mixture of proactive policy projects that inform and establish an evidence base for our disciplines’ contributions within and to the higher education, research, societal and economic landscape, and more responsive policy work, which reacts to policy developments in the sector. The team sits within the Academy’s Policy Directorate, and there are opportunities to work across our portfolio of policy activities.

The job holder will lead this small team and guide the Academy’s work on higher education, skills and research policy. We work in an integrated, cross-cutting and interdisciplinary way, not only across the British Academy but also working with other Academies and relevant policy, research, third sector and civil society bodies in the United Kingdom. The Academy has good links with a range of government departments and other stakeholders, which the job holder will be expected to develop and expand.

The Academy offers 34 days of annual holiday (not including bank holidays), excellent benefits (including a defined benefit pension scheme) and one of the best locations in London.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement

As a key part of our People Strategy, the British Academy is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment, promoting equal opportunity, and addressing under-representation. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

You can find more information on the Academy’s vision and current activities here.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website