University Alliance is a mission group representing 18 universities in England and Wales. Our institutions are passionate about high quality teaching and deliver research with real-world impact. We educate 25% of all UK students, employ 54,000 staff, and with an estimated economic impact of over £10bn, Alliance universities excel in stimulating growth in their cities and regions. We are well-respected as a thoughtful and constructive force in the Higher Education sector.
We are looking for an enthusiastic Deputy head of Policy. The policy team works to advance the knowledge, understanding, influence and thought-leadership role of University Alliance and its members. This is a strategically important role working on behalf of member universities to build collaboration and support common aims across the group. The role will hold primary responsibility for managing the group’s policy networks and responding to key policy developments, consultations and initiatives.
This is a highly varied role working across the full range of higher education policy issues, covering learning and teaching, research, innovation, sector regulation, international and European policy and related issues. The post holder will use a wide range of approaches to support this work, liaising with government officials and colleagues in the higher education sector, and responding to consultations. This activity will be underpinned by responsibility for managing our network groups and other member engagement at a senior level in our member universities. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong aptitude in managing a highly diverse portfolio of work, moving flexibly to focus on changing priorities in a rapidly evolving policy landscape. They will also have excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills, and will require extensive previous experience as a specialist in at least one branch of higher education policy or public affairs, or a closely related field. They will have to be flexible in their approach to working, as is expected from a senior role holder in a small team.
The University Alliance has Central London offices, close to Parliament and the role comes with generous terms and conditions.
Terms and conditions of employment: This is a permanent, full-time position.
Salary: circa £50,000 per annum
Application deadline: 11.59pm, Monday 1 October 2018
Interview date: Tuesday 16 October / Wednesday 17 October 2018 (please state in your application if you are unavailable on one of these dates)
For further information about the role and to download the full job spec and application form to be completed by the deadline date provided please visit:
https://www.unialliance.ac.uk/about/jobs/deputy-head-of-policy/