Policy Manager

Terms: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (Up to 31/7/24)

Closing Date: 16^th June 2023 by 12:00 noon

It is anticipated you will work remotely 4 days a week and attend the Milton Keynes office every Wednesday, and as required. 

Change your career, change lives

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.

The role  

The Open University is recruiting a Policy Manager to work in its Government and External Affairs (GEA) team in the Strategy Office.

The Policy Manager will support the development and articulation of policy positions for The Open University (OU) on a broad range of government policies in England that are of relevance to the University and its students. This is an exciting time to work on these policy issues given the UK Government’s intention to deliver a radical shift in the tertiary education system towards flexible lifelong learning, including through implementing the Lifelong Loan Entitlement from 2025. And with a General Election not too far away, it is also a great opportunity to identify and develop policy interventions to support the University and its students both now and in the future.

Developing and strengthening relationships with the internal experts across the OU whose expertise GEA draws upon to strengthen the evidence base underpinning our public policy submissions, messaging and recommendations is key to the role. Added to this, the postholder will support the provision of insightful analysis of developments in higher education, skills and lifelong learning and the opportunities and risks that these may present for the OU. They will also support the development of policy responses to UK Government consultations and parliamentary inquiries in England and the UK as well as briefings on key policy issues for senior colleagues.

The postholder will report to the Senior Policy Manager and work closely and collaboratively with the Government and External Affairs team as well as the wider Strategy Office. This is a varied and stimulating position in a small but highly effective team. It will demand a good understanding of the higher education sector in England, coupled with an awareness of the associated further education, adult learning and skills landscapes.  

Skills and experience

• First degree or equivalent
• Strong public policy background and experience
• Good knowledge of policymaking with a real understanding of Whitehall and Westminster and the practicalities of policy development and legislation, as well as levers for change
• Excellent analytical skills, confidently and authoritatively interpreting public policy and understanding and communicating the implications for the OU
• Ability to communicate complex policy message to a range of audiences through a variety of channels 

More information can be provided via a link to the Job Description.

If you would like to discuss the application or recruitment process before making an application, please contact Jen Reid at Resourcing Hub on 01908 655544 or Jennifer.reid@open.ac.uk quoting the reference VRF 20934.

What you get in return

We have a strong commitment to providing training and development in and beyond your current role. This includes thorough induction into the organisation and regular reviews of your training and development needs.

We also offer a great range of benefits that support our employees and their families for the long term. Staff Benefits include an attractive pension proposition and 33 days holiday per annum pro rata, plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure days.