Policy and Engagement Manager (Fixed Term to August 2026)

The role

We're looking for a Policy and Engagement Manager to drive IHE higher education policy activity in priority areas, including: skills and apprenticeships; careers and employability; data; and finance and funding. The role involves developing IHE’s policy positions, advocating for IHE Members, and cultivating essential relationships with key government departments and strategic partners. You will provide timely support to members through one-to-one engagement and in group settings, draft IHE’s responses to sector consultations, and lead projects within relevant policy areas. The role balances strategic policy work with hands-on member engagement, ensuring IHE Members receive timely, relevant support in navigating policy developments, sector regulation, and legislative changes.

About you

You have previous experience of working in a further or higher education setting, strong communication skills, and the ability to build good working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders at different levels. You’ll have experience of writing reports, briefings or summaries of complex documents, and be a strong project manager.

While not essential, knowledge of skills and apprenticeships policy would be beneficial. However, we recognise that the right candidate may bring transferable skills and enthusiasm to develop expertise in this area.

Contract

Fixed term to August 2026.

Salary

£35,000 - £38,000 per annum (full time equivalent).

Benefits

Full or part time role (job shares and secondments considered), super flexible employer, home working, 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, 10% employer pension contribution.

Working for IHE

IHE is small but powerful. We currently have 13 roles (full and part time), which means that we are all flexible and helpful to one another. Sometimes things come up that nobody is ‘responsible’ for so we expect all our employees to be ready to jump into something they might not be comfortable with or know much about. We’ve found that we learn really fast that way! 

We understand that while work is important, it’s not your whole life. We are very open to part time working and job shares. We also have an employee assistance programme to support you when things are difficult. 

Location

We don’t have an office, so we work from home, but IHE provides equipment to ensure you’re comfortable. We like to meet up occasionally to work through cross-cutting projects and strategies, and for events so you’ll need to be able to travel to central London within three hours (all travel expenses paid).

How to apply

Please download the full job description and person specification from our website via the 'Apply' button above.

Closing date

The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 8 September 2025. 

Interviews will take place on Friday 12 September 2025. 

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We want to build a diverse, and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with everything in our person specification, please do apply anyway.

Advert information