Head of Policy and Research

MillionPlus, The Association for Modern Universities, is seeking a highly motivated Head of Policy and Research with strong analysis skills & experience in undertaking original policy research. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with experience managing and delivering a policy & research programme, a passion to promote higher education & an interest in influencing the public policy agenda.

Your role

You will be responsible for managing the policy & research strategy of MillionPlus, ensuring that policy projects are managed & completed on time and to budget. In liaison with the CEO, you will draft the terms of reference of policy research projects (including external commissions), work in partnership with other organisations & stakeholders as required & play a key role as the author of research reports, policy papers, consultation responses, evidence to Select Committees & briefings for internal circulation & publication to a wide range of audiences, including Ministers & MPs. You will convene MillionPlus Networks & Working Groups associated with the role, ensuring timely input & feedback to the policy & research programme as well as individual projects. In liaison with the CEO & working closely with the Head of Public Affairs & Head of Communications, you will assist in promoting the outcomes of MillionPlus policy papers. 

The skills you’ll need

You’ll need to be an experienced policy researcher. You will have the ability to monitor, analyse & develop policy & undertake original research, write fluently & communicate to a wide range of audiences. You will have significant experience of planning & undertaking research for publication. You will need political acumen to ensure that MillionPlus research reports, policy papers and consultation responses are authoritative, evidence-based and presented in ways likely to maximise interest & influence. You will have demonstrable experience of drafting terms of reference, managing research commissions & delivering projects on time and to budget. You will understand the value of promoting policy positions & recommendations via social media & will have experience of fielding press enquiries & contributing to press releases & articles. You will have the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, manage staff & have the flexibility to contribute to the success of a small team. 

Knowledge of higher education and experience of working with member-based organisations are desirable. 

Starting salary and key benefits: £49,563 (inclusive of inner London weighting) with 27 annual leave days plus bank holidays and 7 university closure days (pro rata for part-time staff which may need to be taken as time off in lieu).

Location: The successful postholder will be expected to attend the MillionPlus office in London (SE1) twice weekly (Tuesday and Wednesday) with the remaining days home working. However, some flexibility may be required with adequate notice. 

Flexibility: Please note that given the need for flexibility to meet the changing requirements of MillionPlus, the duties & location of this post & the role of the postholder may be changed after consultation. In the event of a change of location ILW (Inner London Weighting) may no longer apply. 

If you wish to discuss the job in further detail, please contact Jayne Hope at info@millionplus.ac.uk in the first instance.

Closing date: Friday 02 January 2026

Interviews: To be held in-person on Thursday 15 January 2026

Please note: London Metropolitan University provide HR support services to MillionPlus, The Association for Modern Universities. As such, all MillionPlus staff are contractually employed by London Metropolitan University.

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