Engagement Assistant

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as an Engagement Assistant within Policy@Manchester, part of the Directorate of Communications, Marketing and Student Recruitment. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to policy‑focused communications and engagement activity at a leading research‑intensive university.

As Engagement Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting the development of clear, engaging and accessible communications that help translate academic expertise into policy‑relevant outputs. Working closely with the wider policy team, including the Head of Public Affairs, you will help shape content that supports engagement with policy influencers at local and national level.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a strong interest in public affairs or public policy who is keen to develop their skills in a fast‑paced, supportive and collaborative environment.

You will be responsible for:

• Drafting high‑quality communications including policy briefings, reports, digital content and social media posts
• Monitoring policy and political developments, such as parliamentary debates and consultations, and producing clear summaries to support engagement activity
• Providing editorial support across the team, including editing, revising and proof‑reading content to agreed standards
• Supporting stakeholder engagement by working with colleagues to build and maintain effective relationships across the University and the wider policy landscape
• Analysing engagement and digital performance data to support evaluation and reporting on the impact of Policy@Manchester activity

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About you

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential criteria:

• A strong interest in policy and politics, with a good understanding of the current political context at national and local level
• Experience of effective copywriting and/or editing, with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to communicate clearly and adapt content for a range of audiences
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Confidence using digital tools and social media platforms, with a willingness to learn new systems

Desirable criteria:

• Experience monitoring or analysing policy developments
• Experience evaluating communications or engagement activity using performance data
• Experience working in a communications, public affairs or policy‑focused environment

We value curiosity, collaboration and a commitment to inclusive, accessible communications as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution
• Christmas closure in addition to annual leave and bank holidays
• Purple Place employee discount platform

For more information, please see: www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here.

You can also find information on Flexible and Hybrid working here: www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/flexible-and-hybrid-working.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy: www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Hashim Al-Kohan
Email Address: hashim.al-kohan@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

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