Policy Manager x2 (Research & Innovation and Higher Education)

This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing Strategic Policy team, working with 24 leading UK universities. We’re looking for two outstanding policy professionals for the following roles: 

• Policy Manager (Research & Innovation) – to lead our research and innovation portfolio 
• Policy Manager (Higher Education) – to lead our admissions and widening participation policy work while also delivering substantive cross-cutting projects across the wider policy portfolio. 

Separate Candidate Packs containing vacancy descriptions are available for each role on the Russell Group Career site via the 'Apply' button above.

Through collaboration and advocacy, the Russell Group works to advance and champion the positive economic, societal and cultural contributions of our universities. The Russell Group represents the interests of our 24 university members at the highest level of government, as well as with key research and innovation funders, with business, third-sector partners, regulators, and internationally with like-minded bodies. 

You will provide robust and clear evidence and persuasive advocacy to support the delivery of our strategic objectives. Both roles involve policy development, analysis, advocacy and stakeholder engagement at a senior level, including: 

• Leading the development and direction of our policy work, including monitoring trends, identifying opportunities, initiating new work and engagement, managing projects and undertaking analysis, including complex data analysis. 
• Advocating for our policy positions with senior stakeholders and decision makers to influence government policy. 
• Fostering strong working relationships with key partners and stakeholders. 
• Writing high-quality, persuasive and evidence-based briefings, consultation responses and reports for a range of audiences. 
• Contributing to public-facing outputs, including press statements, blogs, opinion pieces and occasional media interviews. 

Candidates will need to demonstrate: 

• Substantial experience of policy analysis, development and influencing. 
• Experience in leading projects and taking ownership of significant areas of work. 
• Experience of building relationships with, and influencing, diverse and senior stakeholders, preferably including government, business, regulators or other sector organisations. 
• The ability to develop expertise quickly in new and complex policy areas. 
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to assess evidence, interpret data and develop persuasive, evidence-based policy recommendations, while demonstrating political awareness and sensitivity to different viewpoints. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively to different audiences. 
• For either role, experience of working in research and innovation policy OR admissions and widening participation policy work is desirable but not essential. 

Our offices are based in Westminster, but we offer flexibility for staff to work from home up to two days a week, subject to priorities.

Benefits include: 

• Membership of USS pension scheme
• 25 days of Annual Leave, rising to 30 days
• Additional Easter and Christmas closure days
• Private healthcare insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme 

The starting salary range for both roles is £52,000-£57,000, dependent on skills and experience. A higher salary may be available for exceptional and highly experienced candidates. 

Closing date: 17:00, Wednesday, 30 September 2026 

To apply, please visit our Careers site via the 'Apply' button above and submit the following by the closing date: 

1) An up-to-date CV, 2 sides of A4 covering:

• current and past employment
• degree qualifications including subjects and grades
• two references                                                                              

2) A cover letter, max. 2 sides of A4, explaining:

• how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role
• why you are interested in working for the Russell Group 

Further information on the Russell Group can be found at https://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/

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