Policy Manager; Research & Innovation

Policy Manager (Research & Innovation)

Final date to receive applications: 30 September 2026

Department: Policy

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: London

Reporting To: Associate Director for Research and Innovation Policy

Compensation: £52,000 - £57,000 / year

About the Role

This is a varied and high-profile policy role focused on leading the Russell Group's work on research and innovation policy.

The role holder will take ownership of an established portfolio, leading policy development and advocacy across a range of research and innovation issues. Current priorities include research and innovation funding and sustainability, place-based funding, commercialisation of university research, university-business collaboration, research funder policies and research assessment.

Working to the Associate Director for Research and Innovation Policy, you will undertake analysis, develop evidence-based policy positions and design and deliver influencing strategies to support policy change. You will work closely with colleagues across the Russell Group and member universities, engaging with senior stakeholders across government, funding bodies, businesses and the wider higher education and research and innovation sector.

The role will involve (but not be limited to):

• Leading the development of Russell Group research and innovation policy positions, including initiating new strands of work and activity, based on horizon-scanning and intelligence gathering. This will include recommending advocacy strategies to influence policy and perception changes.
• Producing high-quality analysis and briefing materials, drawing on evidence, data and intelligence from Russell Group universities and external sources to inform policy development and advocacy.
• Providing advice to and briefings Strategic Policy and External Relations colleagues, including Associate Directors, the Director of Strategic Policy, and, where appropriate, the Chief Executive.
• Developing and communicating clear and persuasive policy arguments in person (e.g. at meetings and stakeholder briefings) and through Russell Group publications, press releases and website content, working closely with the External Relations team.
• Building and maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders, using these relationships to influence policy change.
• Representing Russell Group views and interests at relevant meetings, events and conferences; acting as an ambassador on behalf of the organisation.
• Acting as the principal liaison with relevant Russell Group networks including the Research Directors and Enterprise Directors, building productive relationships across member universities.
• Line managing interns where appropriate, ensuring they are motivated to work to the highest standard, monitoring performance and supporting them to succeed in their roles.
• Contributing to the development of the Strategic Policy team’s priorities and the Russell Group’s wider organisational strategy.
• Managing data in accordance with the Russell Group's data protection policies.
• You will also be responsible for delivering any additional responsibilities, at the request of the Associate Director – R&I Policy or the Director of Strategic Policy, in accordance with your experience and the broad purpose of this role.

We are looking for an outstanding policy manager, who is experienced, highly motivated and flexible in their approach to undertaking analysis, policy development and advocacy.

Substantial experience in policy development, analysis and influencing is essential. Ideally, candidates will have gained such experience through a relevant role in a research and/or innovation policy brief in the civil service, public sector, higher education, or third sector. However, we welcome applications from candidates whose policy knowledge and skills have been gained in other sectors.

Candidates should have:

• Substantial experience of working in policy analysis and development.
• Experience in leading projects and taking ownership of significant areas of work, from inception through to delivery.
• Experience of building relationships with, and influencing, diverse…