Deputy Head of Global Strategy, Policy and Engagement

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting our client,the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, in its search for a Deputy Head of Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement.

The postholder will join the academy’s Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement Team at an exciting time for its international policy and engagement work. Reporting to the Head of Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement, this role will play a key part in shaping and delivering the academy’s international engagement strategy, strengthening relationships with key international partners, and contributing to the academy’s growing influence across global policy debates.

The role will work particularly closely with a fellow Deputy Head leading on the Global (Dis)
Order international policy programme and help lead the academy’s international engagement and partnerships portfolio, with particular responsibility for global relationship-building and engagement with international organisations and networks.

A key aspect of the role will be helping to develop and deliver the academy’s international policy activities in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment. This will include identifying emerging opportunities and challenges, coordinating evidence‑based policy outputs, convening expertise from across the humanities and social sciences, and ensuring the academy's work informs and influences decision‑making at national and international levels. The role will involve fostering relationships with researchers, policymakers, governments, multilateral organisations, funders, think tanks and international partners to ensure the academy remains an influential voice within global policy discussions.

The role includes the management of two Senior International Policy Advisers and candidates will be working with colleagues in the wider team in a matrix fashion requiring adaptability and flexibility.

The successful candidate will bring strong policy development and delivery experience, excellent stakeholder management skills and an ability to operate confidently across complex international environments. Experience of international engagement, diplomacy, multilateral organisations, international research policy or government relations would be particularly valuable. The academy is open to candidates from a range of backgrounds, including research funding organisations, government, think tanks, international bodies, academia or the wider policy sector, who can demonstrate the ability to work across multiple policy areas and thrive in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.

The role requires candidates who enjoy working at pace, convening different stakeholders, and working in a versatile manner across a broad and various landscape of international engagement and policy issues.

The organisation welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment, promoting equal opportunity, and addressing under‑representation. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.