Policy and Public Affairs Officer

• Monitor policy, political and parliamentary developments and flag risks and opportunities
• Analyse qualitative and quantitative evidence, identify trends and translate findings into clear, reasoned and accessible insight
• Produce data visualisations including tables, charts, graphs and key statistics
• Collate institutional case studies for reports, campaigns and social media
• Draft and contribute to policy and parliamentary briefings, meeting papers, consultation responses and research reports
• Support stakeholder engagement with member universities, government, parliamentarians and higher education sector bodies
• Help deliver public affairs activity, events and meetings
• Prepare agendas, papers and minutes, and track follow-up actions
• Support the Head of Policy & Research in delivering the policy and research strategy
• Assist the Head of Public Affairs in advocating for modern universities and Million Plus members

• A relevant degree and/or substantial experience in policy, research or public affairs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong research, policy and data-analysis skills
• Ability to gather evidence and produce clear visualisations
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and keep projects on track
• Sound judgement and initiative
• Relationship-building skills with senior colleagues, stakeholders and officials
• Resilience and professionalism in a busy, collaborative small-team environment
• Experience taking accurate minutes and action notes
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel and Outlook
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Experience in a membership organisation or the higher education sector is advantageous
• Experience monitoring and analysing higher education policy and parliamentary developments is advantageous
• Knowledge of Power BI or an equivalent platform is advantageous
• Evidence of right to work in the UK
• Health assessment before starting work
• Satisfactory references and proof of qualifications held

Demonstrates strong research, policy analysis, and data visualization skills, with a commitment to stakeholder engagement and effective communication in the higher education sector. Proficient in managing multiple priorities and delivering clear insights to support public affairs activities.

• Policy Analysis
• Data Visualization
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Research Skills

• Data Analysis
• Policy Development
• Evidence Gathering
• Report Writing
• Minute Taking

• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Relationship Building
• Resilience
• Professionalism

• Right to Work in the UK
• Health Assessment

• Higher Education
• Public Affairs
• Membership Organisation
• Parliamentary Developments
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Power BI