At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive public policy engagement and support innovative research initiatives.
- Company: Join ARIA, a pioneering R&D funding agency in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days leave, hybrid work, and a supportive learning environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and diverse experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on society through cutting-edge technology and policy.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for public policy.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 € per year.
Department: Communications and Engagement
Location: London
Compensation: £65,000 / year
Employment Type: Permanent, full time
Closing date: From the 13th May, we will transition to a rolling application process. The role will remain open until we have identified a strong shortlist of candidates for the interview stage.
About ARIA
ARIA is a R&D funding agency created to unlock technological breakthroughs that benefit everyone. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible. From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK’s world-class R&D in new ways, so we can meet these head on. Our success is shaped by one question: how will ARIA transform the lives of the UK’s future generations?
Role Summary
This role will help drive ARIA’s growing capability in public policy, government engagement, and ethics and social responsibility (ESR). You will be joining ARIA at a time of significant growth, with a new CEO, two cohorts of Programme Directors (PDs), significant investment in AI in Science, and bolstering the crucial role translation plays to help realise the societal impact of our work. This role will report directly to the Head of Policy, Ethics and Social Responsibility, in the directorate for communications and engagement.
What You’ll Do
- Public Policy Engagement
- Partner with the Programme Directors, as part of their discovery process and beyond, on their interactions with government and wider public policy stakeholders, devising and driving engagement plans and activities with the programme teams.
- Create and maintain a suite of foundational materials for delivering high‑quality policy support to our PDs, including engagement trackers, horizon scanning summaries, meeting templates and guidance.
- First port of call for replying to and triaging inbound requests related to policy or government engagement.
- Be up‑to‑date and plugged into the wider R&D policy ecosystem to identify opportunities for ARIA, programmes and the communities we seek to positively impact.
- Drive ARIA‑level engagement and events with government, such as ministerial visits, roundtables and workshops.
- Leverage external specialist expertise to drive programme outcomes, which may include scoping/overseeing policy and public engagement partnerships to deliver discrete high‑impact projects.
- Work closely with teams across the organisation, including the Communications and Engagement team and the forthcoming Translation team, to ensure alignment and effective information sharing on cross‑functional work strands and deliverables.
- Partner with the PDs, as part of their discovery process and beyond, to identify and manage the ESR considerations that are part of their programmes.
- Work with our external ESR Advisors to identify and deliver specific advice and training for PDs, their teams and Creators.
- Ensure the smooth running of the Board’s ESR committee, including coordination of inputs from programme teams and functional teams.
- Be up‑to‑date and plugged into the wider ESR context and discourse around the programmes you support to inform thinking on our approaches to ensure responsible research and funding.
Who You Are
- Research and evidence based mindset - capable of proactively assessing, and carrying out, what additional research/analysis is required to inform decision‑making/bring clarity to ambiguity.
- Effective communicator, clear, concise and persuasive - with strong writing ability for different audiences and formats e.g. briefings, summary reports, notes to senior members of the executive etc.
- Critical thinker - able to quickly get to grips with complex or technical subject matter, across a diverse portfolio of research areas, drawing out salient points to land with a lay or non‑technical audience.
- Proactive - comfortable taking initiative; able to set priorities, problem‑solve and drive projects end‑to‑end in a fast‑moving, dynamic environment.
- Nuanced understanding of how to navigate government (Whitehall) and the wider ecosystem it operates in, including regulatory environments.
- Solid experience of diverse stakeholder management, particularly to reach consensus or optimise outcomes.
- Demonstrable interest in politics and how this affects government priorities, policies and potential implications for the wider ecosystem.
- Sound understanding of engaging or working with civil/public servants/regulators, with an appreciation of the environment they operate in.
- Familiarity with the need to exercise discretion and judgement in situations that demand a thoughtful and nuanced approach.
- Demonstrable experience of setting up, managing or helping with projects/reports, from start to finish, with little or no supervision.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience and interest in the R&D, science or innovation ecosystem.
- Experience and interest in ESR (ethics and social responsibility), in science, research or emerging technologies.
- Experience of the role policy and regulation plays in translation for emerging technologies and new scientific capabilities.
Benefits
- 27 days annual leave provision, with the option to buy/sell additional days.
- Hybrid working arrangements; 60% in office / 40% at home.
- Discretionary performance related pay.
- Supportive environment for learning and development opportunities.
- Enhanced family leave arrangements.
- A free and confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme.
- Life Assurance.
- 2 days of paid volunteer days.
- 5% defined contribution pension scheme with Smart Pension.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- An excellent office location in Kings X, London.
Not sure you meet 100% of our criteria? Don’t worry! If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We want to attract the broadest array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds.
Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interests and what you hope to bring to this role. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please notify us and we will make every effort to accommodate you.
ARIA adopts a highly considered approach to ethical and social responsibility.
Public Policy Manager employer: Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)
ARIA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Kings Cross, London, where innovation meets social responsibility. With a strong commitment to employee growth, ARIA provides extensive learning opportunities, hybrid working arrangements, and a supportive culture that values diverse experiences. Employees enjoy competitive benefits, including generous annual leave, performance-related pay, and a focus on work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in public policy and R&D.
Contact Detail:
Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Policy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public policy space. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ARIA’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about our mission. Bring your A-game with thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the challenges we face in public policy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role of Public Policy Manager. We want to hear how you can contribute to our goals, so make sure you can clearly communicate your value in a concise and engaging way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position and appreciate the opportunity to chat with our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Policy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Public Policy Manager. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with ARIA's mission. We want to see your passion for public policy and how you can contribute to our goals!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate your writing prowess. Keep it clear, concise, and persuasive. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can engage diverse stakeholders effortlessly!
Highlight Your Research Mindset:We love candidates who can think critically and back their decisions with solid research. Share examples of how you've tackled complex issues in the past and what methods you used to inform your decision-making.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in public policy, especially as it relates to R&D and ethics. Brush up on current trends and challenges in the sector, and be ready to discuss how they impact ARIA's mission. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but also in the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Public Policy Manager, effective communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas to diverse audiences. Whether it's through briefings or reports, demonstrate your ability to tailor your message for different stakeholders.
✨Be Proactive and Problem-Solving
Think of instances where you took the initiative to solve a problem or drive a project forward. ARIA values proactive individuals, so share specific examples that highlight your ability to navigate challenges and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
✨Engage with the Ethics Angle
Given the focus on ethics and social responsibility, come prepared to discuss your understanding of these concepts in relation to R&D. Think about how you can contribute to ARIA’s goals in this area and be ready to share your thoughts on responsible research practices.
