At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AQA's policy and public affairs team, shaping impactful education strategies.
- Company: AQA, a leading assessment organisation committed to education excellence.
- Benefits: Generous pension, private medical insurance, hybrid work, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education policy at a pivotal moment for young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy-rich environments and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 59000 - 67500 £ per year.
Permanent Location: London or Manchester
Salary: Manchester £57,000 - £64,500 | London £59,000 - £67,500
Working arrangement: Hybrid, with 2 days per week in the office
Work at the heart of education policy and public affairs at a pivotal moment for both general and vocational education. You are already operating in a high‑profile, policy‑rich environment and are looking for the opportunity to shape and steer public affairs activity in a way that delivers real impact. From assessment reform and digital exams to core skills and the impact of artificial intelligence, you will play a key role in ensuring AQA is at the forefront of the debates that matter to young people, teachers and parents.
What’s in it for you
- This is a senior leadership role where you will directly influence AQA’s approach to policy and public affairs at a time of significant change across the education sector.
- Reporting into the Head of External Affairs and being an integral part of the senior leadership team.
- The opportunity to shape strategy and influence decision making at organisational level.
- A high‑profile role engaging with government, regulators and key education stakeholders.
- Autonomy to lead and develop AQA’s public affairs and policy approach.
- The opportunity to lead a multi‑location team across London and Manchester.
You’ll also benefit from a strong overall package, including:
- A generous pension scheme, with employer contributions of up to 11.5%.
- Private medical insurance.
- A 35‑hour working week and 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional closure over Christmas.
- Access to staff networks, learning opportunities and volunteering days.
- Hybrid working with 2 days per week in the office.
Purpose of the role
You’ll lead AQA’s policy and public affairs function, ensuring we produce high‑quality policy insight and engage effectively with government and key stakeholders.
What you’ll be doing
- Leading and developing a policy and public affairs team of 4 across London and Manchester.
- Shaping policy positions and overseeing high‑quality outputs including reports and consultation responses.
- Leading external engagement across government and the wider education sector.
- Briefing senior leaders and contributing to strategic decision making.
- Identifying policy risks and opportunities through horizon scanning.
Your impact in this role
Success in this role will be defined by your ability to:
- Position AQA as a leading assessment organisation that delivers for today and helps shape what comes next.
- Produce high‑quality, insight‑led policy analysis and engage effectively with government and education stakeholders.
- Lead a high‑performing team that works collaboratively to the benefit of AQA.
You will provide expert counsel at senior level and represent AQA with stakeholders across government, regulators, media and the wider education sector.
You’ll thrive in this role if you have:
- Experience of operating in a policy‑rich or highly regulated environment.
- Strong understanding of education policy across general and vocational education.
- Good knowledge of government and political processes.
- Experience of public affairs approaches and tools.
- The ability to think strategically and connect complex policy areas.
- Demonstrable verbal and written communication skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Experience of translating insight into clear, compelling messaging.
- A collaborative approach and a focus on continuous improvement.
Diversity and inclusion statement
At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED and I strategy ensures that everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background, is valued, respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Senior Manager - Policy and Public Affairs in London employer: AQA
AQA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of education policy and public affairs. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a generous benefits package including private medical insurance and a robust pension scheme, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, AQA empowers its team to make a meaningful impact in the education sector. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility while fostering collaboration across its London and Manchester locations, making it an attractive place for professionals seeking to influence change in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - Policy and Public Affairs in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education policy space. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking contacts, make sure to highlight your experience in policy-rich environments. Share specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making or shaped strategies in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by staying updated on current education policies and public affairs trends. Be ready to discuss how these issues impact young people, teachers, and parents. This will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - Policy and Public Affairs in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Manager role. Highlight your experience in policy and public affairs, and show how it aligns with AQA's mission. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past roles that showcase your ability to lead teams, engage with stakeholders, and influence policy decisions. We love a good story!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your messaging is compelling. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex policy areas.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on current education policies and public affairs trends. Familiarise yourself with AQA's recent initiatives and how they align with broader educational reforms. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also passionate about making a real impact.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in policy-rich environments. Highlight your ability to influence decision-making and engage with stakeholders. This is a senior role, so demonstrating your leadership experience is crucial.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts on complex policy issues in a clear and compelling way. You might be asked to explain your views on assessment reform or the impact of AI in education, so being able to communicate effectively is key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Inclusion
AQA values diversity and inclusion, so be ready to discuss how you've fostered a collaborative environment in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've worked with diverse teams and promoted inclusive practices, as this aligns with their core values.
