Policy Lead

Job Title: Policy Lead / Senior Policy Officer

Reports to: Head of Policy / Chief Executive

Start Date: ASAP / Flexible

Salary: Up to £45,000

Hybrid working: We are currently working three days a week from our office near London Bridge (Tuesdays to Thursdays) and this should be seen as the minimum number of days to attend. Full-time remote position will not be offered.

Matching pension scheme: up to 10 per cent

Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays, leave allowance rising to 30 days after four years’ service

Purpose of the role

To strengthen Centre for Cities’ policy capacity by identifying emerging urban policy issues and opportunities, developing clear and credible policy positions, and ensuring the organisation is well connected to policy thinking across central government, mayoral strategic authorities and the wider policy community.

The role will take a broad view of urban policy and how national and local policies shape the economic performance of cities. This could include areas such as devolution, housing, transport, skills, regeneration, local government finance and economic development, as well as emerging issues that may become increasingly important to cities in the future.

This is not primarily a role focused on delivering a predetermined programme of projects. It requires someone with the autonomy and judgement to scan the policy environment, identify emerging opportunities, and develop activity around them. They should be able to spot where Centre for Cities can add value, build relationships and turn new policy developments into opportunities for influence and impact.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor and identify emerging urban policy issues, assessing what is changing, why it matters for cities and where Centre for Cities can add value.
• Develop policy ideas and initiatives from initial concepts into tangible outputs, including blogs, briefings, events and roundtables.
• Contribute to policy development across a range of urban policy areas, quickly developing knowledge of unfamiliar subjects and translating research into practical policy recommendations.
• Identify gaps and opportunities within Centre for Cities’ policy agenda and propose new areas of work.

Networks and external engagement

• Build and maintain strong external networks with policy officials across central government, mayoral strategic authorities and local government.
• Engage proactively with policymakers and stakeholders to understand emerging priorities, shape debates and identify opportunities for Centre for Cities to contribute.
• Develop a strong external profile and reputation as a trusted source of insight on urban policy, becoming a point of contact for policymakers on emerging issues.
• Represent Centre for Cities externally at meetings, roundtables and events, building relationships and communicating the organisation’s position effectively.

Writing and communication

• Produce high-quality written content including concise policy briefings, blogs, commentary and other communications for audiences including officials, politicians and journalists.
• Communicate complex policy issues clearly and compellingly, identifying the key arguments and explaining why issues matter now.

Person specification

• Able to work with colleagues across the organisation, drawing on research and analytical expertise to strengthen policy development and external engagement.
• Exercise strong policy judgement and initiative, prioritising issues that have the greatest potential impact and progressing work with a high degree of autonomy.

Experience

3-5 years' relevant experience, although capabilities matters more than years served, from:

• central government;
• an MSA or local government;
• public affairs or policy work in the private or third sector;
• journalism with public-policy experience.

Desirable skills

Quantitative research skills would be useful but are not essential. The research team can provide the deeper analytical capability. This person's comparative advantage should be policy judgement, curiosity, networks, ideas and communication.

The closing date for applications is 23:59, Sunday 04 October 2026.

Interviews will be held, in person, in our office in London Bridge between the 8th and the 16th October 2026.