At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop partnerships and support youth programmes to bridge participation gaps.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Civil Society and Youth Directorate.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Shape youth policy and engage with young voices for meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in collaborative project delivery.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
You will be joining the 'Things To Do' sub-team of the Youth Team. The Youth team is an innovative team within the high profile Civil Society and Youth Directorate, responsible for a range of high profile policy areas, including delivering the National Youth Strategy, supporting the youth sector, and ensuring meaningful engagement with young people across the country. The purpose of the ‘Things to Do’ sub-team is to deliver the key ambition to halve the participation gap in enriching activities between disadvantaged young people and their peers. We are responsible for a range of youth programmes in and out-of-school as well as for the youth strand of the Erasmus+ programme and collaborative work with a range of funders, including philanthropists.
The team is a driven, friendly unit with a vision to ensure the programmes we deliver and the engagements we lead have the greatest impact for young people and their communities. We are firmly committed to our people, reflected in our values. We work hard to build an environment that is diverse and inclusive, as well as warm, friendly and collaborative; where each member of staff can flourish, feel comfortable being themselves at work, develop their skills and move their career forward.
Youth Policy is very broad in scope and is a Prime Minister and Secretary of State priority. Specific priorities can change, so you need to be comfortable working in this environment, with the ability to respond creatively and flexibly to enable programmes to be delivered and funding ambitions to be met, alongside wider Youth Policy initiatives. This is a new role in the Things to Do Team, part of the Youth Services Team, so detailed activities and responsibilities may evolve whilst Ministers' priorities solidify and the role beds in.
Key responsibilities are expected to include:
- Develop and implement a plan to build partnerships and increase philanthropic support for the National Youth Strategy
- Work closely with the Be Seen & Heard Team to ensure young people and youth sector voices are part of the plans
- Work closely with other teams across Youth Policy, the DCMS Philanthropy Team, the Office for the Impact Economy in the Cabinet Office and No.10 Partnerships Unit to identify opportunities and align youth activity with wider philanthropic asks
- Lead and/or advise on the development of youth policy proposals with a "think philanthropy" approach, in line with the Place-Based Philanthropy Strategy
- Develop strong working relationships with external partners and funders, including philanthropists, trusts and foundations and corporate funders
- Leading briefings and advice to senior leaders, Special Advisors and Ministers on when and how to engage with potential partners and funders
- Support the wider Things to Do team with ambition to halve the participation gap in enriching activities, including the design and delivery of grant programmes
The ideal candidate would have the following key skills and experience:
Essential requirements:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including drafting policy papers, submissions and briefings
- Experience of working collaboratively across teams and across departments to design and implement policy
- Strategic thinker, able to spot opportunities across a range of policy areas
- Experience of building strong, positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including individuals in senior positions
- Ability to work at pace and with autonomy
- Experience in project and/or programme delivery
Desirable skills:
- Knowledge of the National Youth Strategy and the youth services landscape
- Knowledge of the funding landscape for the youth and voluntary sectors
- Experience of working with external funding organisations, such as philanthropists, trusts & foundations or corporate organisations
Behaviours we'll assess you against during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Delivering at Pace
Policy Advisor in Manchester employer: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
As a Policy Advisor within the dynamic Youth Team, you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of young people across the country. Our inclusive and collaborative work culture fosters personal and professional growth, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to impactful youth programmes. With a strong commitment to diversity and a focus on meaningful engagement, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape policies that bridge the participation gap for disadvantaged youth while working alongside passionate colleagues in a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
Department for Culture, Media and Sport Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Advisor in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Policy Advisor in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Department for Culture, Media and Sport and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Culture, Media and Sport
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Department for Culture, Media and Sport, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
