Door 10 | Head of Policy

Head of Policy £60-65,000 per annum (increases with service anniversary increments). Hybrid work available, at least two days a week in the office.

Closing Date – Mid to Late January. Please note this role will be advertised both before and after the Christmas break.

Door 10 is working for a non profit group focussed on improving opportunities for marginalised young people. They are seeking a strategic policy leader with the experience, insight, and expertise to head up their policy initiatives and manage the Policy Team.

Reporting to the Director of Policy and External Affairs, the role will involve overseeing the development and growth of a policy knowledge base that influences national policy agendas, with a focus on improving opportunities for disadvantaged youth in securing meaningful employment.

An ability to communicate policy and work alongside other teams such as communications and public affairs to make sure it is communicated to achieve maximum impact, is vital.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are critical to effectively translate complex policy matters into accessible content for diverse audiences, in collaboration with our public affairs and communications teams.

Working closely with the Research and Impact Team, the successful candidate will utilise a growing body of evidence and data to: a) ensure the organisation can effectively respond to governmental policy changes in real-time, and b) contribute to long-term policy development to foster systemic changes that support marginalised young people entering the workforce.

The Policy Team\’s work will concentrate on several key strategic themes:

• Addressing barriers and discrimination in employment

• Place-based approaches to change

• Mental health and wellbeing

• Early intervention and transition strategies

• Apprenticeships and vocational education

• Employment support programs

The role requires a deep understanding of the national policy landscape, particularly in youth employment, as well as an awareness of influential stakeholders in sectors like skills development, education, labor, and employment. Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret and apply research findings, working closely with economists and researchers, are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Align policy strategies with the organisation’s core objectives and develop plans to advance their policy goals.

• Manage a range of policy projects, overseeing progress from inception through to delivery, including external collaborations and evidence generation initiatives.

• Oversee budget planning and team performance, ensuring the efficient use of resources and high-quality outputs.

Strategic Insight

• Stay informed on relevant national policy developments, including proposals, consultations, bills, and research opportunities, providing expert advice on how the organisation should respond.

• Keep the team updated on the work of key stakeholders, such as think tanks and policy organisations, to identify collaborative opportunities and ensure the organisation’s perspectives are aligned with sector trends.

Policy Development and Evidence Translation

• Lead the development and refinement of the organisation\’s policy positions, drawing on our research and evaluation work.

• Lead and manage policy projects, including external commissioning partnerships, and collaborate closely with the Research and Impact Team.

• Oversee the drafting of policy consultation responses, government submissions, and public policy reports.

• Ensure alignment between public policy recommendations and employer practices by working closely with the Employer Partnerships Team. • Write high-quality policy content and collaborate with Communications teams to produce accessible content for external audiences, such as blogs and media pieces.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate relationships with key policymakers, attending meetings and events as required to represent the organisation, in collaboration with the Head of Public Affairs and Stakeholder Relations.

• Build strong relationships with other professionals working in youth employment policy to expand the organisation’s network. Leadership and Management

• Lead and manage a small team, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high performance culture, while providing professional development opportunities.

• Step in for the Director of Policy and External Affairs when needed, contributing to the organization’s leadership team.

• Support the development of junior staff within the directorate, providing mentorship and guidance.