At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development and strategic advising for Labour Together's initiatives.
- Company: Join a dynamic think tank dedicated to shaping Labour's future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for impactful work.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to influence change and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in politics and policy with innovative strategies.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of experience in policy, strong communication, and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Labour Together is not your normal think tank: we help Labour govern and win. Not only do we do work, but we craft the strategy and consider the politics to make good ideas happen. Many of our staff have gone into government roles recently, so we are now excited to be recruiting more outstanding people for our policy team.
We’ll shape the role around the right person. But depending on experience, we will appoint at the following levels:
- Policy Director (salary range £75,000 - £85,000) - sets direction and leads big chunks of the project; a go-to strategic adviser for very senior people. You’ll probably have more than 10 years of experience.
Who we’re looking for
We prioritise hiring good people over particular areas of expertise. But given the current mix of the team, we are particularly keen to hear from people who work on welfare, migration, innovation, the family, crime, law and foreign policy.
Most importantly, you support the aims and values of the Labour movement. You care about building relationships with others and working with innovative organisations. You value rigour, arguments and thinking in systems. You might already be in Westminster or Whitehall, or have built things in business, civil society or elsewhere. Wherever you are now, you dislike boilerplate policy-speak that hides hard choices.
You also know that our problems will not be solved by analysis alone. They require making big political arguments about it and working with others. You are excited by the prospect of how to use focus groups and polling to hone your argument and by building coalitions to get change.
What you’ll actually do
The exact mix will depend on what you’re great at, but it’s likely to include:
- Identifying the big questions the government needs an answer to and the political argument they should make to answer it. That means owning one or more chunks of work - a policy area, a big project, or a set of questions - and delivering it.
- Working with our political strategy team to frame questions, commission polling/focus groups and pull out what really matters for strategy and policy.
- Building and keeping warm relationships that make this work possible - in government, Labour, think tanks, unions, campaigns and beyond. If you have them already that’s a plus. LT works in the shifting sands of politics - enjoying building relationships is key.
- Being strategic about convening people and building coalitions to advance your ideas. You are likely to look forward to, rather than dread, organising a private dinner with advisors and experts on your topic.
- Doing the unglamorous bits that make good policy happen: data work, writing crisply and stress‑testing assumptions. If you’re adept at using LLMs or other tools to support your work then that’s all to the better.
Essential skills required
The exact mix of essential skills will depend on each person and the level they are appointed to. It will include but won’t be limited to:
- Excellent understanding of the current policy and political environment, with experience advising senior leaders
- Experience of developing policy and analysis
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong skills using both quantitative and qualitative evidence
- Strong project management skills with the ability to deliver high‑quality outputs to tight deadlines
- Demonstrable writing skills for political audiences, with the ability to craft compelling narratives
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with senior stakeholders
Desirable skills
The exact mix of desirable skills will depend on each person and the level they are appointed to. It may include but won’t be limited to:
- Meticulous and reliable, with strong attention to detail
- Experience of leading teams in a policy or political environment
- Strong IT skills, including using LLMs or other tools to support your work
- Experience of working closely with elected officials
- Media handling experience and comfort with broadcast interviews
How to apply
To apply, please send us the following information to info@labourtogether.co.uk:
- Your CV and a cover letter (no more than two pages) explaining why you would like to work for Labour Together in this role
- A short note (fewer than 600 words) on a policy you believe the Labour government should adopt. This should include an explanation for why it has not already been implemented, and how you would use LT to build the case with Labour to do it. We want to understand your approach to policy, politics and influencing.
Please state clearly which role level you are applying for and why. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 14th January.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
Policy Director employer: LABOUR TOGETHER
Labour Together is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where innovative ideas are not just welcomed but actively encouraged. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer opportunities for meaningful engagement in shaping policy and strategy within the Labour movement, all while working in the heart of political discourse in Westminster. Our collaborative environment ensures that every team member can contribute to impactful projects, making a real difference in society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Director
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and start chatting with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and connect with folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to meet potential employers or colleagues, let your enthusiasm for policy and the Labour movement shine through. Share your ideas and insights; it shows you're not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares.
✨Prepare for Informal Chats
Don’t wait for formal interviews to showcase your skills. Reach out for informal coffee chats or informational interviews. This is a great way to learn more about the role and demonstrate your knowledge and interest without the pressure of a formal setting.
✨Utilise Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, keep an eye on our updates for any networking events or opportunities to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure it reflects your passion for the Labour movement and why you want to join us. Keep it concise, no more than two pages, and tailor it to show how your experience aligns with the role of Policy Director.
Showcase Your Policy Insight:In your short note about a policy you believe the Labour government should adopt, be clear and persuasive. Explain why it hasn't been implemented yet and how you would leverage Labour Together's strengths to advocate for it. This is your moment to demonstrate your strategic thinking!
Be Clear About Your Role Level:When applying, make sure to state clearly which role level you're aiming for and why. This helps us understand where you see yourself fitting in and ensures we can shape the role around your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t forget to double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at LABOUR TOGETHER
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current policy landscape, especially around welfare, migration, and other key areas mentioned in the job description. Prepare to discuss specific policies you believe the Labour government should adopt and how they align with Labour Together's values.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Since relationship-building is crucial for this role, try to connect with current or former staff members at Labour Together or similar organisations. This can give you insights into their culture and priorities, which will help you tailor your responses during the interview.
✨Craft Compelling Narratives
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and persuasively. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to craft compelling narratives for political audiences, so think about how you can present your ideas in a way that resonates with them.
✨Prepare for the Unseen Challenges
Be ready to discuss how you would handle the less glamorous aspects of policy work, like data analysis and stress-testing assumptions. Show that you understand the importance of these tasks in making good policy happen, and be prepared to share examples from your past experiences.
