At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development and advocacy campaigns to create systemic change for young people.
- Company: Mission 44, dedicated to building a fairer future for youth globally.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, flexible working, professional development budget, and more.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on youth policy and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and advocacy, strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 48000 € per year.
Salary: £48,000 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: UK (minimum 2 days per week in the London office)
Work Pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week with the opportunity for flexible working hours
Reporting To: Associate Director Advocacy & Campaigns
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit an anonymised CV and covering letter (please remove any identifying details such as name, address, or photos) by 23:00 on Monday 25 May via Workable. In your covering letter, please demonstrate your motivations for applying for the role, how the position aligns with your career plans, and the experience (professional, voluntary, or lived) that makes you a strong fit for the role in line with our values and the criteria outlined in the job description. We encourage candidates to ensure their responses reflect their own skills, experiences, and personal voice. If AI tools are used, candidates will be asked to explain how and why they used them.
INTERVIEW STAGES
The selection process will consist of three stages (dates will be confirmed with shortlisted candidates):
- First-round interview w/c 1 June 2026
- Second-round interview w/c 15 June 2026
Candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation (10 minutes maximum) on a policy and campaigning topic. Candidates should allocate no more than 3 hours to prepare this task.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Mission 44 exists to drive change and build a fairer, more inclusive future for young people around the world. As our work continues to expand, so does our ambition to influence policy, shift power, and drive systemic change by addressing the barriers young people face and advancing evidence-based solutions. The Senior Manager, Policy & Campaigns will be central to this mission, leading the development of policy positions and research that strengthens Mission 44’s ability to influence decision-makers and shape public discourse.
Mission 44’s impact model brings together strategic investment (through grantmaking) and targeted influence to drive systemic change. The Senior Manager will work closely with grantmaking teams to ensure that insight from funded work is embedded in policy and research, while also feeding learning and evidence back into funding strategies to strengthen decision-making and maximise impact. The role will lead and manage Mission 44’s policy and research agenda, acting as a key point of contact for partners and building trusted relationships across government, the education and youth sectors, and civil society. The role will lead the development of policy recommendations, commission and translate research into clear, actionable outputs, and collaborate with internal teams and partners to align policy priorities with wider organisational objectives and maximise influence. The role also plays a critical role in advocacy and external engagement, ensuring Mission 44’s voice is present in key policy moments, supporting strategic campaigns, and connecting research and insight to high-impact opportunities that drive political attention and sustained change at a national and global level.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
POLICY
- Lead the development and delivery of Mission 44’s policy strategy, aligned to organisational priorities and focused on driving systemic change for young people
- Develop clear, evidence-based policy positions and recommendations that influence government, civil society, the education sector and key decision-makers
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with policymakers, advisors, think tanks, academics, and sector leaders to strengthen Mission 44’s influence
- Identify and shape opportunities to influence policy agendas, consultations and legislative processes at national and global levels
- Work cross-functionally to align policy priorities with external engagement and advocacy activity
- Monitor and analyse political and policy developments across relevant landscapes, leading on timely evidence-led responses and providing strategic insight and recommendations
- Track and evaluate the impact of policy and advocacy activity, using insights to refine strategy and approach
- Account manage Mission 44’s external policy and research partners and consultants, ensuring high-quality delivery and value for money
CAMPAIGNS
- Support the design and delivery of integrated advocacy campaigns that connect policy, research and storytelling to drive political attention and action
- Work closely with partners and young people to co-create campaigns, ensuring their voices and experiences shape campaign priorities, policy recommendations and delivery approaches
- Work cross-functionally with communications and partnerships teams to maximise influence
- Identify and leverage key moments, partnerships and platforms to elevate Mission 44’s voice and policy agenda
- Contribute to campaign messaging and narratives that translate policy positions into compelling calls to action for target audiences
RESEARCH
- Commission and oversee high-quality research, ensuring outputs are rigorous, relevant, and actionable
- Translate complex research and data into compelling policy briefs, reports, and insight-driven narratives to support advocacy and influence
- Ensure all policy and research outputs are accessible, inclusive and reflect the lived experiences of young people
ABOUT YOU: SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
- Strong experience in policy development with a track record of influencing decision-makers
- Experience shaping or contributing to successful community-led movements, advocacy campaigns or policy change initiatives
- Deep understanding of political and policy-making processes, ideally in education, employment, social justice, or youth-focused areas
- Experience in participatory and youth-centred research approaches, including co-creation with young people and gathering insight through polling, perception studies and stakeholder engagement - alongside more traditional research methods
- Ability to translate complex research and evidence into clear, persuasive policy recommendations and narratives
- Proven experience building and managing senior stakeholder relationships across government, civil society, education, employment and/or youth sectors
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including producing high-quality briefings, reports and consultation responses
- Experience leading projects and managing external partners
- Strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify and act on opportunities to influence policy agendas
DESIRABLE
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, charities or advocacy organisations
- Experience in working with young people to create campaigns or advocacy initiatives
- Knowledge of UK and/or international policy landscapes relevant to Mission 44’s focus areas
- Familiarity with youth engagement approaches and/or incorporating lived experience into policy development
- Experience working with high-profile stakeholders
- Understanding of media and communications as a tool for policy influence
PERSONAL QUALITIES
- Passionate about creating a fairer, more inclusive future for young people around the world
- Highly motivated, proactive, and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Strong relationship builder
- Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work cross-functionally and bring others with you
- Confident and persuasive, with the ability to engage and influence senior audiences
- Analytical and curious, with a strong attention to detail
- Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing priorities and ambiguity
- Works flexibly and proactively without close supervision
Enjoy 28 days annual leave, plus a day for your birthday
Use our cycle-to-work scheme and free gym access
Save for retirement with our generous pension package
We finish every Friday at noon in August
Optional health insurance and access to an EAP
Professional development budget of £1k
Unlimited volunteering leave, as agreed with your manager
Wellbeing allowance to spend in whatever way works for you
Competitive parental leave package
Senior Manager Policy and Campaigns employer: Mission 44
Mission 44 is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a fairer and more inclusive future for young people. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, we offer generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, flexible working hours, and a professional development budget, all within a collaborative and dynamic work culture in London. Our commitment to meaningful impact ensures that employees have the opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to vital policy and advocacy initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager Policy and Campaigns
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Mission 44's mission, values, and recent campaigns. This will help you tailor your presentation and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure you’re confident and can deliver it smoothly. Ask friends or family for feedback to refine your message.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights about the role and the company culture. They might share tips that could give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager Policy and Campaigns
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your covering letter, let your personality shine through! We want to hear your unique voice and how your experiences align with our mission. Don’t be afraid to share what drives you and why this role excites you.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Manager, Policy and Campaigns. Highlight relevant experiences that showcase your skills in policy development and advocacy. Remember, we’re looking for evidence of your impact!
Showcase Your Experience:In your covering letter, clearly outline your professional, voluntary, or lived experiences that make you a strong fit for this position. Connect the dots between your background and the criteria outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website by the deadline! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensure they’re reviewed properly. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mission 44
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key policies and campaigns relevant to the role. Brush up on current issues affecting young people, especially in education and social justice. This will not only help you in discussions but also show your genuine interest in the mission.
✨Craft a Compelling Presentation
For the presentation task, choose a topic that resonates with you and aligns with Mission 44’s goals. Keep it clear and concise, focusing on actionable insights. Practise delivering it within the time limit to ensure you’re confident and engaging during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
In your covering letter and during the interview, highlight specific examples of your past work in policy development or advocacy campaigns. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their work and the organisation's future. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in building relationships and contributing to the team.
