Policy Manager (Research & Innovation)
Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
Department: Policy
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: London
Reporting To: Associate Director for Research and Innovation Policy
Compensation: £52,000 - £57,000 / year
Description
About the Role
This is a varied and high-profile policy role focused on leading the Russell Group's work on research and innovation policy.
The role holder will take ownership of an established portfolio, leading policy development and advocacy across a range of research and innovation issues. Current priorities include research and innovation funding and sustainability, place-based funding, commercialisation of university research, university-business collaboration, research funder policies and research assessment.
Working to the Associate Director for Research and Innovation Policy, you will undertake analysis, develop evidence-based policy positions and design and deliver influencing strategies to support policy change. You will work closely with colleagues across the Russell Group and member universities, engaging with senior stakeholders across government, funding bodies, businesses and the wider higher education and research and innovation sector.
Key Responsibilities
The role will involve (but not be limited to):
- Leading the development of Russell Group research and innovation policy positions, including initiating new strands of work and activity, based on horizon-scanning and intelligence gathering. This will include recommending advocacy strategies to influence policy and perception changes.
- Producing high-quality analysis and briefing materials, drawing on evidence, data and intelligence from Russell Group universities and external sources to inform policy development and advocacy.
- Providing advice to and briefings Strategic Policy and External Relations colleagues, including Associate Directors, the Director of Strategic Policy, and, where appropriate, the Chief Executive.
- Developing and communicating clear and persuasive policy arguments in person (e.g. at meetings and stakeholder briefings) and through Russell Group publications, press releases and website content, working closely with the External Relations team.
- Building and maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders, using these relationships to influence policy change.
- Representing Russell Group views and interests at relevant meetings, events and conferences; acting as an ambassador on behalf of the organisation.
- Acting as the principal liaison with relevant Russell Group networks including the Research Directors and Enterprise Directors, building productive relationships across member universities.
- Line managing interns where appropriate, ensuring they are motivated to work to the highest standard, monitoring performance and supporting them to succeed in their roles.
- Contributing to the development of the Strategic Policy team’s priorities and the Russell Group’s wider organisational strategy.
- Managing data in accordance with the Russell Group's data protection policies.
- You will also be responsible for delivering any additional responsibilities, at the request of the Associate Director – R&I Policy or the Director of Strategic Policy, in accordance with your experience and the broad purpose of this role.
Person Specification
We are looking for an outstanding policy manager, who is experienced, highly motivated and flexible in their approach to undertaking analysis, policy development and advocacy.
Substantial experience in policy development, analysis and influencing is essential. Ideally, candidates will have gained such experience through a relevant role in a research and/or innovation policy brief in the civil service, public sector, higher education, or third sector. However, we welcome applications from candidates whose policy knowledge and skills have been gained in other sectors.
Candidates should have:
- Substantial experience of working in policy analysis and development.
- Experience in leading projects and taking ownership of significant areas of work, from inception through to delivery.
- Experience of building relationships with, and influencing, diverse and senior stakeholders, preferably including government, business, regulators or other sector organisations.
- The ability to develop expertise quickly in new and complex policy areas, apply sound judgement, and identify the implications of emerging policy developments.
- Strong analytical skills, including the ability to assess evidence, interpret data and develop persuasive, evidence-based policy recommendations, while demonstrating political awareness and sensitivity to different viewpoints.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively to different audiences and to represent the organisation externally.
- A high degree of attention to detail in producing persuasive, evidence-based conclusions across complex policy issues and addressed to a range of audiences.
- The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities and adapting to changing organisational and policy priorities.
- Experience of working in research and innovation policy is desirable but not essential.
Employment Package
This appointment is for a permanent, full-time, London-based position with a starting salary of between £52,000-£57,000 dependent on skills and experience. A higher salary may be available for exceptional and highly experienced candidates.
Our offices are based in the heart of Westminster, with proximity to key stakeholders and easy access to public transport links. To maximise effective team-based working, we offer flexibility for staff to work from home up to two days a week, subject to work priorities.
As well as a competitive salary, our employment package includes generous additional benefits, including:
- Membership of the USS pension scheme – a defined benefit scheme with an employer contribution of 14.5% (https://www.uss.co.uk/)
- 25 days of Annual Leave at start, increasing by 1 day annually to a maximum of 30 days
- Discretionary closure days at Easter and Christmas holidays (in addition to Public Holidays)
- Private healthcare insurance
- Generous approach to learning, training and development, including monthly ‘lunch and learn’ sessions with external speakers
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Interest‑free travelcard loans
- Cycle scheme
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