At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the recruitment and engagement of senior Policy Fellows for impactful policy research.
- Company: Join the University of Bath, a diverse and inclusive institution committed to public good.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; we celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in policy engagement while working with top academics and policymakers.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy engagement, communication skills, and a passion for research.
The predicted salary is between 39560 - 46970 £ per year.
The Institute for Policy Research (IPR) at The University of Bath aims to further the public good through research into issues of significant relevance to policy debate and decision-making, building networks with the worlds of policy and practice, and increasing public understanding of policy research through our public events and publications. We deliver activities for policymakers, researchers and practitioners to enable dual learning and original contributions to both research and practice.
This role manages the process of recruiting new senior Policy Fellows each year, drawn from the UK Civil Service, devolved and local government and the third sector. The role holder manages the programme for in person and online visits for between 25 and 30 Policy Fellows each academic year, including researching relevant academics for visits, liaising with relevant stakeholders, planning and scheduling the agenda and running the programme.
The post holder will lead the design and roll out of new communications materials to support the Policy Fellowship Programme, including, but not exclusively, web content, case studies and resources; and work with the IPR Events, Publications and Communications Officer on managing and rolling out policy engagement social media channels and IPR blog.
The Policy Engagement Manager is responsible for overseeing the collection and reporting on impact and evaluation data for wider IPR activities, related to policy engagement, working with the IPR Co-ordinator on delivery. In addition, the post holder will manage the IPR Database.
The post holder will play a key role in supporting the Head of Policy Programmes and Communications in researching, aligning, designing, and delivering new internal policy training, coaching and development activities with the university’s REF and KEF strategies, select large grant applications and for the Bath Beacons.
The post holder will support the Head of Policy Programmes and Communications with designing and delivering broader policy engagement activities across the academic year. This includes monitoring and sharing opportunities with academics, engaging with relevant policy engagement networks and managing the fellowship alumni programme. In addition, the role will help with the development of new internal policy engagement coaching and training activities that support University of Bath research strategies.
The purpose of the role is threefold:
- to recruit senior level policymakers and decision-makers from central and local government and the third sector to the IPR Policy Fellowship Programme to facilitate a tailored programme of meetings with select Bath academics;
- to support the IPR's policy engagement activities;
- to build capacity in Bath’s internal policy engagement training capacity and delivery, to enable greater and more effective and impactful policy engagement across the University of Bath’s research portfolio.
We will accept secondments within the University of Bath for this role (if agreed), and we can consider part-time hours (minimum 0.6 FTE). We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university.
We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
- Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
- Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app
We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:
- Staff support groups and networks
- A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
- A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive
Closing Date: 22 Nov 2026
Department: Management, Specialist and Administration
Salary: £39,560 to £46,970
Policy Engagement Manager (ED14056) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
SETsquared Bath is an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant work culture that champions innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive professional development opportunities, generous benefits, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. Located in the heart of Bath, our team enjoys a family-friendly workplace with a focus on wellbeing, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Engagement Manager (ED14056) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Policy Engagement Manager (ED14056) - Bath, BA2 7AY
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 University of Bath 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 University of Bath
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with University of Bath, 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!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
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 University of Bath.
