Experienced Education and Skills Policy Manager – Driving Change in Engineering and Technology Education

About Us

We are a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to increasing the diversity and numbers of young people entering engineering and technology to meet the future workforce needs. Our mission is to enable more young people from all backgrounds to be informed, inspired, and progress into engineering and technology careers. We believe that a stronger, more diverse, and representative workforce is essential for the UK's future prosperity and sustainability.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Education and Skills Policy Manager to join our team at an exciting time for education and skills policy. As a key member of our policy and public affairs team, you will play a critical role in driving our mission forward. You will report to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs and work closely with colleagues across EngineeringUK and with our partners to deliver our policy and public affairs programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on policy projects and develop organisational policy positions, producing reports and responses to government consultations (with a focus on education and skills) as well as our engagement with stakeholders, internally and externally.
• Work closely with the Public Affairs Advisor and other colleagues to communicate these messages to government and government departments.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government departments, educational institutions, and industry partners.
• Contribute to the development of our policy and public affairs programme, including identifying opportunities for engagement and influencing policy decisions.
• Provide policy advice and support to colleagues across EngineeringUK, including the development of briefings, reports, and other materials.
• Represent EngineeringUK at external events and meetings, as required.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Demonstrable experience of developing organisational policy positions, policy responses, and report writing, as well as leading on impactful policy engagement with government stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including a proven ability to simplify complex research and policy messages, and to write confidently and concisely for a variety of audiences.
• A pro-active approach and a proven ability to work independently and prioritise in response to many competing demands and deadlines.
• Proven experience in building lasting partnerships and stakeholder management, including engaging a range of different sectors and organisations in public policy development.
• A good understanding of the education and skills landscape in England, as well as the political environment surrounding it.
• Proven ability to lead a project and take people with you, as well as work collaboratively with others, contributing to team decisions and facilitating cross-organisational working.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

While not essential, the following qualifications and experience would be highly desirable:

• A degree in a relevant field, such as politics, education, or social policy.
• Experience of working in a similar role in a not-for-profit or public sector organisation.
• Knowledge of the education and skills policy landscape in England, including current initiatives and challenges.
• Experience of working with government departments, educational institutions, and industry partners.

Skills and Competencies

To be successful in this role, you will need to possess the following skills and competencies:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with stakeholders and colleagues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex data and policy information.
• Proven ability to work independently and prioritise in response to many competing demands and deadlines.
• Ability to lead a project and take people with you, as well as work collaboratively with others, contributing to team decisions and facilitating cross-organisational working.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

We offer a range of career growth opportunities and learning benefits, including:

• Regular training and development opportunities, including workshops, webinars, and conferences.
• Access to a range of online learning platforms and resources, including LinkedIn Learning and Coursera.
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and initiatives, including policy development and stakeholder engagement.
• Regular feedback and coaching from your line manager and colleagues.
• Opportunities to contribute to the development of our policy and public affairs programme, including identifying opportunities for engagement and influencing policy decisions.

Work Environment and Company Culture

We offer a vibrant and inclusive work environment, with a range of benefits and perks, including:

• A competitive salary and benefits package, including a pension scheme and annual bonus opportunity.
• A flexible working arrangement, including the option to work from home and a minimum of 2 days (or 40%) a week in the office.
• A vibrant office with a terrace overlooking the Thames embankment and Tower Bridge.
• Access to a range of employee benefits, including an Employee Assistance Programme and life insurance.
• Opportunities to contribute to our company culture, including participating in our diversity and inclusion initiatives.

How to Apply

If you are a motivated and experienced professional with a passion for education and skills policy, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your CV and a cover letter, to [insert contact details].

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to being an inclusive workplace, where everyone feels they belong.

Don't hesitate to apply – we look forward to hearing from you!