MillionPlus Head of Policy and Research

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MillionPlus
Company:  Middlesex University
Location:  Elephant & Castle
Starting Salary: 
£43,451
per annum
Grade:  Grade 7
Contract Type:  Permanent
Hours per Week:  35.5
Date Posted:  Monday 08 January 2024
Closing Date:  Monday 29 January 2024
Interview Date: 
To be confirmed
Reference:  EXE82-R

MillionPlus, The Association for Modern Universities, is seeking a highly motivated Head of Policy and Research with strong analysis skills and experience in undertaking original policy research. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with experience managing and delivering a dynamic policy and research programme, a passion to promote higher education and an interest in influencing the public policy agenda. 

You will be responsible for managing the policy and research strategy of MillionPlus, ensuring that policy projects are managed and completed on time and to budget. In liaison with the Chief Executive, you will draft the terms of reference of policy research projects (including external commissions), work in partnership with other organisations and stakeholders as required and play a key role as the author of research reports, policy papers, consultation responses, evidence to Select Committees and briefings for internal circulation and publication to a wide range of audiences, including Ministers and MPs. You will convene MillionPlus Networks and Working Groups associated with the role, ensuring timely input and feedback to the policy and research programme as well as individual projects. In liaison with the Chief Executive and working closely with Head of Advocacy and Head of Operations, you will promote the outcomes of MillionPlus policy papers. You will also exercise day-to-day line management responsibility for the MillionPlus Policy Officer. 

You’ll need to be an experienced policy researcher, you will have the ability to monitor and develop policy and undertake original research, write fluently and communicate to a wide range of audiences. You will have significant experience of planning and undertaking research for publication. You will need political acumen to ensure that MillionPlus research reports, policy papers and consultation responses are authoritative, evidence-based and presented in ways likely to maximise interest and influence. You will have demonstrable experience of drafting terms of reference, managing research commissions and delivering projects on time and to budget. You will understand the value of promoting policy positions and recommendations via social media and will have experience of fielding press enquiries and contributing to press releases and articles. You will have the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, manage staff and have the flexibility to contribute to the success of a small team. 

Knowledge of higher education and experience of working with member-based organisations are desirable. A passion for using research and evidence to make a difference is essential. 

We operate a hybrid system where employees are expected to attend the office twice weekly (Tuesday and Wednesday) and work from home on all other days. However, some flexibility may be required with adequate notice. 

The office is based in Elephant and Castle, London, SE1. 

Please contact Jayne Hope, Head of Operations at [email protected] for further information

We value diversity and strive to create a fairer, more equitable work environment for our staff and students.

We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff diversity networks, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds.

Middlesex is home to a diverse community of professionals. We are a bronze award holder of the Athena Swan Charter, a member of the Race Equality Charter, a Stonewall Top 100 employer and Gold award holder in 2023, and a Disability Confident Leader. We are committed to improving employment opportunities for underrepresented groups.