Director of Policy & Insight

Staffline Recruitment (NI) Ltd.; Belfast; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency in Northern Ireland is seeking a Director of Policy & Insight to lead a team focused on research and policy development. This permanent role involves strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement, ideal for a senior professional passionate about influencing policy. Competitive salary of £55,610 - £57,867 with a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Work From Home

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' relevant experience in policy development and team management.
• Experience engaging with a range of stakeholders including government and media.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Policy & Insight team.
• Develop strategic plans to influence public policy.
• Manage communications and advocacy efforts.

Skills

Research

Policy Development

Strategic Engagement

Stakeholder Communications

Education

Degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Role Title: Director of Policy & Insight Type: Permanent (35 hours weekly) Salary: £55,610 - £57,867 Location: Belfast (hybrid working)

About the Role

Staffline Recruitment Ireland are delighted to be partnering with an established organisation in Northern Ireland in the search for a Director of Policy & Insight to join their senior leadership team. This is a strategic role with responsibility for leading a team focused on research, policy development, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement. The role is ideal for a senior professional passionate about influencing policy, strengthening sector impact, and driving organisational innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Policy & Insight team, ensuring delivery of high-quality research and policy initiatives
• Develop and implement strategic plans to influence public policy and strengthen sector impact
• Oversee communications, public affairs, and advocacy efforts, acting as a key spokesperson when required
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across government, media, and the voluntary/community sector
• Contribute to organisational strategy and income generation initiatives
• Recruit, manage, and develop the team, promoting a culture of collaboration and excellence

Essential Criteria

Applicants must, by the closing date, meet one of the following:

Option 1

• A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline with a strong element of Policy, Public Relations, or Research
• Minimum of three years' relevant experience in each of the following areas:
• Leading policy development, including consultations on social and economic policy issues
• Leading, developing, and managing a high-performing team to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines
• Collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including government departments, political representatives, and sector organisations

Option 2

• Minimum of five years' experience in each of the areas above

Additional Requirements

• Experience engaging with media, including social media, websites, regional and local press, to communicate policy messages and encourage debate
• Experience devising work plans, coordinating campaigns, and reporting on outcomes

Closing Date for Receipt of Applications: Midday on Monday 24 November 2025.

Please contact Ellen at Staffline for more details.

Skills

• Research
• Policy Development
• Strategic Engagement
• Stakeholder Communications

Benefits

• Work From Home