Education Policy & Research Leader (Hybrid)

AQA; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bupa Health Insurance

Health Care Cash Plan

Life Assurance

Electric Vehicle Leasing

Job summary

AQA is seeking a policy-focused professional to shape education policy through evidence, insight and influential engagement.

You’ll monitor developments, commission and analyse research, develop policy positions and provide clear recommendations to support strategic decision-making. This hybrid role involves representing AQA at sector events and partnering with policymakers, regulators and education organisations to drive reform.

Qualifications

• Experience working in policy, public affairs or a regulatory environment with significant stakeholder engagement responsibilities.
• Experience building productive relationships with government, civil service, regulatory or employer stakeholders.
• The ability to analyse information from multiple sources and develop clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• The ability to translate policy thinking into practical outcomes, partnerships or initiatives that deliver measurable change.
• Knowledge of technical and vocational education policy.
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities while delivering high-quality outputs independently.

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining AQA's policy positions, ensuring they remain evidence-based, relevant and responsive to policy changes.
• Leading the production of policy papers, consultation responses, briefings and thought leadership content.
• Monitoring political, regulatory and educational developments, identifying risks, opportunities and implications for AQA.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, regulators, education organisations, think tanks and other key stakeholders.
• Commissioning and managing research projects, including surveys, polling and data analysis, to inform policy recommendations.
• Translating complex research, evidence and policy developments into clear, actionable insight for a range of audiences.
• Representing AQA at sector events, policy forums, roundtables and stakeholder meetings.

Skills

Policy experience

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Project management

Job description

AQA is seeking a policy-focused professional to shape education policy through evidence, insight and influential engagement.

You’ll monitor developments, commission and analyse research, develop policy positions and provide clear recommendations to support strategic decision-making. This hybrid role involves representing AQA at sector events and partnering with policymakers, regulators and education organisations to drive reform.