Head of Policy and Research

London Metropolitan University; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in London is seeking a qualified individual to manage the policy & research strategy for MillionPlus. Responsibilities include overseeing policy projects, drafting reports, and collaborating with stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in policy research, excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with senior leaders. The position offers a salary of £49,563 with excellent benefits, and a hybrid working model is in place.

Benefits

27 annual leave days

Bank holidays

University closure days

Qualifications

• Significant experience in policy research and management of projects.
• Fluency in writing and communication to diverse audiences.
• Experience with member-based organisations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage policy & research strategy for MillionPlus.
• Draft terms of reference for policy research projects.
• Convene networks and working groups for feedback.

Skills

Policy research

Analytical skills

Communication

Political acumen

Staff management

Job description

Your role

You will be responsible for managing the policy & research strategy of MillionPlus, ensuring that policy projects are managed & completed on time and to budget. In liaison with the CEO, you will draft the terms of reference of policy research projects (including external commissions), work in partnership with other organisations & stakeholders as required and play a key role as the author of research reports, policy papers, consultation responses, evidence to Select Committees & briefings for internal circulation & publication to a wide range of audiences, including Ministers & MPs. You will convene MillionPlus Networks & Working Groups associated with the role, ensuring timely input & feedback to the policy & research programme as well as individual projects. In liaison with the CEO & working closely with the Head of Public Affairs & Head of Communications, you will assist in promoting the outcomes of MillionPlus policy papers.

The skills you’ll need

You’ll need to be an experienced policy researcher with the ability to monitor, analyse & develop policy and undertake original research, write fluently & communicate to a wide range of audiences. You will have significant experience of planning & undertaking research for publication, and demonstrable experience of drafting terms of reference, managing research commissions & delivering projects on time and to budget. You should have 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 & influence, and understand the value of promoting policy positions & recommendations via social media. Experience of fielding press enquiries, contributing to press releases & articles, and working effectively with senior leaders, managing staff, with flexibility to contribute to the success of a small team is also required. Knowledge of higher education and experience of working with member‑based organisations are desirable.

Starting salary and key benefits

£49,563 (inclusive of inner London weighting) with 27 annual leave days plus bank holidays and 7 university closure days (pro‑rate for part‑time staff which may need to be taken as time off in lieu).

Location

The successful postholder will be expected to attend the MillionPlus office in London (SE1) twice weekly (Tuesday and Wednesday) with the remaining days home working. However, some flexibility may be required with adequate notice.

Flexibility

Please note that given the need for flexibility to meet the changing requirements of MillionPlus, the duties & location of this post & the role of the postholder may be changed after consultation. In the event of a change of location Inner London Weighting may no longer apply.

If you wish to discuss the job in further detail, please contact Jayne Hope at [e-mail] in the first instance.

Closing date

Friday 02 January 2026

Interviews

To be held in‑person on Thursday 15 January 2026

Please note: London Metropolitan University provides HR support services to MillionPlus, The Association for Modern Universities. As such, all MillionPlus staff are contractually employed by London Metropolitan University.