Head of Policy and Research

MILLIONPLUS; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An association focused on higher education is seeking a Head of Policy and Research to oversee policy and research strategy. This role requires strong analytical skills and experience in policy research, project management, and effective communication. The candidate will draft policy documents, manage research projects, and coordinate relevant networks. This is a full-time position located in the United Kingdom with a closing date for applications on 02 January 2026.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in policy research and analysis.
• Demonstrable experience of managing research projects.
• Ability to write fluently for diverse audiences.
• Experience in promoting policy recommendations via media.

Responsibilities

• Manage policy and research strategy, ensuring timely projects.
• Draft terms of reference for policy research projects.
• Author research reports, policy papers, and consultation responses.
• Coordinate MillionPlus Networks and Working Groups.
• Promote outcomes of policy papers in collaboration with teams.

Skills

Policy research experience

Analytical skills

Excellent writing and communication

Project management

Political acumen

Experience with social media and press

Knowledge of higher education

Leadership and team management

Job description

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 in monitoring, developing and delivering a dynamic policy and research programme, a passion to promote higher education and an interest in influencing the public policy agenda.

Your role

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 CEO, 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 CEO and working closely with Head of Public Affairs and 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, you will have the ability to monitor, analyse and develop policy and undertake original research, write fluently and communicate to a wide range of audiences.
• You will have significant and demonstrable 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.

Closing date:

Midnight, Friday 02 January 2026.

Shortlisting:

Thursday 8 January 2026.

Interviews:

Thursday 15 January (in-person).