Policy and Public Affairs Manager

University of Leeds; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Leeds seeks a Policy & Public Affairs Manager to drive climate-related policy development and advocacy. Working primarily on campus, this role involves engaging with stakeholders at all levels to ensure climate actions are integrated into local and national policies. The position offers a generous holiday scheme, pension contributions, and access to on-site facilities and personal development courses.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays

Generous pension scheme

Discounted staff membership at the campus gym

Access to on-site childcare and shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Experience working with local and combined authorities.
• Expertise in shaping local or regional policy.
• Background in leading stakeholder engagements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Commissions' public affairs work.
• Advocate for inclusive climate-related policy.
• Engage with local and national policy makers.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Excellent communication skills

Experience in stakeholder engagement

Knowledge of climate policy

Job description

Overview

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements. Do you have experience working with local and combined authorities, and politicians at all levels, on the design and delivery of policies that support positive & inclusive climate action? Do you have expertise of shaping local or regional policy and of contributing to policy debates at the national level? Do you have strong organisational and communication skills? Do you have experience in leading and delivering extensive stakeholder engagements across a wide range of sectors and political landscapes? If so, we want to hear from you! We are looking for a Policy & Public Affairs Manager who will play a central leadership role, on behalf of the Climate Commissions in the city of Leeds and across the Yorkshire and Humber region, engaging with local and combined authorities, national fora such as select committees, peers networks and all party parliamentary groups to support the inclusion of climate actions in policies and plans. The climate crisis is the most significant challenge the world faces. The science is clear and at the University of Leeds we are highly focussed on impact - it is our most important contribution to make a positive difference in the world. Our Climate Plan is at the heart of what we are doing to support climate change mitigation and adaptation, locally and globally, while also contributing to a healthier, greener and fairer place to live, work and study. The Climate Commissions' Team, led by the Climate Commissions Director, within the University of Leeds School of Earth and Environment, provide multi-functional support to the Leeds and the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commissions. As the Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will lead the Commissions' team's public affairs work by driving the development and advocacy of inclusive climate related policy. You will ensure climate action is woven across the policy and legislative landscape in a way that supports system level changes championed by Commission-led initiatives and meaningfully brings communities into discussions and policy developments. You will also liaise with politicians and national policy makers to identify and advocate for how UK policy could better support national, regional and local climate actions.

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) - That's 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance- the University contributes 14.5% of salary
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
• And much more!