Policy and Research Manager

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

Contract type: Permanent
Location: Manchester or London
Salary: Manchester £44,000 - £47,000 | London £45,000 - £50,000
Working arrangements: Hybrid, with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office

Help shape the future of education policy through evidence, insight and influence

If you're motivated by turning research into meaningful change and want your work to influence national conversations about qualifications, assessment and education reform, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact. You'll play a key role in developing AQA's policy positions, engaging senior stakeholders across the sector and ensuring evidence and insight sit at the heart of decision-making.

Your work will help shape thinking that affects learners, teachers and the wider education system.

Purpose of the role

You’ll be at the centre of AQA’s policy and public affairs activity, helping to develop evidence-based positions on qualifications, assessment, curriculum and wider education reform. Working as part of a high-profile Policy and Public Affairs team, you’ll monitor emerging policy developments, commission and analyse research, and build relationships with policymakers, regulators and sector leaders. You’ll help ensure AQA remains an influential and trusted voice in education, while providing colleagues with clear recommendations and insight that support strategic decision-making.

Key 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.

You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• 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.

What’s in it for you

• A platform to influence education nationally and represent AQA at key events
• Career development and professional growth in a leading education charity
• Hybrid working and flexibility to support work-life balance
• Comprehensive benefits including Bupa Health Insurance, Health Care Cash Plan, Life Assurance and an Electric Vehicle Leasing scheme, generous combined pension contributions up to 18.5% and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas
• An inclusive culture that welcomes new perspectives, values collaboration and encourages innovative thinking to improve how we support teachers and students

Diversity and inclusion

At AQA, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can do their best work. We value the different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds our people bring, knowing they strengthen our culture, decision-making and impact. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect, has access to opportunities to grow and contribute, and feels able to be themselves. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Make your mark on Policy and Research - join AQA and help shape the future.

Onboarding expectations

Please note that an Enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.

Successful candidates will be unable to maintain an Associate role with AQA or any other exam board.