Policy Manager

Motor Neurone Disease Association; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A health-focused non-profit organization in the UK is seeking a Policy Manager to lead initiatives that influence change. You will develop policy positions and engage with key decision-makers. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of UK political systems and demonstrate excellent communication and influencing skills. This role offers hybrid working and various benefits including healthcare access and enhanced pension schemes.

Benefits

28 days holiday

Access to UK Healthcare

24/7 GP access

Life assurance

Salary sacrifice schemes

Enhanced pension scheme

Opportunities for training

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of UK political systems, including Westminster and devolved nations.
• Proven track record in outcome-focused policy development and analysis.
• Experience of managing staff or external consultants.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of policy, research, and analysis for the Association's position.
• Write and oversee production of high-quality policy papers and reports.
• Represent the Association at meetings, seminars, and conferences.

Skills

Excellent communication

Negotiation skills

Influencing skills

Project management

Knowledge of UK political systems

Job description

Policy Manager

Are you a skilled policy professional ready to take the lead on major policy initiatives and influence change at the highest levels? Do you combine policy expertise with the ability to inspire, motivate, and deliver results?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Policy Manager to lead a portfolio of work that shapes our influencing agenda across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In this pivotal role, you will drive forward high-profile projects, developing policy that makes a tangible difference to the lives of people living with and affected by motor neurone disease (MND). Working closely with colleagues in Campaigns and Public Affairs, you will ensure our voice and the voice of the MND Community is heard. You will identify and develop strong policy positions, engage with key decision-makers, and navigate health and social policy structures to achieve meaningful change. Your proactive, solutions-focused approach will help turn ideas into impact. We're looking for someone confident in taking a position, inspiring a team, and influencing policy from concept through to delivery.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to shape policy, build influential relationships, and deliver improvements that matter most to those living with and affected by MND.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of policy, research, and analysis to strengthen the Association's position in key debates.
• Analyse public policy to identify barriers and develop practical solutions for campaigns, briefings, and submissions.
• Write and oversee the production of high-quality policy papers, reports, and speeches.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, government, academics, and other sector stakeholders.
• Coordinate updates on policy developments for internal teams and share information in accessible formats.
• Represent the Association at meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Line manage a team of three Policy Advisers, providing effective supervision and clear objectives.
• Organise policy-related consultations and events.

Candidate Profile

• Strong knowledge of UK political systems, including government departments, Westminster, and devolved nations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Skilled in planning and managing multiple projects to tight deadlines.
• Proven track record in outcome-focused policy development and analysis.
• Confident in interpreting complex issues and presenting them clearly.
• Collaborative team player who can also work independently.
• Experience of managing staff or external consultants.
• Willingness to travel within the UK, with occasional evening or weekend work.

About Us

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families, and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised and addressed by wider society.

Benefits

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays.
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies.
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video.
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines.
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave).
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Opportunities for training and personal development.
• Hybrid working.

The full job description is available in the candidate pack. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.