About Universities UK
We are the collective voice of the UK’s universities and have 141 member universities. For over 100 years, we have brought universities together in all four nations of the UK to foster collaboration, exchange insight, and influence policy.
Our universities are at a pivotal juncture. It is more vital than ever that we can communicate our positions in an effective, collaborative, and powerful way. We shape the narrative surrounding a sector which educates 2.7 million students, generates new discoveries every day, makes a £130bn contribution to the UK economy, and supports 440,000 jobs.
Director of Policy
We are recruiting a new Director of Policy into what is a key leadership role. This critical role leads on ensuring that our proactive policy development is impactful as well as guiding our members on how collectively we can react to government policy in a collaborative and effective way. As part of the UUK Leadership Team, you will play a crucial role in developing and influencing policies on a range of issues including research, knowledge exchange, international policy and universities’ responses to societal challenges. Whether your interest lies in education, economic health, research, innovation, employment, or the reputation of our countries internationally, you will have a significant impact on each of these issues through leading our talented and dedicated policy team.
As the Director of Policy, you will be responsible for:
* Leading the development and implementation of Universities UK’s policy strategies.
* Build and maintain strong, trusted and influential stakeholder relationships and networks at senior levels, both within the higher education sector and with policy makers and influencers.
* Negotiate and collaborate with stakeholders in order to shape the higher education and research policy landscape and ensure UUK’s work has maximum influence and impact.
* Ensure effective engagement, consultation and involvement of members in UUK’s policy work and building consensus, including providing input and advice to the UK Board and other committees and members.
* Playing a visible and meaningful role as a senior leader within UUK and the sector.
* Leading a multi-functional policy team overseeing research, knowledge exchange, international policy, and responses to societal challenges.
* Providing a coherent, productive, and active voice as part of the executive leadership team of Universities UK.
To qualify as the Director of Policy, you must have:
* Extensive experience in policy development, analysis, and influence.
* Proven track record of successfully leading multiple programme teams across a wide matrix of policy domains and with a range of stakeholders, including at senior levels.
* Extensive experience in dealing with complex policy issues and implementing successful policy strategies.
* Direct line management experience, including supporting and developing people in a wide range of roles.
* Experience of leading several teams simultaneously while managing organisational priorities.
* Experience of preparing and briefing senior spokespeople and stakeholders for high-level political meetings. If you are passionate about higher education and research and have the strategic vision to lead our policy efforts, we would love to hear from you. Experience of successfully engaging with and collaboratively influencing Whitehall and (in collaboration with your public affairs colleagues) other key political decision makers and a strong understanding of how to navigate the UK policy making landscape.
How to apply:
For further information about this exciting opportunity, including details of how to apply, please visit: http://www.berwickpartners.co.uk/92873
For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners, you can contact the Principal Consultant leading our search on:
Thomas Ewen; thomas.ewen@odgersberndtson.com
Closing date for applications: 23:59 on Sunday 2nd February 2025