This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing policy team, working with the UK’s leading research universities. We’re looking for an outstanding policy manager who can lead our innovation portfolio, taking a creative and evidence-based approach to policy development and advocacy.
The Russell Group represents the interests of our 24 university members at the highest level with our government, but also with key research and innovation funders, with business, third-sector partners, regulators, and internationally with like-minded bodies.
As Policy Manager, you will undertake research and provide robust and clear evidence and persuasive advocacy to support the delivery of the Russell Group’s strategic objectives. The role involves, but is not limited to, the following:
* Leading the development and direction of Russell Group’s innovation policy work, including initiating new strands of work and activity where appropriate.
* Proactively monitoring policy developments to identify potential issues, opportunities, and challenges.
* Advocating for the Russell Group and its policy positions with a range of senior stakeholders and decision makers to influence government policy.
* Fostering strong working relationships with existing key partners and stakeholders and identifying and building new relationships where needed.
* Managing and delivering research projects. This will include conducting analysis and research that may involve complex data analysis.
* Writing high-quality, persuasive and evidence-based briefing papers, consultation responses, and reports on relevant issues for a variety of audiences.
* Contributing directly to public facing outputs including press statements, blogs, opinion pieces and occasional media interviews.
* Representing Russell Group interests externally at events and meetings with stakeholders and policy makers, including public speaking.
Candidates will need to demonstrate that they can manage and prioritise a challenging and varied portfolio of work, meet tight deadlines, pick up a range of topics quickly and with authority, and work cooperatively and flexibly as part of a team. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:
* Substantial experience of working in policy analysis and development.
* Experience of networking and influencing diverse and senior groups of stakeholders, preferably involving advocacy work with business and/or government.
* Project management skills and experience of owning projects and policy areas.
* Ability to pick up and manage new policy areas quickly.
* Capability to respond effectively to rapidly changing policy environments, including by showing sound judgement in re-prioritising workplans and initiating new workstreams.
* Ability to analyse policy issues and propose solutions - demonstrating political awareness and sensitivity to different viewpoints.
* A high degree of attention to detail in producing persuasive, evidence-based conclusions across complex policy issues and addressed to a range of audiences.
* Experience of analysing/using a range of data/information sources to inform evidence-based policy development.
* Ability to communicate diplomatically in person and in writing, including representing the organisation externally.
* Experience of working in research and innovation policy is desirable but not essential.
Our Candidate Pack, which includes the vacancy description for the role, and our Equal Opportunities Monitoring form are available to download from the Russell Group website:
We welcome applications from people whatever their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and belief, or age. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion as a core part of our values, which are stated in the Candidate Pack.
The starting salary will be in the range of £51,000-£56,000. This is dependent on skills and experience and a higher salary may be available for an exceptional candidate.
Our offices are based in the heart of Westminster, with proximity to key stakeholders and easy access to public transport links. We operate a flexible working policy where staff may choose to work from home up to two days a week. Benefits include a generous defined benefits pension, enhanced parental leave/pay and flexible working polices, an interest-free travelcard loan and a cycle scheme.
Closing date for all applications: 5pm, Wednesday 29th April 2026
First and second round interviews are likely to be scheduled for the weeks commencing 18th and 25th May 2026 respectively (excluding the bank holiday).
Only applicants invited to interview will be contacted. If you have not heard by 15th May 2026 your application will not have been successful.
To apply, please submit the following to rg.1@russellgroup.ac.uk by the application deadline:
* An up-to-date curriculum vitae (max. 2 sides of A4) including:
o details of your current and past employment
o your degree qualifications including subjects and grades
o two references (your current/most recent employer and a former line manager)
* A cover letter no more than two sides of A4 addressing the following points:
o how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role
o why you are interested in working for the Russell Group
* We ask all applicants to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring form which you can download from our Vacancies webpage -
For a confidential discussion, please contact Stephanie Smith on 020 3816 1310 or at Stephanie.Smith@russellgroup.ac.uk.