Head of Lifelong Learning (Policy & Research)

Head of Lifelong Learning (Policy & Research)

£44,625 - £57,750 per annum (depending on experience and location) + benefits

Full time, permanent

Hybrid, 2-3 office days per week in London or Leicester

Organisation:

Independent policy and research institute

Role:

Our client is a leading policy and research institute focused on lifelong learning and better work. This is a new role responsible for shaping and delivering the lifelong learning campaign. The postholder will also lead high-profile, impactful research and development work focused on lifelong learning and essential skills.

The role will involve leading campaigns, research and development work aligned to ambitions in their strategic plan . This includes advocating and making the case for lifelong learning; understanding patterns of learning participation to tackle persistent inequalities; and building the evidence base on engaging people in adult learning.

You will bring expertise in campaigning and advocacy work; a track record in developing and delivering impactful programmes of work; a good understanding of the policy context; experience in business development; and a passion for making an impact.

Key Responsibilities:

In this role you will:

• Design and deliver the lifelong learning campaign
• Lead research and development programmes and projects, particularly on lifelong learning and essential skills Identify and secure income to fund the lifelong learning campaign and projects, including through proactive approaches to funders and partners, and responding to tenders and calls for proposals
• Ensure that work is delivered to time and quality expectations, within budget, with appropriate measures of its impact, and with regular engagement with partners and funders
• Develop and maintain effective relationships and networks with key stakeholders
• Speak and present at external events as a representative of the institute
• Keep up to date with key developments in policy, research and practice
• Manage researchers/project managers (line and project management) positively and proactively contribute to their personal and professional development Work collaboratively, leading with integrity and sharing the load, being willing to take on projects outside of programme if needed
• Play an active role in the organisation as a functional and strategic leader, as part of R&D Heads and Leadership teams
• Demonstrate a commitment to equality of opportunity and a positive, open and collaborative approach in line with their core values and staff charter.

Candidate:

You'll be able to demonstrate:

• Degree (in a relevant subject e.g. social science), equivalent qualifications or evidence of equivalent experience
• Strong understanding of campaigning and advocacy work, with the ability to design, develop and utilise appropriate methods and tools to make an impact on policy
• Proven track record in delivering complex and high-profile programmes of campaigns, research or development work, including managing and mobilising resources, and delivering to time and quality expectations within budget
• Understanding of current policy and practice in relation to learning and skills
• Experience of working in or closely with a policy, communications, media and/or public affairs team
• Strong understanding of how research evidence can be used to influence policy
• Proven track record in building strong relationships with government, delivery organisations, partners and funders
• Experience of developing and leading a high-performing team, including co-ordinating and managing projects and priorities, and supporting professional and personal development
• Ability to work under own initiative with a proactive approach to problem solving Knowledge of and commitment to L&W's charitable aims and purpose
• Strong understanding of maximising organisational impact, through impact measures and framework (D)
• Successful experience of income generation, including developing funding proposals, developing relationships and bid writing (D)
• Good understanding of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods (D)
• Experience of delivering a range of policy and research outputs - e.g. research reports, thematic reviews, articles, blogs and summaries (D)

Apply:

To apply, please send of a copy of your CV to

Candidates with relevant skills and experience will be contacted and a full Job Description will be shared. We will then invite you to write a supporting statement to accompany your CV.

Please note that you must already have the right to work in UK to apply for this role.

Closing date: 12pm, Monday 18 th November

First interviews will be held in-person at the London office, Monday 2 nd December.