Head of Lifelong Learning Policy and Research

Head of Lifelong Learning- Policy and Research

Location: Leicester - Hybrid Working

Salary:FTE £44,625 - £57,750 per annum, depending on experience and location

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-time, flexibility or part-time considered

Our client is an independent policy and research organisation focused on lifelong learning and better work. Their vision is for a fair and prosperous society where learning and work enable everyone to realise their potential. They research what works, influence policy, and develop new ideas to improve practice.

The Role

This is a key role within the Institute, responsible for shaping and delivering their 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 2024-2029. 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.

You will need to work collaboratively and enthusiastically as part of L&W’s leadership team of Heads and Directors, and role-model their values and behaviours.

Skills and Qualifications

Research and Development:

• Design and deliver L&W’s lifelong learning campaign
• Lead research and development programmes and projects, particularly on lifelong learning and essential skills
• Identify and secure income to fund their 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 L&W
• Keep up to date with key developments in policy, research and practice.

Organisational duties:

• 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 L&W’s R&D Heads and Leadership teams
• Demonstrate a commitment to equality of opportunity and a positive, open and collaborative approach in line with L&W’s core values and staff charter, called ‘Our Culture’
• Occasional travel and overnight stays will be required.

Person Specification

Essential:

• 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

Desirable:

• Strong understanding of maximising organisational impact, through impact measures and framework
• Successful experience of income generation, including developing funding proposals, developing relationships and bid writing
• Good understanding of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods Experience of delivering a range of policy and research outputs – e.g. research reports, thematic reviews, articles, blogs and summaries

The successful candidate may be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Benefits

• 31 days' holiday increasing to 33 days after 5 years’ service, of which 6 are shutdown days in addition to public holidays.
• Generous company pension scheme with 8% employer contribution
• Group Life Assurance 3*salary
• Hybrid working (with 40%-60% of your time in the office)
• Flexible working practices
• Employee Development Scheme
• Retailer Discounts
• Enhanced occupational maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay
• Enhanced occupational sick pay
• Eye care scheme
• Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme
• Silver award in Investors in People

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable Institute, please click apply to complete your application.