Universities Scotland is the representative organisation for Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions (HEIs). We are highly influential in ensuring that politicians, government and its agencies make decisions that promote higher education and its contribution to our economy, culture and society.

Working with the leaders of Scotland’s HEIs, we are a team of 15 staff. We aim to be a confident, creative organisation, with an emphasis on learning and integrity. In developing evidence-based policy proposals and the promotion of our messages, we aim to achieve a positive and significant impact for our members.

We have a vacancy in our team for a Senior Policy Officer. As the successful applicant, you will work in an exciting role at the heart of higher education policy and across multiple areas of expertise. With a particular initial focus in the role on the sector’s resourcing and governance, you will work with colleagues across our team of 15 on a range of policy issues. You will also have the adaptability to support other areas of Universities Scotland’s policy portfolio as required. The successful applicant will have the flexibility to understand diverse issues quickly; build connections between diverse policies; and work with our specialist public affairs team to turn evidence into persuasive stories.

The role is a rare opportunity to work at the heart of Scottish higher education, working closely with Principals and senior colleagues in universities, government, other representative bodies and in industry. You will have a gift for assimilating and summarising large amounts of evidence, understanding members' and stakeholders' priorities, and developing policy proposals that can influence our key audiences. You will have the capacity to be authoritative and persuasive in your presentation to senior audiences within and outside Universities Scotland.