Kingston University is seeking an impactful and experienced Strategic Insights Manager to join their highly successful team.

Reporting to the Director of Public Affairs and Insight, the Strategic Insights Manager will work to identify, shape and articulate policy positions for Kingston University that are of relevance to the University and its students. You will provide insightful analysis of political and policy developments and their impact on higher education, and identify opportunities for the University in areas such as innovation, the skills agenda, lifelong learning and deepening relationships with political stakeholders and other key policy influencers. You will lead in developing policy lines and messaging, and will generate policy responses to government consultations.

As the post holder, you will also play a key role in co-ordinating the University’s strategic outreach campaign with policy makers and thought leadership opportunities for the Vice-Chancellor and members of the leadership team, developing partnerships with businesses, sector bodies and other stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse the UK political and policy environment and provide insight.
• Work with the Director of Public Affairs and Insight to communicate relevant external developments internally.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with key internal stakeholders across the University.
• Draft policy position papers, articles and blogs for internal/external audiences, and coordinate responses to external-consultations.
• Represent the University at meetings of sector bodies including University Alliance and Universities UK.
• Develop relationships with policy officials/political staff that will have a benefit to the University’s wider interests.

About you

• Proven public affairs experience - ideally gained in the education sector – and a clear understanding of external policy making in Whitehall/Westminster.
• Experience of proactively identifying policy opportunities.
• Experience of advising colleagues at the senior level within an organisation.
• Strong experience of engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders including Westminster and sector-bodies.
• Experience of planning, managing and evaluating projects.
• Experience of using social media techniques.