Reference: 100401
Date Added: 2 October 2026
Closing Date: 25 October 2026
Job Title: Senior Public Affairs and Policy Manager
Working For: University Alliance
Location: Hybrid - min 2 days per month in London
Salary: Circa £43,000 per annum, depending on experience
Length of Contract: Permenant
Job Details
Help shape the future of UK higher education
University Alliance is seeking an ambitious and politically astute Senior Public Affairs and Policy Manager to help strengthen our influence across Parliament, Government and the higher education sector. This is a unique opportunity to combine public affairs, political engagement and policy development in a high-profile role with direct access to senior sector leaders, policymakers and parliamentarians.
Working closely with the CEO, Director of Policy, Deputy Director of Policy and Director of Communications, you will lead our parliamentary engagement activity, develop political intelligence and help identify opportunities to influence policy debates. You will also take the lead on policy areas including international higher education, student recruitment, admissions and widening participation
About you
You will bring:
• Experience in public affairs, policy, parliamentary engagement or government relations.
• A strong understanding of Parliament, Government and how policy is shaped and influenced
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to develop persuasive briefings, consultation responses and reports.
• Strong political judgement and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to analyse evidence and data and turn insight into influence.
• Confidence engaging with senior university leaders, officials and parliamentarians.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to join the voice of the UK's professional and technical universities at a time of significant policy change. You will play a central role in shaping our political engagement, developing influential policy positions, and raising the profile of our members with decision-makers across Westminster and Whitehall.
What We Offer
• Flexible hybrid working.
• A varied and influential role combining policy and public affairs.
• Exposure to senior political, government and sector stakeholders.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment
Closing Date: 25 October 2026
Interview/Start Dates
Closing Date: 11.59pm, Sunday 25th October 2026
Interview Date:
1st round interviews via Microsoft Teams, w/c 2nd November 2026
2nd round interviews in person meeting in Central London, w/c 16th November 2026
Application Details
Apply today: https://www.unialliance.ac.uk/about/jobs/
We encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible. University Alliance reserves the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date should a suitable number of applications be received.
If you have not heard from us within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful at the shortlisting stage.
Website: https://www.unialliance.ac.uk/