Job Description

We are seeking an Engagement Officer to help us achieve impact between our world class research and policymaking.


The role focuses on creating, developing, and evaluating policy engagement activity to support the delivery of the University's research strategy.


You will be responsible for the successful delivery of engagement initiatives, aimed squarely at policymakers and influencers locally and nationally. Your knowledge and comprehensive understanding of policy procedures will help you target and prioritise collaboration with stakeholders, identify emerging opportunities, plan communications, deliver an events programme, commission, edit and manage content including online and on social media.


Utilising a broad range of tools and channels you will set the agenda for policy discussion with the aim of delivering outcomes and impact. Through innovative solutions, you will identify new opportunities to reach and influence decision makers on specific projects and campaigns, building close professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.


Your knowledge and comprehensive understanding of policy procedures will help you target and prioritise collaboration with stakeholders, plan campaigns and use your excellent written and oral communication skills you will be able to guide thought leadership. You should be able to deploy strong tact, diplomacy and advocacy skills when required.


You will have very strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build internal and external relationships. You will be required to take a lead role on team projects, taking decisive action where necessary to keep things on track. You will be comfortable working on your own initiative, seeking counsel where appropriate and providing regular reports on activity and achievements to senior colleagues and key stakeholders.


The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

About Policy@Manchester

Policy@Manchester works as an informed broker to connect our researchers with policy makers and policy influencers, supporting and facilitating the process of knowledge exchange.


We work daily with researchers right across the University, providing professional advice and strategic counsel on how academics can best engage with policy audiences and influence our society for the better.


Led by three academic Co-directors, the team has built an enviable reputation for high-impact, high quality work that support our university's strategic aims.


Outputs include influential thought leadership publications, articles that are used to inform policy, an events programme that brings national and regional policy actors together, and training sessions that provide researchers with greater knowledge, skills, and confidence.


Working in our team is challenging and will demand the very best from you, but it will also be rewarding and you will know that you are making a real difference in tackling societal challenges.

What you will get in return:

Fantastic market leading Pension scheme Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays Additional paid closure over the Christmas period Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.


Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here


Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.


Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.


Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Hashim Kohan


Email: hashim.al-kohan@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

0161 850 2004 https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.