Principal Policy Adviser

The Principal Policy Adviser will be responsible for a specific policy area, setting the strategic vision and establishing UCAS’ ambitions in this area in order to enhance UCAS’ reputation as a policy expert, and ensure the organisation is fully understanding and engaged with external developments.
The Principal Policy Adviser will develop, enact and deliver a workplan for their area, delivering upon the agreed objectives.
The core purpose of the role is to:

The Principal Policy Adviser will be responsible for a specific policy area, setting the strategic vision and establishing UCAS’ ambitions in this area in order to enhance UCAS’ reputation as a policy expert, and ensure the organisation is fully understanding and engaged with external developments.

The Principal Policy Adviser will develop, enact and deliver a workplan for their area, delivering upon the agreed objectives.

The core purpose of the role is to:

• Own and hold a deep understanding of higher education policy, particularly in relation to progression.

• Lead and shape UCAS’ position and response regarding their specific policy area.

• Have ownership of the quality of output in their area.

• Highlight, understand, and mitigate any reputational risks of UCAS’s policy work in a specific area.

• Establish the stakeholder engagement plan in their area, and own stakeholders at a senior level.

For full job description, please see role profile attached.

Skills, qualifications, and experience

• Project management experience, including overseeing multiple simultaneous projects.

• Experience of applying quality control oversight of policy or research reports.

• Deep understanding of a specific policy area within post-16 education and training.

• Strategic thinker, with ability to quickly undertake impact assessments of potential and real change

• Experience and confidence in independently engaging senior external and internal stakeholders.

• Knowledge of how to influence and deliver government policy change.

Pacakge

 Salary - up to £50,000 - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

• Purpose-driven work in a charity-led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity

• Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry-recognised certifications through our development academies

• Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35-hour week and flexible contracts

• 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave

• Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools

• Onsite facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office

• Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First Aiders

• Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex-gratia bonus for going above and beyond

If you have any questions and would like to find out more about the role before applying please email the Talent Acquisition team via careers@ucas.ac.uk.

How to apply

Please visit our website by clicking on the Apply Now button to see vacancies and to download and complete our application form.