Imperial College London
Head of Policy Programmes
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Job ref: PRS00562
Salary: £71,793 - £82,031 per annum
Closing date: 25 Aug 2026
About the Role
The Head of Policy Programmes leads Imperial College London’s effort to connect our world-leading STEM research with the policymakers who need it most. Working across themes including AI, national security, and the energy transition, you will lead a small team to identify the right researchers, build the platforms to project their expertise, and provide timely, relevant, and actionable insights for policymakers.
What You Would Be Doing
Your central purpose is to lift Imperial's academic expertise into the policy conversations that matter. Success is measured not by your own visibility but by the volume and quality of direct engagement between Imperial's researchers and the policymakers who need their evidence.
- You will lead a team of policy professionals to build and maintain networks of policy-engaged researchers across Imperial, match their expertise to emerging opportunities, and design the events, briefings, and evidence submissions that get the right academic voices heard by the right decision-makers.
- You will also maintain your own senior network across Whitehall and Westminster, using it principally to open doors for Imperial's researchers.
- Alongside this, you will own the Forum's standards and influencing framework, develop partnerships with think tanks, sector bodies, and other universities, and contribute to the Forum's wider strategic planning.
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What We Are Looking For
- Substantial experience leading and managing in a policy or public affairs environment.
- A track record of developing and delivering policy engagement programmes or campaigns.
- Proven people management skills and the ability to deliver results through others.
- Exceptional policy writing skills and experience shaping organizational standards for policy influencing.
- Sound knowledge of the UK policy-making process, including Parliament and government.
- The ability to build productive partnerships across government, academia, and industry, and to navigate complex political environments.
What We Can Offer You
- The opportunity to shape Imperial's policy engagement at a formative moment, leading a programme that connects world-class STEM research to the defining policy challenges of our time.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
- Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
- Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities, and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
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Further Information
This is a full-time, open-ended post (35 hours per week).
Staff in roles suitable for hybrid working will normally be expected to spend 60% of their time onsite.
If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Owen Jackson – Director, Imperial Policy Forum (o.jackson@imperial.ac.uk)
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