OFFICE LOCATION

10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Evidence gathering and quantitative analysis

• Research, evaluate and interpret policy issues using quantitative and qualitative research methods to examine data from a variety of data sources including HESA, UCAS, JCQ, ONS and Gov.uk.
• Identify evidence and data - including gaps and trends - that provide insight into and further the Academy’s goal of demonstrating the health and benefits of the SHAPE disciplines.
• Produce statistical notes, data visualisations, databases and statistical analysis as needed.
• Contribute towards reviewing and updating the HE&R team’s data analysis systems and processes, working with the team to identify where developments are needed, to better generate insights and evidence.

Producing policy outputs and outcomes

• Utilise research and analysis to support the development and delivery of policy projects, sometimes within larger programmes, under the HE&R policy workplan.
• Balance a range of projects and activities, including organising meetings, contributing to reports and consultation responses, and undertaking background research as necessary.
• Support the publication, launch and dissemination of relevant outputs and work with Academy colleagues to ensure relevant and timely and communication of the Academy’s higher education policy positions.

Stakeholder engagement

• Engage effectively with the interests, strategies and policies of stakeholders, using evidence to advance the development, visibility and impact of the Higher Education and Research policy programme, including working with committees, steering and advisory groups and the Academy’s Fellowship as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain partnerships, identifying opportunities for collaboration with external bodies and data holders where appropriate, seeking to understand the totality of the higher education data landscape and to advocate for the Observatory.
• Represent the Academy at appropriate meetings, conferences and events, presenting the Academy’s views and positions.

Key Stakeholders

• Internal: Higher Education and Research team, and Director of Policy; Media and Public Affairs team; Communications and Marketing team; Monitoring and Evaluation team
• External: Includes but not limited to other National Academies and Higher Education or research representative bodies, and data holders in the sector

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• A university degree in a relevant area such as business administration, event management, information systems or data analysis is desirable but not required.
• We welcome applicants with equivalent professional experience and transferable skills.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Works and communicates effectively
• Creates productive working relationships with others internally, particularly in working with committees and working groups, and with academics, to increase engagement in policy work
• Can build and maintain effective relationships with, and work in partnership with, other organisations in the higher education or SHAPE community, including data holders and providers.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards helping others by providing appropriate support, using initiative and not waiting to be asked.
• Adopts a communication style appropriate to the situation and the audience, in both written and oral communications.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills
• Can demonstrate experience and skill in analysing, modelling and interpreting complex data in policy work, and is able to conduct qualitative and quantitative research to draw conclusions for policy briefings, reports, and other outputs.
• Is proficient and has experience in the use of statistical analysis and platforms to conduct research and analysis, such as Excel, Tableau and Power BI. Knowledge of education data sources is desirable.
• Can demonstrate an understanding of politics and policymaking in UK. Comprehension of the UK higher education landscape and context for SHAPE disciplines is desirable

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

• Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives
• An assured, open-minded, and positive outlook with a constructive attitude to challenges and sharing knowledge and skills with others.
• Is successful in planning and delivering projects, working in a team, taking ownership of tasks, and being proactive in spotting issues.
• Can proactively identify new sources and alternative ways of presenting data.
• Able to meet deadlines under pressure, accurately and with attention to detail, often balancing conflicting priorities

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

• Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach
• Monitors progress effectively, including written reporting, and is able to escalate risks or concerns as needed.
• A creative and strategic thinker, with the capacity to deal with complex issues and ambiguity.
• Able to use tact and diplomacy and to handle confidential information.
• Responds constructively and practically to obstacles and unexpected developments.

MUST BE COMMITTED TO THE BRITISH ACADEMY'S WORKPLACE VALUES OF:

COLLABORATION, CREATIVITY, EMPATHY, EXCELLENCE, INTEGRITY, RESILIENCE AND RESPECT

Please ensure that you have a valid right to work in the UK at the time of submitting your application.

Role closes to applications on 2 October 2026