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The Education Policy Institute (EPI) is seeking an experienced and motivated candidate to join our Communications, Partnerships and Events team as Associate Director, Partnerships & Events.
This position offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the success of EPI, directly supporting our mission to influence and improve policymaking, and ultimately to improve the life chances of children and young people in England.
As a senior role in the Communications, Partnerships and Events Team it offers strategic input across the lifecycle of EPI’s programme – securing partners to fund our research, dissemination of that research through our convening programme, and producing policy papers based on our convening and wider quantitative research.
You will:
- Have strategic oversight of key income streams, including:
- Responsibility for maintaining and growing a portfolio of high-profile EPI partners, as well as supporting the team’s Director to generate major funding partnerships
- Managing delivery of our sector-leading events programme, bringing together decision makers, experts and parliamentarians to further policy debates and disseminate the work of EPI and our partners.
- Produce high-quality policy papers alongside the convening, drawing together sector views with EPI research to influence education policy.
- Lead a small, dynamic team reporting to our Director for Partnerships, Events and Communications, whilst also working closely with the CEO and wider Research teams.
About EPI:
The Education Policy Institute is one of the country’s leading public policy research organisations. We aim to promote high quality education outcomes for all children and young people, regardless of social background.
Our authoritative, impartial research has proven both timely and influential, reaching a large and diverse audience including parliament, government, practitioners and the general public. Our high-quality programme of data-led research generates powerful evidence that is able to shape policy.
About you:
Your work at the Education Policy Institute will build on the experience you already have. You will:
- Have at least three years’ experience working in an events or partnerships role, including experience of strategic leadership within that
- Have exceptional written communication skills, with experience of writing policy briefs desirable
- Be confident leading meetings with partners, speaking authoritatively about your work
- Have experience of managing small teams
- Be able to work at pace, often to tight deadlines, and comfortable working to competing priorities
- Have a good knowledge of education policy
- Be highly organised and efficient with excellent attention to detail
- Be an enthusiastic team player who can work collaboratively and flexibly
- Be committed to EPI’s mission to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children and young people through timely, impactful and evidence-based analysis.
Responsibilities:
- Alongside the Director for Communications, Partnerships and Events, develop long-term partnership strategies designed to support the growth of the organisation.
- Oversee delivery of our sector-leading programme of 30+ events, including our Annual Lecture and regular policy roundtables
- Secure partners for and oversee production of our extensive events programme of events across the political party conferences
- Maintain and build existing EPI partnerships through our Organisation Membership scheme
- Deliver and expand our ‘policy innovation’ strand of work, producing impactful policy papers on emerging topics in education
- Support the EPI research teams in securing funding for their work
- Line management of the Partnership & Events Officer and Executive and Events Officer
- Represent EPI at external events
Benefits:
- We offer a salary of £45,000 to £48,000 depending on experience, plus 8 per cent employer pension contributions.
- We offer flexible working hours, including the opportunity to work from home for part of the week.
- You’ll get 30 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays. EPI also shuts between Christmas and New Year, and that won’t count towards your 30 days.
- We offer season ticket loans and a cycle to work scheme.
- We are a Time to Change employer
Location:
EPI’s offices are based in central London, on Buckingham Palace Road and are very well connected – situated just 5 minutes away from Victoria Station.
Working arrangements:
This role is full-time and based in our London offices with the option to work flexibly, including from home at times and subject to business needs.
Other requirements:
All positions at EPI are subject to reference checks and a DBS check. We ask you to provide two referees in your application. References will only be sought, and a DBS check carried out once a job is offered.
Please note that all EPI roles are subject to a 6-month probation period.
How to apply:
To apply, please send us your CV with a covering letter of no more than two sides, addressing the competencies above, to info@epi.org.uk by 11.59pm on 18th June.
Interviews will take place in our London office during week commencing 23rd June, though we can be flexible with timing and the option of a virtual interview for the right candidate. The interview will cover your skills and experience. The interview panel will include the Director for Partnerships, Events and Communications, a Research Director as well an additional panel member from outside the organisation.
If you have any questions about the post, the application process or require any reasonable adjustments, please do contact info@epi.org.uk before applying and we’ll be happy to discuss it.
Please note that we are only able to consider applicants who have a right to work in the UK as we are unfortunately unable to sponsor applicants at this time. For more guidance on the right to work in the UK please visit: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work
EPI’s commitment to having a diverse workforce:
EPI is committed to having a diverse workforce and eliminating discrimination. Our aim is that each employee within the organisation feels respected and able to give of their best. This commitment is in keeping with EPI’s mission and purpose to improve the outcomes for all children and young people regardless of background.
We need your support, so we especially welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented groups. We especially welcome these candidates to discuss the role and any questions they have with the hiring panel prior to application.
