Policy & Programmes Manager

Overview

We are seeking a skilled and highly motivated person to join a small but impactful policy and advocacy organisation.

You will provide wraparound policy development support to our clients and partners and take a lead on the day-to-day management of our open policy development programmes which bring stakeholders from across government (local, region and national), the creative and cultural sectors, and the research community together to co-design policy positions.

As Policy and Programmes Manager, you will play a pivotal role in designing and project managing programmes from start to finish; coordinating the development of policy positions; and ensuring Culture Commons are delivering on all agreed outputs in line with our partnership agreements.

In the first 12 months, you will work on the ‘future of cultural devolution’ which will explore how devolution as a policy agenda will impact on the creative and cultural life of the UK.

Responsibilities

Policy design:

·  Support with all policy related activities associated with the Culture Commons client/partner portfolio.

·  Keep clients and partners abreast of evolving policy landscapes related to the creative and cultural sectors more broadly and, in the first 12 months, specifically around devolution.

·  Work with researchers to develop briefing documents for clients and partners to inform policy making processes, support clients and partners to interpret and discuss research or industry developments.

·  Support clients and partners to extrapolate programme outcomes into evidenced policy positions.

·  Develop interim policy briefings, final policy papers and policy-related blogs for the Culture Commons programme website as necessary.

Programme Management:

·  Lead on the general management of and adherence to agreed programme timelines.

·  Felicitate contact with external programme partners, maintaining effective communication and fostering positive relationships.

·  Schedule and coordinate meetings for senior and staff meetings associated with our programmes, ensuring all relevant parties are included and kept up to date with developments.

·  Prepare and distribute meeting agendas, papers, and other materials in a timely manner, ensuring the effective dissemination of programme updates, milestones, and outcomes.

·  Organise and facilitate internal and external online and in-person meetings related to the programme, ensuring all logistical arrangements are in place.

·  Coordinate the development of interim policy reports and final programme policy reports as necessary.

·  Coordinate public facing events such as policy webinars, roundtables, conferences.

·  Monitor project progress, identifying potential risks or issues, and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.

Collaboration and Coordination:

·  Liaise with our research partners and individual researchers, facilitating engagement with our programmes and ensuring timely delivery of any agreed research outputs.

·  Facilitate online co-working and collaboration platforms for partners, fostering effective communication and knowledge sharing.

·  Establish and maintain an organised online filing system to facilitate easy access to relevant documents and resources.

·  Manage any sign-off and approval procedures between partners, ensuring timely completion and adherence to agreed protocols.

·  Support in the negotiation and management of Memorandums of Understanding and contracts with external partners, ensuring compliance and accountability.

·  Assist in the preparation of reports, presentations, and other programme-related documentation, as required.

·  Update CRM and other digital tools throughout.

Qualifications and Skills:

·  Proven experience in a policymaking and/or project management role or similar, preferably in the creative and cultural sectors or local government sectors

·  Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple and partners tasks simultaneously.

·  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging and collaborating with diverse stakeholders with different priorities and needs.

·  Proficiency in coordinating meetings, preparing agendas, and managing all aspects of online and in-person meeting logistics.

·  Understanding of collaborating with academics and researchers.

·  Familiarity with document management systems and online collaboration tools, including Microsoft packages.

·  Ability to work independently and take initiative, while also being a proactive team player.

·  A proactive and solution-oriented mindset, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

·  Interest in cultural devolution policies and the UK cultural landscape would be advantageous.

Attributes and Behaviours

·  Works in a planned and structured manner whilst nonetheless demonstrating the ability to be flexible and adapt to changing business needed.

·  Collaborates and includes others, fostering a collegiate and transparent environment, built on trust and integrity.

·  Makes the most of their own time and being mindful of others' time too.

·  Approaches work with energy and positivity, inspiring and motivating those around them.

·  Demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit and ability to find cost savings and maximise outputs.

·  Remains calm and composed when faced with high-pressure situations.

·  Communicates articulately and confidently, even in challenging situations, and is not afraid to address conflict sensitively.

·  Approaches complex problems and decision-making objectively, seeking the best possible solutions.

·  Strives for excellence, always aiming to deliver the highest quality results, and embraces opportunities for improvement.

Further Details

Salary

£36,000.00 to £38,000.00 per annum dependent on experience.

Days

5 days per week (40 hours), usually Monday to Friday though some flexibility may be required depending on business needs.

Term

Full time

Location

Remote working anywhere in the UK, with some meetings in person to be negotiated. Access to co-working space in locality to be negotiated on a case by case basis.

Eligibility

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. Unfortunately, Culture Commons is not able to sponsor overseas candidates with VISA or other processes on this occasion. Culture Commons is an equal opportunities employer: we particularly encourage candidates from minoritized backgrounds of all kinds to apply for this role. Please let us know if we can adapt our recruitment process to enable you to participate meaningfully.

Appointment process

Application deadline

Sunday 6th August 2023

Online interviews

Weds 9th August 2023

Possible follow up online interviews

Fri 11th August 2023

Proposed start date

w/c Mon 21st August 2023

How to apply

Please send a covering letter (no more than one side of A4 font size 12) briefly explaining your interest in this role and any relevant experience based on the job description above and a copy of your CV or a link to an online portfolio to contact@culturecommons.uk with ‘[Your name] - Project Manager application’ in the RE window.

Application deadline

Sunday 6th August 2023

About Culture Commons

Culture Commons is a small not-for-profit policy development and advocacy organisation working with the creative, cultural and research communities to design policy and influence decision makers.

We’re committed to advancing the understanding of the multiple positive spill over impacts that the creative and cultural sectors can bring about, using robust research to ensure our policy recommendations are always evidence-led.

We regularly work with decision makers at the local, national and international levels, sector leaders and grassroots organisations, as well as leading research institutes and think tanks.

You can find out more about us at www.culturecommons.uk