Policy Manager

Role: Policy manager

Reporting to: Deputy chief executive and policy lead

Based: Durham OR Newcastle plus hybrid working

Department: Policy and knowledge

Contract: Permanent

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri

Salary: £35,000 per annum dependent on experience

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced policy manager to join our dynamic policy and knowledge team.

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The successful candidate’s main aim will be to drive the Chamber's policy programme, through member-led insight, wider analysis and the development of creative policy strategies and products which deliver measurable impact.

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You will work with the membership team to ensure our policy work is effective, relevant and drives positive membership growth.

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To shape the way in which the Chamber continues to be a credible voice on behalf of businesses in the North East and nationally.

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WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Responsibilities for the successful candidate include:

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• Develop a creative and rigorous approach to policy activity within the Chamber by identifying opportunities, creating strategies and delivering policy products which generate measurable impact for members, the business community and wider society in the North East.
• Horizon-scan a wide-range of research and other sources to put the Chamber at the forefront of thinking on economic and social issues regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Produce policy insight and analysis to support members, staff and wider stakeholders to understand and shape regional and national policy.
• Represent the Chamber and its membership at high profile national and regional meetings and events, including via the British Chamber of Commerce network, as well as deputising/supporting a range of staff.
• Represent the Chamber in online, print and broadcast media, as well as writing policy content for Chamber and third-party outlets.
• Build, maintain and manage relationships with members and key stakeholders including public bodies, combined authorities and representative groups as well as credible independent partners.
• Support our membership managers and the senior membership team to build a policy offer with a demonstrable impact on membership, focusing on target sectors, geographies, or sizes of business.
• Work with communications and marketing to develop effective campaigns which engage supporters and prompt action.
• Line manage junior staff and/or support for academic placements or work shadowing opportunities.
• Support the deputy chief executive and assistant director - policy to contribute to wider organisational strategy, planning and development including creating team objectives and plans.

WHAT WE NEED TO SEE

The Chamber team is passionate about the North East, our business community and our members. We work hard to achieve outcomes for our business and our members.

Skills and experience are important but what is important above all else is character and willingness to learn and achieve. It is vitally important that we find the right person who fits into our beliefs and culture here at the Chamber.

Some of the other skills and experience that we are looking for include:

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent, including Maths and English.
• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification in politics, the humanities or a related field. Alternatively, equivalent professional or voluntary experience.

Skills and experience

• Strong organisational and time manage skills, balancing reactive and proactive work and campaigns effectively.
• Team development and organisational skills, including deputising for senior staff.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) with experience of writing effectively to inform, influence and engage a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to create, maintain and promote good working relationships, amongst staff, members and wider stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and experience of CRMs.

Other requirements

• A good understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion and the role this plays in inclusive economic growth.
• Ability to work in flexible locations and flexible hours, where needed.
• Comfortable working independently and as a team.
• Drive and enthusiasm for supporting the North East business and wider community.
• Candidates welcome from outside the North East. The role requires between two – three days per week on average based in the region.

WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER

We have a great culture at the Chamber and supporting a healthy work life balance is important to us. We actively promote a professional, engaging, friendly and supportive environment, with our people and our members at the heart of everything we do. We offer several benefits including:

·       25 days annual leave, increasing with each year of service, up to 30 days plus public holidays each year

·       An additional days leave on your birthday

·       Life assurance four-times basic salary

·       Contribution to one professional membership each year

·       Employee assistance programme

·       A motivating, encouraging environment to work in

·       Flexible working supporting work life balance, with a mix of home and office working

·       Salary exchange pension scheme with 4% Chamber contributions

·       Long service awards

·       Salary sacrifice schemes, such as: cycle to work and car leasing

·       Health cash plan paid by the Chamber and provided by Westfield Health

·       Colleague events including summer social and Christmas party