Senior Policy Officer - University Collaboration

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) seeks a highly motivated and experienced Senior Policy Officer to lead the development and implementation of a strategic engagement framework with universities across the region. This critical role will be key in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange with Institutions across the across the West Midlands.We are offering this role on a fixed term contract basis until 31 March 2025.What will you be doing

Collaborate with university leaders to design and implement a robust framework for engagement, ensuring regular and productive dialogue on issues of mutual interest.

Lead a programme of fore sighting activity, leveraging the expertise of leading academics to identify evidence-based solutions for medium-term regional policy priorities.

Act as a principal point of contact for universities, securing timely and high-quality solutions for senior stakeholders across the Combined Authority.

Establish and facilitate key working groups, both within the WMCA and with external partners, ensuring effective collaboration and project progress.

Regularly report on project progress and outcomes to senior stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and transparency.

Develop strong and productive relationships with key stakeholders across the university landscape and within the WMCA.

Represent the WMCA at external events and meetings, promoting the benefits of university partnerships for the region

About you.

Proven track record in developing and implementing impactful multi-organisation partnerships.

Deep understanding of the university landscape, including research and enterprise funding models, and their regional impact.

Demonstrated ability to translate strategic priorities into practical action plans, and finding creative ways to lever influence on shared priorities.

Experience of using research and analysis to inform policy development and provide strategic advice to senior executives and politicians.

Strong research and analytical skills, evidenced by the ability to produce insightful policy briefings and reports assessing evidence and causal relationships.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships at all levels.

Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Creating an Inclusive Workplace.West Midlands Combined Authority is dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future, we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.
Salary and Benefits.We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme, 28 days of paid annual leave, Cycle to Work Scheme, and discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers. For more details, please visit the benefits page on our careers site.
Location and Working Pattern - what you can expect.
The location for this role is Summer Lane, Birmingham. It is expected that you are able to split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 2/3 days spent in the office.
About us.Our vision is to create a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener, and healthier region. We aim to achieve this vision by living our values, which include being a partnership organisation, valuing and respecting our people, fostering a can-do attitude, and encouraging innovation. WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as "Leaders in Diversity," and has been recognized as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, committed to interviewing all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential role criteria. WMCA believes that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.
Reasonable Adjustments.If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please reach out to our Recruitment Team at careers@wmca.org.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.

Attached documents
Oct 2023 - HE Collaboration Senior Policy Officer.pdf