About the role: 

As a Senior Policy Officer, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the policy influencing work of Runnymede across a wide range of areas. Your responsibilities will involve researching and developing evidence-based policy positions, drafting briefings in priority areas and supporting with policy reports, while working closely with other members of the team to contribute to organisational initiatives. A key part of this role will involve supporting the Policy Manager and Head of Policy in managing the Runnymede’s Parliamentary engagement, which includes monitoring ongoing legislation, organising Parliamentary events and managing the Secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Race and Community. 

This role offers an excellent opportunity to play a key role in shaping the organisation’s anti-racist agenda, and to work collaboratively with others to propose and advocate for progressive policy on racial equity and justice. 

This is a challenging position that requires strong organisational skills, an ability to navigate high-stakes environments, and a keen understanding of policy nuance within the shifting landscape of race and social justice. You will be integral to shaping and advancing Runnymede’s anti-racist agenda and will thrive on collaboration and learning in a responsive and dynamic environment. 

This is a key role in one of the UK’s leading think tanks on race and social justice, and has the potential to make an important and long term impact delivering genuine progress towards racial equality in Britain.

Responsibilities and main duties:

Policy development responsibilities 

• Collaborate with colleagues on policy projects, including delivering research or surveys, developing evidence-based policy positions and briefings in priority areas, and producing policy reports;

• Provide policy team input into large-scale, cross-organisational projects with support from the Head of Policy;

• Contribute policy expertise to the team’s overall planning activities, including the development of policy and influencing plans;

• Provide policy input, advice and cross-functional working to other parts of the organisation, including participation in cross organisational initiatives and working groups; 

• Assist in the development, implementation, and review of projects related to educational reform and curriculum change;

• Produce briefings for internal staff, including the senior leadership team.

Stakeholder responsibilities

• Support in leading and coordinating the Runnymede Trust’s Parliamentary engagement and organise some Parliamentary events, including monitoring ongoing legislation and managing the Secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Race and Community;

• Build relationships with parliamentarians and monitor parliamentary developments; 

• Convene high profile stakeholders to advance the Runnymede Trust’s key objectives, as well as building relationships with policymakers and wider civil society groups;

• Develop and nurture external relationships by meeting with stakeholders aligned with policy priorities;

• Network through attendance at meetings, events and conferences; 

• Represent the charity on external policy groups;

• Plan and deliver policy events such as round tables, parliamentary events and conferences, with the support of the Policy manager and other team members.

Management and administrative responsibilities

• Maintain an organised and accessible project management system, including CRM records for policy team projects;

• Draft information, events and commentary material for projects undertaken;

• Support internal and external communication of policy work by proactively contributing content, including for our website, social media and other media platforms;

• Engage with broadcast, print and social media. 

Other Duties 

• Promote Runnymede’s anti-racist values acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture; 

• Any other duties that fall within the scope of the role as required by the Line Manager.

Interview Schedule

Candidates will hear back about their application status on 18th of November, and interviews for shortlisted candidates will be conducted on 25th and 26th of November.