Education Policy Specialist

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has a great opportunity for an Education Policy Specialist to join us on a permanent full-time (35-hour week) basis. 

You can be based in our Cambridge office, as long as you are able to spend around 4-6 days per month in our London office or you can be based in our London office, spending around 4-6 days per month in our Cambridge office. You will also occasionally travel throughout the UK and Ireland, with some weekend and non-core working hours required.

As Education Policy Specialist, you will support the Royal Society of Chemistry's efforts to influence education systems at a national level, with particular reference to chemistry curriculum, qualifications and assessments.  You will work with teams across the organisation, and will actively engage with staff, contractors and partner organisations to develop education policy and manage related projects.

The RSC provides advice, resources and practical support to learners and educators in schools, colleges and universities around the world. In the UK, we are the largest non-governmental funder of chemistry education and we influence government policy to ensure that opportunities to develop skills meet the needs of chemistry.  

Your responsibilities will focus on:

• Monitoring and keeping up-to-date with developments in education and helping the RSC proactively react to developments.
• Compiling, processing and analysing education policy information and drafting and disseminating relevant documents.
• Organising meetings and workshops on education policy, preparing support materials, recording meetings and implementing decisions.
• Working closely with team members and colleagues, along with the Education Division Council and its working groups to respond to official education consultations.
• Writing proactive position statements to progress the RSC’s strategic education activities.
• Managing external advisors, agencies and contractors employed as part of particular projects.
• Being an ambassador, building and maintaining links and collaborating with organisations to develop education policy and resources.
• Actively supporting and collaborating with colleagues and contributing to the development of strategic plans and objectives.
• Undertaking other relevant activities as appropriate.

We are looking for:

• A degree in chemical science is desirable or a related science degree or equivalent is essential.
• Good knowledge of primary, secondary and tertiary education systems, academic and vocational, policy and practise in the UK is essential, and an appreciation of international variations is desirable.
• Experience of policy work, particularly writing for policy audiences is desirable.
• Ability to conduct policy research projects, compile and analyse information.
• Proven ability to work effectively as a member of diverse teams and on your own.
• Good project and time management skills, including the ability to plan and prioritise work, and to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Creativity and the ability to generate ideas.
• Close attention to detail and high standards of excellence.
• A proven ability to successfully manage internal and external relationships, developing networks and creating opportunities with tact and diplomacy.

At the Royal Society of Chemistry, we will support your career and reward your contribution with excellent benefits.

If you are interested, please apply before the end of our closing date.

For a full job description, please click here.