Policy coordinator

Circa:

We're seeking a Policy Coordinator to join our Policy and Evidence team. In this key role, you'll ensure the team runs smoothly while helping to shape policy positions and create evidence-based communications.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly organised individual with strong information management, research and data analysis skills to support the delivery of impactful policy work. The role involves providing a range of coordination, change implementation and administrative support to the team and will also provide opportunities to support policy and evidence work, e.g. ethical use of large language models in our work. Whilst coordination and leadership support are the primary parts of the role, there will be opportunities to develop policy knowledge and skills.

You will be part of the team responsible for preparing convincing cases to influence decision makers in areas that impact the chemical sciences as well as responding in an agile way to relevant emerging issues. Through providing support across the policy and evidence team, you will have an opportunity to work on a range of topical issues where chemistry and our chemistry community contribute to achieving economic growth and achieving the sustainable development goals. You will bring a willingness to use technology and coach others to do so.

At the RSC we embrace flexibility and offer hybrid working, which means our teams come together when they need to collaborate. In this role, it is expected that you will attend our Cambridge office 2 days per week. If you need flexible working arrangements, please outline this in your application.

Accountabilities

• Administration: Plan and organise team meetings, awaydays, including logistics, agendas, and follow-up actions including secretariat activities for several regular meetings (including any network management needed to support work with the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution) and supporting monthly reporting

• Team coordination: Support the Head of Policy where needed on team software requirements and representing the team's needs in straightforward business change projects, coordinating the efforts of a range of different people.

• Event management: Support the planning and organisation of policy-related events, coordinate speaker liaison, event communications, and content development.

• Information management: Manage the team's information systems, enabling them to evolve to make the best use of large language models and ensure compliance with information management protocols.

• Research and data analysis: Support external policy work and internal net zero reporting through desk research and data analysis e.g. collecting, analysing, and presenting data on the RSC's annual carbon emissions as part of our Net Zero commitment.

• Communication: Support the development and communication of policy positions, briefings, and messaging including the development and delivery of internal and external communications

• Policy: Contribute to high-quality, evidence-based outputs including case studies, consultation responses, reports, and digital content through research and data analysis.

• Finance: Work with the Head of Policy to monitor budgets and ensure financial processes are followed.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Degree or equivalent experience in science, economics, statistics or public policy.

• Strong research skills and ability to analyse and communicate quantitative and qualitative data, including strong Excel skills and ability to use data visualisation tools e.g. PowerBI.

• Excellent organisational skills with experience in planning and delivering meetings and events.

• Effective written and strong verbal communication skills across a range of audiences and formats and track record of building strong relationships to get things done.

• Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Competence in MS Office software, ability to use a range of technologies to ensure efficiency in your work, to look after and share information and to support others to learn to do so.

• Initiative and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Knowledge of science and public policy.

• Familiarity with key public data sets about science, research, universities, further education and skills

• Experience of managing information, including using digital tools to assist with it.

If you are interested in this role, please apply before the end of the closing date. When applying, you will need to provide an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement (in no more than 500 words) telling us how you meet the essential skills and knowledge criteria.

Benefits

We promote a healthy work/life balance and flexible working options. Our benefits package includes:

• 26 days' paid holiday per annum plus bank holidays.

• Pension plan with up to 12% employer contributions (depending upon your contribution).

• Life assurance at 3 times basic annual salary.

• Enhanced parental leave.

• Paid volunteering days.

Visit our Work For Us website to learn more about us, our benefits, equal opportunities statement and inclusive culture pledge.

At the RSC, we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce and welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply. We particularly encourage applications from disabled and ethnic minority candidates.

As a part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we endeavour, where possible, to offer an interview to candidates meeting the essential criteria of the role, who has a substantial physical/mental impairment which impacts their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

We are committed to making our recruitment processes accessible to all and as part of this, we are flexible in the ways we give and receive information. If you would like to apply using a different format, please contact the Recruitment Team at or on and we will do our best to put any reasonable adjustments in place.

If you have any questions, please contact us