Associate Director, Partnerships & Events

Education Policy Institute

About the Organisation

Education Policy Institute is one of the country’s leading public policy research organisations. We aim to promote high-quality education outcomes for all children and young people, regardless of social background. Our authoritative, impartial research has proven both timely and influential, reaching a large and diverse audience including parliament, government, practitioners and the general public. Our high-quality programme of data-led research generates powerful evidence that is able to shape policy.

About the role

As a senior role in the Communications, Partnerships and Events Team, it offers strategic input across the lifecycle of EPI’s programme – securing partners to fund our research, dissemination of that research through our convening programme, and producing policy papers based on our convening and wider quantitative research. 

This position offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the success of EPI, directly supporting our mission to influence and improve policymaking, and ultimately to improve the life chances of children and young people in England. 

Responsibilities

• Responsibility for maintaining and growing a portfolio of high-profile EPI partners, as well as supporting the team’s Director to generate major funding partnerships 
• Managing delivery of our sector-leading events programme, bringing together decision makers, experts and parliamentarians to further policy debates and disseminate the work of EPI and our partners. 
• Produce high-quality policy papers alongside the convening, drawing together sector views with EPI research to influence education policy. 
• Lead a small, dynamic team reporting to our Director for Partnerships, Events and Communications, whilst also working closely with the CEO and wider Research teams.
• Alongside the Director for Communications, Partnerships and Events, develop long-term partnership strategies designed to support the growth of the organisation. 
• Oversee the delivery of our sector-leading programme of 30+ events, including our Annual Lecture and regular policy roundtables 
• Secure partners for and oversee the production of our extensive events programme of events across the political party conferences 
• Maintain and build existing EPI partnerships through our Organisation Membership scheme 
• Deliver and expand our ‘policy innovation’ strand of work, producing impactful policy papers on emerging topics in education 
• Support the EPI research teams in securing funding for their work 
• Line management of the Partnership & Events Officer and the Executive and Events Officer 
• Represent EPI at external events  

Skills, Competencies & Experience

• At least three years’ experience working in an events or partnerships role, including experience of strategic leadership within that role 
• Exceptional written communication skills, with experience in writing policy briefs, are desirable 
• Confidently leading meetings with partners, speaking authoritatively about your work 
• Experience in managing small teams 
• Able to work at pace, often to tight deadlines, and comfortable working with competing priorities 
• Good knowledge of education policy 
• Highly organised and efficient with excellent attention to detail 
• Enthusiastic team player who can work collaboratively and flexibly 
• Committed to EPI’s mission to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children and young people through timely, impactful and evidence-based analysis. 

Compensation & Benefits

• 30 days Annual Leave in addition to bank holidays.
• Christmas and New Year's holiday
• Season ticket loans 
• Cycle to work scheme. 
• 6-month probation period.

Conditions of employment

•  You must have the right to work in the UK

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• To apply, please send us your CV with a covering letter of no more than two sides to [email protected] by 18th June 2025 at 11.59 pm
• If you have any questions about the post, the application process or require any reasonable adjustments, please do contact [email protected]

Interviews

• Interviews will take place in our London office during the week commencing 23rd June

Policies

EPI is committed to having a diverse workforce and eliminating discrimination. Our aim is that each employee within the organisation feels respected and able to give their best. This commitment is in keeping with EPI’s mission and purpose to improve the outcomes for all children and young people regardless of background. 

We need your support, so we especially welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented groups. We especially welcome these candidates to discuss the role and any questions they have with the hiring panel prior to application.

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