The Vacancy
Job Title: Policy Manager
Location: London/Hybrid
Salary: £43,294.95 per annum
Weekly Hours: 35
Reference: YMC1130049
There’s a new opportunity for a strategic thinker
with a passion for influencing public policy and making a real difference in
young people’s lives. YMCA England & Wales is looking for
a Policy Manager to play a pivotal role in
shaping the future for communities across the country.
As the largest and oldest youth charity in the
world, YMCA is a dynamic federation committed to supporting young people in
mind, body, and spirit. In this exciting and influential role, you’ll lead our
policy function – ensuring YMCA's voice is heard across Westminster, Whitehall,
and beyond.
About the Role
Reporting to the Head of Policy, Campaigns &
Research, the Policy Manager will drive our
engagement with government, policymakers, and stakeholders by crafting
evidence-based positions that reflect the needs of the YMCA movement and the
young people we serve.
You will be responsible for monitoring emerging
policy developments, preparing responses to government announcements, and
producing high-quality briefings and reports for internal and external
stakeholders. You’ll work closely with local YMCAs to ensure our positions are
grounded in lived experience and reflect the realities faced by communities
across England and Wales.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape public
discourse, build influential relationships, and help us champion the issues
that matter most – from youth homelessness and mental health to employment and
education.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development of YMCA’s public policy
positions using robust research and insights.
- Monitor, analyse, and respond to government
announcements, select committee work, and policy shifts.
- Produce briefings and reports for the Chief
Executive, Board of Trustees, and senior leaders.
- Develop strong relationships with government
departments, civil servants, and coalition partners.
- Collaborate with local YMCAs to ensure grassroots
experiences inform national policy.
- Amplify the voice of young people in all areas of
policy development.
- Support and work closely with colleagues across
the Policy, Communications & International (PCI) team.
About You
You are a confident communicator with a deep
understanding of the UK policy landscape and experience influencing public
policy at a senior level. You bring strategic insight, exceptional analytical
skills, and the ability to turn complex information into clear, impactful
messages.
You’ll have:
- Proven experience in a policy role, ideally in the
charity or public sector.
- Strong political awareness and understanding of
policy-making processes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills,
including experience producing briefings and reports for senior
audiences.
- The ability to build collaborative relationships
across a wide range of stakeholders.
- A passion for social justice and a commitment to
YMCA’s mission and values.
Why Join Us?
At YMCA England & Wales, you’ll be part of a
supportive, inclusive organisation making a tangible impact. You’ll help drive
real change for young people and communities, working in a role that offers
purpose, flexibility, and professional development. If you're interested
please do not delay, due to recent high volume of applications we may have to
close the application window earlier than 24th August.
Our recruitment process is anonymised and
candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications
from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and
the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will
also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding
training and undertake a DBS check.
To apply please upload your CV and send a one page
cover letter by an email.
For further information on YMCA,
visit www.ymca.org.uk/about.
Benefits:
- Generous holiday
- Annual season ticket
- Gym membership
- Flexible working policy
- Company pension
- Health care scheme
To apply, please visit our website via the button
below.
