Executive and Events Officer

The Education Policy Institute (EPI) is a leading independent public policy research institute.  We produce influential, authoritative, data-driven research that is both timely and influential to policymakers, practitioners and the public.

We’re looking for a talented and motivated candidate to join our Communications, Events and Partnerships team as an Executive and Events Officer. This post offers a real opportunity to progress within our organisation.

As an Executive and Events Officer at EPI, you will have the opportunity to:

• Broaden your skills in a fast-paced environment as part of our Communications,  Events and Partnerships team;
• Support policy-relevant events that have a real impact on the ground; and
• Support and contribute to the growth of the organisation.

To apply, please fill out an application form by Monday 15th July at 9am.

About EPI

The Education Policy Institute is an independent, impartial and evidence-based research institute that promotes high quality outcomes for all children and young people, regardless of background. We are known for producing research that both informs and influences public debate and policymaking.

We believe that public services should be designed using the best available evidence. Our research aims to improve outcomes throughout the education system, in the early years, in schools and colleges and through technical, vocational and academic pathways. Because we believe that young people’s wellbeing is crucial to their achievement and outcomes, we also conduct research into mental health and inclusion.

We employ a team of dedicated statisticians, economists and communication experts who produce high quality research and ensure that it reaches a wide range of audiences, including the top level of government and the national media.

Responsibilities 

• Support delivery of high-profile events, including our Annual Lecture, policy roundtables and party conference programme. Duties include drafting and sending invitations; communicating with speakers, delegates and event partners; compiling and circulating agendas; managing venue logistics, such as sourcing quotes and event set up.
• Support the communication of EPI’s events programme across all channels.
• Manage the diary of EPI’s CEO.
• Ensure day-to-day running of the office, including premises and facilities liaison, as well as manning the EPI phone.
• Working with the Finance Manager, support EPI’s financial operations, including managing invoicing processes and expenses, updating bookkeeping software and collating financial reports, supporting quarterly VAT return
• Organise Advisory Board meetings across our grant funded work.
• Organise and oversee our approach to recruitment; equalities and diversity monitoring; job postings and other organisation administration.
• Provide support to the governance of EPI – compiling trustee papers, arranging meetings and liaising with Trustees.

Reporting 

This role will report to the Partnerships and Policy Innovation Manager.

Requirements

We are interested to hear from self-starters who can demonstrate their skills, knowledge and experience in different ways. To demonstrate you meet the requirements outlined below you can draw from life, education, voluntary and any work experience.

• An effective communicator with strong verbal and written communication skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to work on numerous projects simultaneously.
• Numerate and IT confident.
• Relevant experience in a similar role, which, as outlined above could take the form of, but is not limited to, voluntary or work experience or experience gained through education or elsewhere.
• A demonstrable commitment to EPI’s mission and purpose and an interest in one or more of the following areas is desirable: education, mental health and/or public policy.
• Most of all, we are looking for an enthusiastic team player who is keen to help build a small but growing research institute.

What We Offer

• Starting salary of between £28 - 30k - depending on experience and 8% employer pension contributions. This rises to 10% employer contributions when the employee contributes 5% or more.
• Flexible working hours.
• You’ll get 30 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays. EPI also shuts between Christmas and New Year, and that won’t count towards your 30 days.
• We offer season ticket loans and a cycle to work scheme.
• We are a Time to Change employer which means we are committed to ending stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental health problems. We also provide staff with access to a free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
• We also offer a life insurance scheme.

Location

EPI’s offices are based in central London, on Buckingham Palace Road and are very well connected – situated just 5 minutes away from Victoria Station.

Our current policy is for EPI staff to come into the office 2 days a week and more time may be required during busy periods or when running events.

Why should you apply?

• The opportunity to work in one of the most influential education research institutes.
• Competitive pay, with generous holidays and benefits.
• Flexible working hours.
• Opportunities for professional development and working within a highly motivated team.

Other requirements

All positions at EPI are subject to reference checks and a DBS check. We ask you to provide two referees in your application. References will only be sought, and a DBS check carried out once a job is offered.

Please note that all EPI roles are subject to a 6-month probation period.

How to apply

To apply, please fill out an application form by Monday 15th July at 9am. 

To help us improve the fairness of our recruitment process, the staff involved in the sifting process will not have access to your name, personal contact information or the names of the education institutions you have attended. To help us achieve this aim we ask that you do not send in CVs and covering letters as they will not be considered. We also ask that you do not reveal personal information about yourself in your application answers.

Interviews will take place over video conference within two weeks of the closing date, though we can be flexible with timing for the right candidate. The interview will ask the questions about your skills and experience. The interview panel will include the Partnerships and Policy Innovation Manager and the Media and Communications Manager.

If you have any questions about the post, the application process or require any reasonable adjustments, please do contact zahra.grieve@epi.org.uk before applying and we’ll be happy to discuss it.

The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK. For more guidance on the right to work in the UK please visit: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work

EPI’s commitment to having a diverse workforce 

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 of 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 Black, Asian, Mixed or Multiple and Other Minority Ethnic backgrounds. We welcome these candidates to discuss the role and any questions they have with someone from the team prior to application.

We also ask all candidates fill out an optional and anonymous diversity monitoring form alongside their application form to help us understand how we can improve the fairness of our recruitment process. Staff involved in sifting and interviewing candidates will not have access to this data. The form is entirely voluntary so if you would rather not disclosure this information please click through to the end of the form.