Analyst / Policy Manager – Schools Team

About Public First 

Public First is a specialist consultancy, helping charities, philanthropists, public sector bodies and global brands improve public policy. Based in London, we have worked in more than thirty international markets. We are part think tank, part strategic consultancy, part research company, and part communications agency. In other words, we bring together the different disciplines that make policy happen and work. The Public First team has been recruited from the most senior levels of government, the civil service, Parliament, political campaigns, think thanks, opinion research and the media. Our staff have been, and continue to be, active in each of the main political parties. 

Education at Public First 

Education is one of the major areas of specialism for Public First. Many of the most senior team at the company have worked in and around government or the opposition in education policy for the last twenty years or more. Between us, we have advised Prime Ministers, Leaders of the Opposition, Education Secretaries and their Shadows, and numerous junior Ministers. 

We work across all phases of education. Our clients include universities and multi academy trusts, national and local government, charities, foundations, trade associations, and businesses large and small who work in education. Across the practice, we have worked with some of the most well recognised names in education in the past five years. 

We organise the practice into three main areas:  

We are looking for someone with an interest specifically in schools policy to join our team.   

The role 

We are looking for someone who is early in their career, with either a strong interest in or some experience of schools policy, to help us expand our work. This will either be as an Analyst (entry level, no experience required) or Policy Manager (1-2+ years relevant experience). 

We recruit candidates based on their potential to make a positive impact at Public First: to work professionally and productively with clients; to manage projects successfully; to have a growth mindset and to be a positive addition to the schools and wider education team. We will work with the successful candidate to ensure that they are well supported to develop within the company.  

We welcome applicants who may have limited existing professional experience in this area of work but have the ambition and potential to succeed. Any relevant experience including working in or with the schools sector, for example in a role involving some element of education policy or public affairs (such as in a think tank, charity, membership organisation or consultancy) is welcome but not a necessary prerequisite. 

Our ideal candidate would be someone who has: 

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. The single most important thing we will be looking for is someone who can communicate clearly and compellingly about schools and education policy. When writing, this includes the ability to translate complex policy topics into accessible language, as well as being able to vary your style to suit different audiences and purposes. When speaking, we need to know that you have the skills and confidence to present conclusions of your work to senior stakeholders such as clients, policy-makers or other experts. 
  • A demonstrable interest in government, policy-making and politics. We want to know that this is a role that really excites you and plays to your strengths. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate interest and/or experience in politics and government. 
  • The ability to manage complex projects. This role will involve you working with colleagues and clients to deliver multifaceted research projects on time, and to a high standard. An ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate that they have successfully worked as part of a team to deliver complex projects and/or campaigns. 
  • Experience handling quantitative data. Public First employs economists and expert data modellers but all staff are expected to be able to be comfortable working with large datasets and raw numbers. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate skills in this area, or have the enthusiasm and motivation to build them. 

Examples of responsibilities include: 

  • Project management and delivery: Support across multiple projects, under the direction and supervision of an Associate Director or Director, to help deliver high-quality work to clients. 
  • High quality analysis and research: Provide quality background research, case studies, and other administrative support on projects, including taking increasing responsibility for timelines, agendas, and client check-ins. • 
  • Support with clients and projects: Work with clients in a professional manner, with the support of senior colleagues, and start to build strong client relationships. 
  • Work flexibly with colleagues: Work efficiently and effectively with wider team members and communicate regularly – including asking for support where required.  

Location and salary 

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and we would particularly like to encourage applications from women, disabled and ethnic minority candidates. 

We work both in the office and from home, with core office hours Monday and Thursday. Our main office is based in Westminster. Many of us, including the founders, have young children and we work hard to be family friendly.   

Salary will depend on experience. For this role we expect salary to range for £25,000 – £40,000 depending on candidate experience. 

How to apply 

Please send a CV and cover letter to sally.burtonshaw@publicfirst.co.uk. In your cover letter, please tell us why you want the role, why you think you are the ideal candidate, and what you think you could bring to the team. 

Candidates will be assessed on a rolling basis, we encourage you to apply as soon as you can. 

Interviews will either be online or in person at our offices in Victoria, London. 

Closing date is the 20th February 2025