Jobs at Internet Matters

It is a hugely exciting time to be working in the online safety field. New regulation created by the Online Safety Act is set to significantly increase companies’ duties to keep users safe, especially children. At the same time, the online issues which families are contending with continue to evolve at pace: from mis- and dis-information in the age of generative AI, to increasing volumes of misogynistic online abuse, and data and privacy risks to name just a few.

There is cross-party consensus on the importance of tackling these issues, and a real appetite for practical, evidence-led solutions.

Against this backdrop, and ahead of a new government, Internet Matters is recruiting a Policy Manager to help ensure that our voice is heard in these conversations, advocating for the interests of children and families to be put first. This wide-ranging role will include:

• Delivering policy projects on particular issues or themes (e.g. reports, briefings, roundtable events) – and supporting projects from other teams which have policy components. The successful candidate will author external-facing outputs, with support from the wider team.
• Stakeholder engagement, public affairs and influencing – maintaining and developing a network of contacts across Government, Parliament, regulators, the third sector and industry. Identifying opportunities to push forward our agenda with key decision-makers, including through active participation in meetings and events.
• Reactive policy work – e.g. monitoring the policy landscape, writing blogs, producing briefings, responding to consultations.
• Supporting the successful running of our Expert Advisory Panel and Vulnerable Users Working Group, e.g. though producing minutes of discussions, diarising meetings, sourcing speakers, compiling agendas, etc.
• Contributing your ideas to team discussions about the overarching strategy for our policy and research work.

The successful candidate will have professional experience of working in policy, public affairs, or a closely related field. Knowledge of online safety/tech policy would be beneficial, but is not a requirement.

You may have worked for another charity/not-for-profit, a trade association, in government or in Parliament. You are excited by the opportunities of working in a small organisation, where everyone lends a hand to deliver key priorities, and where you can contribute very actively to our wider thinking and strategy.

Sometimes your work may focus on one or two of the key responsibilities listed above more than the others, in line with organisational need and external developments. We are therefore looking for someone who is comfortable with embracing all aspects of the job, with support, even though you may well have a preference for (or greater experience in) certain aspects of it. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who have experience of public affairs and influencing work, given that external outreach is likely to be a significant focus for us in the year ahead, but please do still apply if your experience lies more elsewhere (e.g. writing reports).

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

• Professional experience of working in policy, public affairs, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of the policymaking process and how it can be influenced, e.g. through Parliament.
• Excellent analytical skills – ability to read and dissect complex information.
• Experience of producing high quality written outputs at speed, including reports, briefings and blogs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Project management experience.
• A flexible and proactive outlook.

Desirable

• Experience of working in online safety and/or technology policy.
• Experience presenting and sharing policy and research in a range of settings, including at external meetings and events, tailoring messages to different audiences.

Please note that the postholder may be required to attend occasional evening events or meetings.

All applicants must have legal authorisation to work in the UK.

We offer all employees:

• 28 days holiday per annum plus all UK Bank Holidays.
• An extra day off for your birthday.
• Extra holiday with length of service up to a maximum of 31 days.
• Hybrid working – split between our office in Central London and home working
• Option to take two volunteering days each year.
• Quarterly team events.
• Season ticket loan scheme.

Please submit a cover letter (max 2 sides) setting out how you meet the skills, knowledge and experience criteria set out above, along with your CV, to [email protected], with ‘Policy Manager’ in the subject line.

When you submit your application, please can you also provide the following information:

• Where you heard about this vacancy.
• Your current notice period (if applicable).
• Confirmation that you have legal authorisation to work in the UK.

The deadline for applications is 23.59 on Tuesday 9 July.

For further information about this role, please contact Lizzie Reeves (Senior Policy Manager) at [email protected].