Head of Nesta Cymru

Job title:

Head of Nesta Cymru

Company

Nesta

Job description

We are recruiting for a Head of Nesta CymruAbout NestaWe are Nesta, the UK’s innovation agency for social good. We design, test and scale solutions to society’s biggest problems. Our three missions are to give every child a fair start, help people live healthy lives, and create a sustainable future where the economy works for both people and the planet.For over 20 years, we have worked to support, encourage and inspire innovation. We work in three roles: as an innovation partner working with frontline organisations to design and test new solutions, as a venture builder supporting new and early stage businesses, and as a system shaper creating the conditions for innovation.Harnessing the rigour of science and the creativity of design, we work relentlessly to change millions of lives for the better.The roleWe believe our best route to impact in Wales is to influence policy makers in Wales across each of our missions. The Head of Nesta Cymru will be responsible for delivering on this ambition, working closely with Mission Leaders and the Director of Policy and Government Partnerships.The Head of Nesta Cymru has 6 main responsibilities:Lead our efforts to influence policy and other decision makers in WalesWork with our mission teams and policy team, including those based in Wales, to develop and deliver a strategy to influence policy on each of our missions in WalesWork with Nesta’s central communications team to develop a communications and influencing strategy for our work in WalesDevelop and coordinate senior relationships with key figures in Welsh government and influential organisationsBring together Nesta’s staff who work in Wales to lead efforts on our missions, share learning and best practice and develop a sense of communityBe an active member of Nesta’s senior leadership team, supporting a ‘whatever it takes’ mindset to meet our mission goalsKey responsibilitiesLead our efforts to influence decision makers in Wales – act as the ‘face of Nesta in Wales’Develop strong, senior relationships with policy makers and influencers in Wales in each of our mission areas, and beyond where relevant;Offer high quality, responsive advice to policy makers to help shape the agenda (for example, quick notes on policy areas we are interested in);Be across the best opportunities we have to influence Welsh policy, for example, upcoming election planning;Be an active part of the policy community at Nesta, working within the Policy Team and reporting to the Director of Policy.Work with our mission teams and policy team, including those based in Wales, to develop and deliver a strategy to influence policy on each of our missions in WalesDevelop a targeted stakeholder engagement plan;Identify our key policy objectives that we want to deliver on in Wales and work with mission leaders and the policy team to develop a strategy to deliver them;Regularly update our plans based on live opportunities;Work closely with mission teams to ensure that mission policy work is relevant to Wales.Work with Nesta’s central communications team to develop a comms and influencing strategy for our work in WalesDevelop and coordinate senior relationships with key figures in Welsh government and influential organisationsIdentify senior figures in each mission and set up regular meetings to keep them abreast of our work and to hear their priorities.Bring together Nesta’s staff who work in Wales to share learning and best practice, develop a sense of community and support shared efforts on our missionsHold regular Nesta Cymru team meetings and learning days to share lessons, best practice and ensure the team have a sense of community;Work closely with those managing our work in Wales;Work closely with mission leadership to think through how our work can be relevant and impactful across three nations;Ensure we deliver on our commitments in our Welsh language policy;Manage the Nesta Cymru office.Be an active member of Nesta’s senior leadership team, supporting on ‘whatever it takes’ to meet our mission goalsActively contribute to the senior leadership team, including at away days or strategic meetings;Contribute to cross-Nesta initiatives, for example, improving our work on scale or ideation.The PersonQualifications / ExperienceAt least 5 years’ experience working in policy development, analysis, policy advocacy or civil service in WalesHands-on experience working with policy-makers or decision makers at senior level, and using techniques to support sound policy development and decision-makingExperience using communications to effectively influence stakeholdersAn interest in disciplines that can be combined with policy analysis for social impact, particularly those represented at Nesta (data science, design, behavioural science, qualitative and quantitative research)Strong professional networks with people working at senior level in Welsh government, academic, or non-governmental organisations(Desirable) Welsh language proficiencySkills / MindsetsMotivated by Nesta’s mission to drive societal improvement and policy innovation, with a strong desire to use policy analysis and advocacy to deliver social change across the UKA problem-solver who focuses on the end goal – identifying strategic approaches and solutions that address societal challenges effectivelyA comfort working within a devolved political context and working effectively with teams based in other parts of the UKA strong leader, with significant experience leading people across teams towards a shared goalExcellent presentation, and writing skills, capable of effectively communicating recommendations to diverse audiences including stakeholders, policymakers, and the publicWhat we offerSalary: £75,400 – £85,300 plus array of benefits, including private medical insurance, dental insurance, the ability to buy and sell annual leave, eyecare vouchers and moreLocation: This role is based in Cardiff, Wales, hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of two days in the officeTerm: PermanentHours: This is a full-time role but we offer a range of flexible working arrangements and encourage our people to take advantage of them. Many do.Making an applicationTo apply for this role, please submit your application before 8:00am on the 28th of April 2025.Interviews will take place w/c the 12th of May 2025.At Nesta, we believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more innovative, more creative and gets better results.We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our workplace to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.This means that when we are recruiting, we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates. It also means that we are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, compressed or part-time hours, job shares and other arrangements.Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Expected salary

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 05:41:09 GMT

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