Policy and Research Manager / Senior Policy and Research Manager
We are looking for someone to help shape how researcher development policy and practice is understood, evidenced and influenced in the UK and across Europe. The role sits at the intersection of policy work, applied research and sector engagement, and offers scope to build a profile in European research policy through our Horizon Europe consortia, alongside UK-facing work with funders, policymakers and universities.

You will lead the delivery of policy and research projects, contribute to consultation responses, sector briefings and resources, and represent CRAC-Vitae with confidence in external settings. You will work closely with colleagues across our Policy and Engagement, Research and Evaluation, and Learning and Development teams, and with European partners. We are a small, ambitious organisation and people who join us tend to value the variety, the importance of the work, and the chance to see their thinking translate into sector influence.

CRAC fosters a supportive, people-focused culture. We work in a matrix style with a strong emphasis on cross-team collaboration, delivering on our charitable mission of providing research, expertise and innovation for all those who support careers in research. Most team members are hybrid, with regular days in our Cambridge office and time together intentionally across the year.

We are advertising this role at two levels. Appointment will normally be at Policy and Research Manager (Grade 3), against the essential criteria set out in the person specification. We may appoint at Senior Policy and Research Manager (Grade 4) where a candidate meets the Grade 3 essential criteria and the additional experience detailed in the job description.

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Business Operations Coordinator (Maternity Cover)

Join The Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC), which manages the Vitae programme, where we're dedicated to empowering individuals to realise their potential. We're recruiting a Business Operations Coordinator for a maternity cover placement to provide administration and coordination support within our business operations team. In this role, you'll support a variety of the admin functions across the organisation.

The post holder will have experience in project coordination (including activities, events, meetings or training), strong customer service and administrative skills, and the organisational and interpersonal ability to work flexibly, meet tight deadlines and deliver successful outcomes.

CRAC and Vitae offer a supportive and collaborative workplace environment, as well as competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme and flexible working arrangements. Our monthly team days encourage innovation and foster belonging, where every team member has the opportunity to contribute, share and shape ideas. As a careers-focused organisation, we value potential and champion individual development. We particularly welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, even if they don't meet every skill requirement, as we believe in providing opportunities for everyone to succeed.

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What we offer
Flexible working hours and locations, with a hybrid working model. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising annually to 30 plus bank holidays. 10% employer pension contribution. Life insurance and free employee health and wellbeing support services. Enhanced maternity pay for up to 20 weeks for those who meet the qualifying criteria, and enhanced sick pay for those who meet the qualifying criteria. Optional private healthcare. Cycle to work scheme. Free refreshments in the office. Our team is currently made up of a combination of full time, part time, hybrid and remote working roles.

How to apply
Send a two-page CV and two-page covering letter explaining why you are applying, how you meet the person specification, and what you would bring to the role. You must have the right to work in the UK. Please also let us know your preferred working arrangements (for example full time or part time), location, and any reasonable adjustments we can make during the recruitment process.
Please email your application to Hayley Evans at recruitment@crac.org.uk The closing date is Thursday 4 June 2026. Interviews are expected to take place online via Teams.