Senior Policy and Communications Officer

Join Early Years - The Organisation for Young Children as a Senior Policy and Communications Officer

Location: Early Years Headquarters, 6c Wildflower Way, Belfast, BT12 6TA

Hours: 37 hours per week

Tenure: Permanent

Salary: Point 32 - 35 (£43,532.22 - £46,834.62) per annum pro-rata

Do you have a passion for making a meaningful impact in early childhood education?

Do you believe in the power of play to unlock potential?

Be part of our team and help shape the futures of children by fostering growth and learning through purposeful opportunities.

At Early Years, we are committed to fostering growth for both the children and our staff. Joining means an opportunity to enhance your skills, make a meaningful difference, and collaborate with a team that upholds dedication, compassion, and excellence in early years care and education.

In return, Early Years provides a comprehensive rewards package, including a competitive salary, 36 days of annual leave (pro-rata), inclusive of statutory/public holidays, a contributory pension scheme, options to purchase additional leave, and access to healthcare schemes.

The role

The post-holder support the Senior Communications and Engagement Manager in setting the strategic direction for Early Years, advising on policy issues to support communications and wider organisational activity, while maintaining close and cohesive links with project communications across the organisation.

The role will create a pipeline between organisational learning, evidence, policy development and external influence. Key responsibilities will include; using evidence to inform policy, communications and campaign activity; the development of policy briefings, consultation responses, position statements and other evidence-based materials; maintaining effective relationships with relevant stakeholders; identifying opportunities to raise the profile and influence of Early Years'; using monitoring and evaluation insights to strengthen advocacy; representing the organisation in relevant impact, evaluation, research and policy arenas and contributing to communications planning, content development and campaigns.

We're looking for people who at the closing date have:

Essential criteria

• A relevant degree or professional-level qualification, or an equivalent or higher qualification accepted by Early Years.
• A minimum of two years practical experience of working within a UK or Irish public policy context.
• A minimum of two years' experience of writing for different audiences using a range of different media.
• Experience using research and evidence to develop policy or communications materials
• Understanding of public policy development and opportunities to influence policy in the UK or Ireland.
• Understanding effective communications, including tailoring messages and choosing appropriate channels.
• A full current driving licence enabling the holder to drive in NI and have the use of a vehicle for official purposes or have access to a form of transport that will enable the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full
• Ability to analyse policy and research, identify key issues and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including producing accurate briefings and presenting an organisation's position.
• Ability to build working relationships, listen to different views and resolve differences professionally.
• Ability to organise competing priorities, coordinate contributions and meet deadlines.
• Ability to use digital communication tools and work accurately, responsibly and in line with organisational values.

Desirable criteria

• Experience preparing consultation responses or supporting policy advocacy.
• Experience coordinating newsletters, briefings, events or contributions from external speakers.
• Knowledge of policy issues affecting young children, families and the early years sector.
• Knowledge of the audiences and communication channels relevant to a membership or voluntary organisation.
• Ability to identify emerging policy opportunities and suggest practical advocacy actions.
• Ability to evaluate communication approaches and recommend improvements to reach and engagement.

To find out more about the role and to apply, visit our website by clicking the Apply button below.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Thursday, 5 November 2026.

For successful applicants, the interview date will be Monday, 16 November 2026.

A reserve list may be held for a period of up to six months for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via email.

Early Years is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing flexible friendly working conditions. As Protestants and males are currently known to be under-represented in the Organisation, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups.

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