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About the Role

PF Global provides advice based on deep sector expertise, global opinion, and economic research to help clients win critical arguments at the intersection of policy, politics, and regulation. The Associate Director will lead and grow the Schools Team, taking substantial responsibility for research and strategy projects, advising senior clients, managing colleagues, and shaping the education policy portfolio.

Responsibilities

Lead major research and policy projects from brief to publication and engagement.
Set direction, coordinate colleagues, and ensure work is rigorous, high quality, and delivered on time.
Turn evidence into clear and credible policy proposals.
Frame research questions, design appropriate approaches, lead research activities, and interpret findings.
Write and edit reports, briefings, and recommendations.
Advise senior clients, understand their objectives, provide strategic advice, and handle challenges.
Build relationships through consistently excellent work and a collaborative approach.
Develop engagement plans, present findings, and lead discussions with senior stakeholders.
Represent PF Global in meetings and at events.
Manage and develop colleagues by setting clear expectations, delegating effectively, and giving constructive feedback.
Help colleagues build their skills, confidence, and independence.
Identify important questions and opportunities for new work.
Build relationships with prospective clients and contribute to proposals and pitches.
Develop projects with clear objectives, realistic budgets, and achievable plans.

Requirements

Substantial relevant experience and the expertise, judgement, and ambition to take on a senior role.
Strong understanding of schools policy and a record of delivering substantial work.
Strong knowledge of the English school system, including major policy debates and practical realities.
Ability to quickly grasp unfamiliar issues.
Intellectual curiosity and independent judgement; ability to ask good questions, test assumptions, and weigh arguments.
Ability to identify what matters in complex problems and develop proposals considering evidence, politics, and implementation.
Excellent writing and analytical skills; ability to turn complex material into clear, compelling arguments.
Ability to adapt writing for different audiences.
Comfortable drafting substantial reports and proposals, and improving others' work.
Confidence working with research, interpreting quantitative and qualitative evidence, and recognising limitations.
Ability to work effectively with specialist researchers and link their analysis to policy and practice.
Strong record of delivery; ability to lead complex projects, manage competing demands, and maintain attention to detail.
Ability to take ownership, anticipate problems, and make decisions or seek advice.
Credibility with senior stakeholders; clear communication, trust-building, and willingness to offer constructive challenge.
Ability to lead discussions with senior clients, policymakers, or school leaders and respond thoughtfully to difficult questions.
Ability to get the best from colleagues by combining high expectations with practical support.
Ability to give clear feedback and contribute to a happy and collaborative team.
Interest in building the business; ability to recognise where expertise is valuable and turn ideas into deliverable projects.
Previous experience of winning work is welcome, but relevant skills from other settings are also considered.

Skills

Research
Policy analysis
Political strategy
Client relationship management
Team management
Business development
Writing
Analysis
Quantitative research interpretation
Qualitative research interpretation
Stakeholder engagement
Project management

Location

Embankment (Office)
Remote (Hybrid)

Work Type

Hybrid working model

Experience Level

Associate Director
Senior role

Salary/Compensations

£62,000-£75,000

Benefits

Bonus programme
5% pension contribution
25 days annual leave
Private healthcare

About the Company

PF Global provides advice built on deep sector expertise, underpinned by global opinion and economic research.
We are oriented around the debates that will matter most to the future, where the intersection of policy, politics, and regulation will decide what happens.
We tell clients what is politically possible and help make their case by building research, stories, and campaigns.
The Education team at PF Global works with schools, trusts, charities, foundations, businesses, and government to understand challenges, develop policy, and shape national debate.
Our team combines expertise in research, policy, politics, and strategy, with many senior members having experience in government.
We combine experience with research that takes us into schools and communities.
The Schools Team leads an ambitious programme of work, including projects on countering online conspiracies, educational outcomes for white working-class students, parent voice, attendance, exclusions, and the National Tutoring Programme.
We also advise organisations on strategy, policy priorities, and government engagement.
The Schools Team sits within a wider practice spanning higher education, skills, and social policy.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and particularly encourage applications from candidates with disabilities and candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds.