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Impact Officer (3 posts)

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Jun 13, 2016

Job Details

JOB PURPOSE:

Play a key role in planning, supporting and expanding research impact and external engagement with research activity across the University. Reporting to the Research Impact Manager the post holders will work within the Research Policy Team. Each Research Impact Officer will act as a first point of contact for researchers in one of our three Faculties (Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Engineering & Physical Sciences, and Medicine, Health & Life Sciences), and will also provide specialist impact support to researchers across the University in one or more thematic areas of impact (public policy, societal, cultural, technological, economic, health and wellbeing).

MAJOR DUTIES:

  • Contribute to the preparation of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) impact return through:
    • Acting as an Impact Lead in one or more thematic areas (public policy, societal, cultural, technological, economic or health and wellbeing impact).
    • Assisting in the preparation of impact case studies ensuring that REF submission guidelines are adhered to.
    • Acting as a key point of contact for staff as well as for relevant research users, such as patient groups, charities and policy-makers, on research impact and providing solutions to both general enquiries and specific, technical queries relating to REF impact.
    • Gathering evidence to support the University’s REF submission.
    • Recording, monitoring and evaluating impact activities through the Pure system in preparation for the next REF exercise. Work closely with academics to identify and extend opportunities for impact and to support researchers to identify and evidence potential impact from research through:
    • Identifying, managing and collating evidence of research impact and engagement
    • Working to establish and support the development of research impact and engagement
    • Developing and contributing to the delivery of external engagement and impact training events, seminars and workshops in order to enhance awareness of relevant issues. To ensure the collation, interpretation and accurate dissemination of impact policy from RCUK, BIS, HEFCE etc. and information produced by other key external stakeholders, including funding organisations, for example, Wellcome Trust, government departments and third sector funders through:
    • Contributing to the development, interpretation and dissemination of research impact and engagement policies and procedures across the University through effective internal and external networks.
    • Supporting the development of networks with internal and external stakeholders, including those that shape policy around research impact and engagement
    • Assisting with the development of and supporting the University’s Impact Strategy. To support initiatives that will build meaningful relationships with both internal networks and key external stakeholders, for example, DEL, DCAL, NHS, Wrightbus, Bombardier etc through:
    • Identifying and supporting research impact and engagement from inter disciplinary research when relevant.
    • Developing detailed, coherent impact stories / content for the University’s research impact and engagement webpages. This will involve working with academic staff and external stakeholders to identify and write accurate detailed content for lay audiences.
    • Developing and supporting research engagement activities that can lead to impact.
    • Keeping abreast of external policy developments, for example from HEFCE and RCUK, in relation to research impact and engagement , and assimilating relevant policy announcements and publications to help ensure that internal preparation efforts are well informed.
    • Developing and maintaining a detailed knowledge of research engagement and impact issues / themes within the Higher
  • Education environment through:
    • Building and developing external relationships with individuals and other institutions to share best practice and engage in sector wide impact discussions, enhancing the impact profile of the University, for example, HEFCE, BIS and ARMA.

 

Planning and Organising:

  • Plan and manage individual workload in the context of both the team and University priorities.
  • Plan and organise a programme of support for both Schools and Institutes.
  • Plan and organise events related to research impact and engagement such as seminars, workshops and training as required.
  • Plan and support the organisation of evidence from research impact and engagement activities.
  • Support the preparation of impact case studies for the next REF exercise.

 

Resource Management Responsibilities:

  • Develop, monitor, maintain and populate a suitable database with evidence that supports research impact and engagement activities.
  • Support the management of any impact funds that may be provided through HEIF, IAA and the Queen’s Central Support Research Fund.
  • Supervision of the work of more junior staff involved in research impact and engagement work.

 

Internal and External Relationships:

  • Act as a point of contact for research impact and engagement related issues.
  • Build networks and foster connections both within and externally to the university.
  • Act as a point of contact for external organisations, key stakeholders and end users of research.
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with both Directorate and academic colleagues, for example, The Graduate School, STDU, and Information Services.
  • Build and develop relationships with external bodies including: HEFCE, REF, NCCPE and so on.

 

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

  • Honours degree (or equivalent).
  • Minimum of 3 years relevant experience* including:
    • Experience of the research impact and engagement agenda as it relates to research in higher education institutions.
    • Experience of delivering professional support.
    • Experience of engaging multiple internal and external stakeholders to broker lasting and productive relationships and influence behaviours/attitudes.
    • Experience of identifying and collating evidence to inform practice, research or policy-making.
  • Preference will be given to candidates who are able to demonstrate alignment of skills and experience with one or more of the thematic areas impact (public policy, societal, cultural, technological, economic, health and wellbeing).
  • In-depth knowledge of the research process and the identification and management of engagement and impact within this.
  • Demonstrable knowledge of the Research Excellence Framework and, in particular, the impact element.
  • Ability to draft clear and grammatically correct reports / papers on complex issues.
  • Ability to use IT at an appropriate level, including compiling and handling large and complex information sets, and preparing statistical analyses.
  • Attention to detail, and ability to handle and process large volumes of data accurately and efficiently.
  • Strong planning and organisational skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to present complex information clearly and engagingly to a variety of audiences. Ability to influence, motivate and act as an advocate with a group of senior stakeholders.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Flexibility and ability to work irregular hours on an occasional basis as required.

 

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

  • Masters or PhD (or equivalent).
  • Experience of working with social media in a professional context.
  • Experience of working in a higher education context.
  • Experience of managing resources (staff and finance).
  • Experience of project management.

Company

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"The globalisation of higher education continues apace, driving in turn the ongoing development of the global knowledge economy, striving for solutions to the world’s problems and educating a next generation of leaders and contributors."

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