At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and delivery of impactful research strategies at a top university.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leading global institution with a strong research profile.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, 40 days holiday, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive team committed to societal impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in research impact while shaping the future of higher education.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and proven leadership experience in research environments required.
The predicted salary is between 58225 - 67468 € per year.
The University of Birmingham is a leading global university with a strong research profile. As Head of Research Impact, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the development, coordination and delivery of research impact across the University.
Role Summary
The Head of Research Impact provides strategic and operational leadership for the development, coordination and delivery of research impact across the University. You will work closely with the Deputy Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor, the Director of Business Engagement and Research Impact, and college leadership teams. You will lead the development of a high‑performing institutional approach to research impact, ensuring that impact is embedded from the earliest stages of research design and evidenced for REF and other assessment frameworks.
Main Duties
- Lead the development and implementation of the University’s Research Impact Strategy.
- Contribute to the strategic leadership of the Business Engagement and Research Impact service.
- Manage a team of nine Research Impact professionals, fostering an inclusive culture.
- Provide operational leadership and coordination of the University’s REF2029 and future submissions.
- Develop and oversee institutional frameworks that embed impact considerations across the research life‑cycle.
- Provide specialist advice and guidance across the BERI team.
- Work with colleagues to strengthen the University’s profile in policy, industry, and societal engagement.
- Lead initiatives to strengthen the research impact environment and support training, mentoring, and development opportunities.
- Oversee systems and processes for capturing and evidencing research impact, working with the Research Performance & Systems Team.
- Ensure impact strategies are embedded within major research funding proposals.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, and Experience
Education and Experience
- Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience gained in a research‑intensive or regulatory environment.
- Strong working knowledge of the UK higher education and research sector.
- Proven leadership and team management experience in complex matrix environments.
Specialist Knowledge
- Extensive experience in research impact development and REF impact case study delivery.
- Deep understanding of the REF impact framework and sector developments.
Advisory and Analytical Skills
- Outstanding project and programme management skills.
- Strong data and systems awareness, including familiarity with research information systems such as PURE.
Communication and Engagement
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, influencing senior academic leaders.
- Ability to analyse complex evidence and write persuasively.
- Confidence building relationships at all levels.
Collaboration and Influence
- Experience working collaboratively across teams to deliver shared outcomes.
- Skilled in building professional networks and influencing change.
- Strategic thinker, proactive, resilient and comfortable under pressure.
Organisational and Strategic Awareness
- Good understanding of the research environment in UK higher education.
- Proactive in keeping abreast of external developments impacting REF submissions.
Values and Professionalism
- Committed to academic values and societal impact of research.
- Collaborative and inclusive, building consensus across disciplines.
- Innovative and improvement‑focused.
Benefits and Working Arrangements
- Salary range £58,225 to £67,468, potential progression to £87,974.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- 40 days paid holiday a year together with one paid day for volunteering, occupational sick pay and a pension scheme.
- Access to three high‑quality subsidised day nurseries.
Diversity and Equality
We are committed to promoting diversity, equality and inclusion. We hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations and maintain an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre to promote fairness and inclusion across the University.
Use of AI in Applications
We want genuine, self‑authored application materials. Applications that rely heavily on AI tools appear generic and may not progress to interview.
Head of Research Impact Strategy & Delivery - Research Strategy & Services Division - 107385 - [...] employer: The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Edgbaston, Birmingham. With a strong commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional growth within a leading global research institution. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the academic community while enjoying a supportive culture that values your contributions.
Contact Detail:
The University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research Impact Strategy & Delivery - Research Strategy & Services Division - 107385 - [...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Birmingham on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in research impact strategies. We want to show that we’re not just familiar with the basics but are also up-to-date with what’s happening in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our pitch! We should be ready to explain how our experience aligns with the job description. Highlight our leadership skills and any relevant projects we've managed that demonstrate our capability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in being part of the University of Birmingham team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research Impact Strategy & Delivery - Research Strategy & Services Division - 107385 - [...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Research Impact:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for research impact shine through. We want to see how your experiences align with our mission and how you can contribute to the University’s goals.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Research Impact Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the University of Birmingham's current Research Impact Strategy. Understand its goals and how they align with your vision. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to enhancing their strategy and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your leadership experience in complex environments. Think about times when you successfully managed teams or projects related to research impact. Be ready to discuss how you fostered an inclusive culture and drove results, as this is crucial for the Head of Research Impact role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with REF Frameworks
Brush up on the REF impact framework and any recent developments in the UK higher education sector. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're proactive and knowledgeable, which is essential for leading REF submissions and ensuring impact considerations are embedded in research.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions
Think about how you've successfully collaborated across teams in the past. Prepare to share examples of how you've built professional networks and influenced change. This will highlight your ability to work closely with various stakeholders, a key aspect of the role.
