Impact Manager in Southampton

Research and Innovation Services is seeking two Impact Managers to support the University’s preparations for REF 2029 and help strengthen the development of research impact activity across the institution. One role will focus primarily on Medicine, Health and Life Sciences disciplines, while the other will support Social Sciences. The role will make an important contribution to the identification, development and management of impact case studies and supporting evidence for future research assessment exercises.

Working closely with academic and professional services colleagues across the institution, the successful candidates will support coordinated and effective approaches to impact development and REF preparedness. We are looking for motivated, proactive and highly organised individuals with strong communication and stakeholder management skills who can work effectively in a collaborative and fast‑paced environment.

Reporting to the University's Impact Framework Manager, you will be part of a dedicated team supporting the development, coordination and management of research impact activity across the University. As a key member of the Research Information and Systems team, you will:

• Provide professional, expert advice and support to academic staff preparing REF impact case studies, with a particular focus on impact evaluation and evidencing.
• Coordinate impact‑related review exercises, meetings and institutional activities.
• Provide advice and guidance to academic and professional services colleagues on REF impact processes and requirements.
• Support the monitoring and reporting of impact activity across Faculties and Units of Assessment.
• Help develop and improve institutional processes, guidance and tracking mechanisms relating to REF impact preparations.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the University to support coordinated and effective approaches to impact development.

We Are Looking For Individuals Who Are:

• Highly organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Confident in building strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Skilled in written and verbal communication, including preparing reports and briefing materials.
• Proven ability to summarise complex ideas or information which may be highly detailed, technical or specialist.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Confident in reviewing and providing constructive feedback.

Experience of research management, REF, research impact, higher education administration or project coordination would be advantageous. In addition, a Higher degree or equivalent professional experience in context relevant to one of the two disciplinary areas that these posts will focus on (Medicine, Health or Life Sciences or Social Sciences) would be beneficial, as would experience reviewing in an academic context (e.g. papers, grants, impact case studies or coursework).

In return you can look forward to an excellent benefits package and a flexible home/office hybrid model supporting real work/life balance. Our vision and mission at the University of Southampton is to have a community where staff and students feel welcome, supported and valued. The Research & Innovation Services Department is proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, with the belief that excellence will be achieved through recognising the value of every individual.

These posts are offered on a full‑time, fixed‑term basis for one year, with the potential for extension subject to future funding and organisational arrangements.

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Dr Gemma Fitzsimmons, Head of Research Information and Systems, email: Gemma.Fitzsimmons@soton.ac.uk.