Associate Director for Knowledge Exchange

Interviews: 7th & 8th August

Overview

This role requires policy development expertise within the Research England (RE) Knowledge Exchange (KE) policy team, part of UKRI. The position demands a strong understanding of policy development in knowledge exchange activities, excellent team leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy Development & Leadership:
  • Lead senior leadership in developing and implementing KE policy and funding.
  • Oversee the £312 million UKRI Strength in Places Fund, reporting to the Senior Responsible Officer and the Executive Chair of Research England.
• Team & Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Work with internal and external stakeholders to enhance knowledge exchange between universities and businesses, public services, and communities.
  • Develop and deliver KE policies to meet Government priorities and ensure universities deliver efficiency in KE.
• Program Oversight:
  • Manage the Strength in Places Fund, including project management, evaluation, finances, and governance.
  • Collaborate with Innovate UK to develop and deliver the SIPF programme.
  • Oversee SIPF programme design, risk management, and stakeholder communications.
• Knowledge Exchange Policy:
  • Develop authoritative knowledge on KE policy and provide advice on policy interpretation and analysis.
  • Engage with the Research England Senior Leadership Team to share policy development experience.
  • Collaborate across policy teams in Research England and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
  • Design and deliver competitive funding activities and manage the annual £280 million KE formula funding.
• Metrics & Evaluation:
  • Contribute to the national capability in KE metrics programme.
  • Provide technical advice and support to the Director and Executive Chair.
  • Commission research and evaluation to support policy development and strengthen the evidence base.
• Strategic Relationships:
  • Manage the relationship between UKRI and the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB).
  • Foster effective relations with higher education institutions and sector bodies.
  • Manage up to five reports and indirectly manage up to four delivery teams.
  • Contribute to overall management and leadership of the policy team.

Essential Criteria:

• Experience in a higher education or research-based organization.
• Proven experience in policy development within the HE sector, especially in knowledge exchange.
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Strong project management skills, particularly in high-profile activities.
• Effective communication skills for various audiences.
• Strong IT skills, especially with Microsoft software.
• Interest in furthering knowledge of the higher education sector.
• Ability to build effective relationships internally and externally.
• Creative and positive problem-solving approach.
• Flexibility to travel and work outside office hours when required.

Interview Criteria

In addition to the above, candidates will be assessed on their interest in the higher education sector, ability to build relationships, and effective communication skills. Flexibility, forward planning, problem-solving skills, and the ability to advise and coach others are also crucial.

Benefits

• An enhanced pension scheme
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days
• Employee discounts and offers
• Employee assistance programme

As an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer, UKRI is proud to have a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential. This ensures that all employees, regardless of their circumstances, have equal access to opportunities and resources.

How to apply:

Please note, this is a shortened version of the job description. For full details, please visit our careers site via the ‘Apply’ button above.

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