Head of Imperial Futures Proposal Development

About the role

Imperial College London is seeking an exceptional leader for the role of Head of Imperial Futures Proposal Development.

In line with Imperial’s new Strategy, we aim to elevate our interdisciplinary research and reputation by establishing four cross-cutting Imperial Futures: Schools of Convergence Science. These Schools will not only build on Imperial's core mission but also push the boundaries of our problem-solving capabilities by facilitating the transdisciplinary creation of unique knowledge combinations. By leveraging Imperial's existing expertise in STEMB, social sciences, and humanities, we will develop innovative transdisciplinary research programs grounded in a profound understanding of contemporary societal values, norms, and trends. Imperial Futures will serve as both a Physical and Virtual 'Shop Window', enhancing our convening power, cultivating the next generation of research leaders, driving innovation towards the future, and attracting funding.

The work of the Imperial Futures initiatives will be supported by a Cross College Imperial Futures Operations team, which will provide financial, operational, strategic, and administrative support to all four of the Imperial Futures initiatives; within this operations team will sit an Imperial Futures Proposal Development team. 

The Head of Imperial Futures Proposal Development will provide strategic support for a wide range of multidisciplinary research proposals and initiatives across the Schools of Convergence Science and the broader Imperial academic community. By fostering collaborations that enhance research, innovation, and knowledge exchange capabilities, the Head of Imperial Futures Proposal Development will maximise the impact of Imperial’s world-leading research, education, and innovation.

What you would be doing

• Strategic Leadership: Work closely with the Vice-Provost and School Directors to implement Imperial’s strategic initiatives, with a focus on enhancing research, training, and innovation.
• Bid Preparation and Consortium Building: Lead the preparation of large-scale, multidisciplinary funding proposals, forming global consortia across academic, governmental, and non-profit sectors.
• Team Management: Lead and develop the Imperial Futures Proposal Development team, ensuring high-quality service delivery and strategic impact.
• Research Funding and Policy Advocacy: Influence national and international research agendas while securing competitive funding for groundbreaking projects.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build executive-level relationships with key partners to foster collaboration and drive innovation.

What we are looking for

Experience:

• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing successful competitive funding bids.
• Strong track record in staff management and team development.
• Experience in research environments, research funding, and project management.
• Diplomatic skills, stakeholder management, and networks within academia and funding bodies.
• Higher education institution experience.

Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of the international higher education and research landscape.
• Knowledge of funding bodies, research policies, and interdisciplinary innovation.
• Familiarity with funding schemes and policy advocacy.

Skills:

• Strategic thinker with strong communication, presentation, and research skills.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and self-direction in managing complex projects.
• Ability to identify and support early-stage research potential.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity

• Benefit from sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes)

• Get access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day 1, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel

• Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

If you require any further details on the role please contact: Emily Roche, Executive Officer to the Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise) – e.roche@imperial.ac.uk

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

Available documents

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

• download: Head of Imperial Futures Proposal Development Job Description.pdf

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We're here to help.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.  

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.  

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.  

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London. 

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.

Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.